Students Shine in Solar Boat Race

May 30, 2012

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4 solar 1 Maiden Voyage for LB Indy — Solar Club tests their work at Dana Point’s Baby Beach. Clockwise, advisor Bob Bobst, and team members Brock Csira and Jack Winter. Photo by Cindy Fletcher.

The high school’s Solar Cup Team came home with a handful of awards after competing recently in a sun-powered canoe in Temecula’s Lake Skinner.

Nearly 40 schools joined the three-day event sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District.

Students built, equipped and raced a 16-foot, single-seat canoe powered by the sun rather than oars, competing in a series of qualifying events and endurance races as well as a final sprint race.

The LBHS team, sponsored by the local water district, took second place in the rookie division for solar endurance, first place in their division for their PSA, second place overall in their division and 18th place overall.

The students are members of the high school’s Solar Club, started three years ago by science teacher Steve Sogo to help maintain solar panels on science wing’s roof.

4.2 Solar 2 Cup for LB Indy — LBHS student Brock Csira competing in Temecula in a solar-powered boat. Photo by Dave Csira.

Solar Cup faculty advisor and physics teacher Jennifer Merritt said advice from the Laguna Beach County Water District’s water district’s Bob Bobst was vital to completing the project. “The kids are excited and that is what makes the whole learning process fun!” she said.