Participants hail solar boat race

TEMECULA, Calif., May 21 (UPI) -- Participating students and local officials called an annual solar-powered boat competition in southern California an invaluable learning tool.

Nearly 900 students on 41 teams competed in the fifth annual Solar Cup competition sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California at Lake Skinner. The three-day event was the result of a six-month education program in which high school students applied engineering and math skills, and learned about water conservation and resource-management.

Diamond Bar High School's team took home the Solar Cup first-place traveling trophy for the second consecutive year -- this year winning the new Veteran category. Pamela County Park in Duarte won first place in the Rookie division. The team also won second place in the Rookie division in the 200-meter sprint races.

The teams were sponsored with grants of $3,000 by local water agencies, municipalities, service clubs and other supporters. The Solar Cup is the world's largest solar boat competition.

"Solar Cup, and its focus on renewable energy, resource management and conservation, has taken on extra importance since this year has become the driest year ever in California," said Timothy Brick, chairman of Metropolitan's board of directors.

In addition to building, equipping and racing their solar-powered boats, the Solar Cup program requires the students to write four technical reports, and to research and present a visual display on a water resource-related issue.

"Solar Cup is a great event and I enjoy attending every year," Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger said. "This year -- the driest on record in California -- I especially appreciate the water conservation and resource-management lessons it helps to get out to the students, their families and the public."