After months of building and racing competition weekends, another successful chapter has come to an end for the Multraship Solar Team from Lodewijk College in Terneuzen at this year’s Young Solar Challenge.
Sponsored by Multraship, the students recently took part in the yearly competition that sees teams from across the Netherlands build and race their own solar-powered boats to inspire youths in science, engineering, and sustainable energy.
For the students involved, the challenge begins long before race day. Starting with a wooden construction kit, the team spent months assembling the hull, fitting components and transforming a collection of parts into a fully functioning solar-powered racing boat. Along the way, they developed practical engineering skills, tackled technical challenges and discovered first-hand the importance of teamwork.
The project extends well beyond the boat itself. Teams are responsible for everything from organising equipment and safety arrangements to preparing the vessel for competition. As a result, students gain experience in planning, communication and project management alongside the technical side of the build.
Multraship has supported the Lodewijk College team for the past four years through financial sponsorship, technical support and sailing training. The partnership reflects Multraship's long-standing commitment to supporting young people in the local community and encouraging an interest in maritime technology.
“We've been involved with the Young Solar Challenge for many years and it's always rewarding to see what the students achieve," said Pepijn Nuijten, Managing Director at Multraship. "Building a boat from scratch is no small task. It takes commitment, teamwork and plenty of problem-solving. Seeing the students' progress from the first stages of construction to racing on the water makes it all worthwhile.”
While this year’s race may now be over, the knowledge, confidence and friendships built throughout the project will remain long after the boats have left the water.
Everyone at Multraship would like to congratulate the students on their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm throughout the challenge, making them a credit to both their school and the wider Terneuzen community.
