Riviera's Solar Challenge Pits Media In Fierce Competition

It was a special boating demonstration in the middle of the 2008 Sydney International Boat Show at Darling Harbour in early August – the Riviera Solar Boat Challenge featuring competitors from the boating media.

The boats are specially developed by Riviera's apprentices for the International Solar Challenge later this year. The boats are modelled on Riviera's popular 45 Open Flybridge and feature two catamaran hiulls with a solid deck between. Each boat is powered by an electric outboard motor that draws energy from a solar panel mounted on the boat's deck.

Hillary Buckman represented Ocean magazine and the female journalists while Gary Dickson from SeaSpray competed on behalf of New Zealand. Charlie Walter from BoatsPlus raced on behalf of the online media. They were joined by Miss Wolrd Australia contestant Sonia Lipski.

Competition was fierce and fast through two laps around the small area of waterway still clear in Cockle Bay during the massive boat show.

The result was completely confused when the Water Police arrived and arrested Gary for offences unknown. He was quickly released and the police decided they needed to trial one of the boats instead.

Everyone declared the boats exciting and fast.

“They are great fun,” declared Hillary, “but I'm sure there was some underhanded activity. I was clearly the fastest out there today!”