LBHS Competes In Annual Solar Cup

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Students in the Solar Club at work on their solar-powered boat.
Students in the Solar Club at work on their solar-powered boat.

The Laguna Beach High School Solar Cup Team recently competed alongside 41 teams in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s 13th annual Solar Cup.

The LBHS team took second place in both the sprint and endurance races and first place for their public service message in the south counties division, says a district announcement.

The LBHS students built, equipped and raced the single-seat 16-foot boat built with a plywood kit provided by the MWD in Riverside County’s Lake Skinner.

As in past years, students received expert assistance from Jim Busby Racing in designing and building a motor mount. Tex Haines of Victoria Skimboards coached students in an epoxy workshop.

The students equipped the boat with steering, a motor, batteries and lightweight solar panels that trimmed 25 pounds from its weight. Sixteen students participated in the three-day competition, which involved technical inspections, qualifying runs, racing and camping.

Solar Club faculty advisor physics teacher Jennifer Merritt leads the seven-month Solar Cup project, which includes assistance from the water district.

“These are the types of experiences that foster continued interest in science, mathematics, and environmental stewardship,” Renae Hinchey, Laguna Beach County Water District general manager, said in a statement.

 

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