Come and watch the Riviera Solar Boat Challenge - noon Saturday August 2.

One of the most exciting events of the Sydney International Boat Show this year will be the Riviera Solar Challenge in the waters of the Boat Show Marina from 12 noon till 2pm on Saturday, August 2.

Four solar-powered boats, specially built by Riviera apprentices and donated by Riviera for the Solar Boat Challenge series, will show their paces around the buoys in Darling Harbour from midday.

The boats, each about three metres long, are modelled on the Riviera 45 Open Flybridge. Power comes from a small electric outboard, drawing its energy from a storage battery that is fed by a solar panel on the boat. One boat will be on permanent display during the Show in the main hall of the Convention Centre.

The Solar Boat Challenge is a series of events designed to engage Australians in alternative technologies in a hands-on way. Primary, secondary and tertiary students, community groups and members of the public across the country compete for the coveted Solar Challenge Cup in four main categories - wire guided model boats, remote control model boats, piloted boats and the no-holds-barred open class.

Riviera has entered a partnership with Social Environmental and Economic Sustainability (S.E.E.S.) Ltd, the non-profit agency running Australia's International Solar Boat Challenge. Riviera, as part of its apprenticeship and training program, is creating a ‘Riviera Class' piloted boat fleet. These boats will be driven by school children across the country in State and National finals.

The series started in 2006 with approximately 70 boats in New South Wales. Oganisers said that up to 300 boats participated in events in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria in 2007. In 2008, they anticipate further events in South Australia, New Zealand and Los Angeles in conjunction with the USA Solar Cup.

For further details about the challenge, conditions of entry, prizes, and event partners, please visit www.solarchallenge.com.au