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 THE 4TH SOLAR CHALLENGE OF NORMANDY

The 4TH SOLAR CHALLENGE initiated by Concept Helios Propulsion (CHP) was twofold :

1. the main aspect consisted in crossing the Channel for the first time on board of a solar boat, “Eolios”, which has been tuned up by CHP volonteers during long months.
2. the second part involved cyclists, either on standard bikes, on handbikes or electric bikes.

Both challenges have been performed successfully. The first part reports the solar boat crossing the Channel. The second part deals with the cycling trip.

ROUEN - LONDON : CROSS CHANNEL 4th SOLAR CHALLENGE (by S/S “EOLIOS”)

The concept was initiated in the sea of Marmara fifteen years ago on board of the “Mer-Amitié” Association sailing boat, as we were becalmed. What a shame to make noise with the  auxiliary motor and pollute the sea! As we started the diesel auxiliary in such an idyllic landscape.
The blazing sun inspired René Mulot who then made a search on the ongoing experiences at home and abroad and created in 1996 the “Concept Helios Propulsion” (C.H. P.) Association.
The Association, who is based in Rouen – Bonsecours, has the aim to develop and promote the use of solar power as a substitute to the auxiliary diesel engine for the pleasure sailing.

It soon became compelling to build up experience in the field. Thus, the association organised the first solar boat event on the occasion of the Armada of the Century, in 1999. This gathered 11 solar propelled boats aiming at rallying Le Havre to Rouen on 95 km, comprising five Germans, one British (“Colida” had previously crossed the Dover Strait to Calais in 1996) and two French boats (among which Basilisk from Rouen).
This demonstrated the concept is no longer an utopia.

The 2nd solar challenge in 2001 demonstrated the reach, autonomy and reliability of this mode of transportation (distances of 850 km across France).

In the spring of 2003, the 3rd solar challenge of Normandy took place partly offshore, and reached the famous tall ship gathering called Armada Rouen 2003. This solar challenge saw several solar boats as well as an hybrid (human) boat (Vel’Eau 12) on a 3-day 100 mile run between Caen and Rouen. 5 nationalities were present with 9 boats, 2 of them built by CHP, “Tikehan” and “Ampère Peinard”, and Cedric Lynch having developed a high efficiency pancake motor. Our catamaran (initially a sailing Wharam catamaran design) made it with minimal solar panels.

4th Solar Challenge - FIRST CROSS CHANNEL OF A SOLAR BOAT
                                          Solar Ship :  S/S“EOLIOS”
 – The week preceding the attempt the channel crossing, the spirit of the members of the Association team was rather tense, the weather forecast overcast and a further complication cropped up with the loss of some documents !
However, duplicate papers were made and on Monday 16th at the 19h00 briefing the Tuesday, a favourable weather window was confirmed on the forecast. The crew of the “Bel-Amix “, the accompanying safety boat, on the starting blocks since Sunday the 15th was to be readied for a 04h00 start the next day, on Tuesday 17th june.