Founded in Lausanne in 2010, the Race for Water Foundation’s mission is to preserve our planet’s most valuable resource: water. The foundation is an officially recognized non-profit organization seeking to implement concrete and sustainable actions, focusing on two main themes: protecting oceans and freshwater. Race for Water initiates projects aimed at raising awareness and taking concrete action on the ground. These actions are directed at four target audiences: economic players, political bodies, the scientific community, and the general public—with particular emphasis on future generations. Race for Water collaborates with organizations such as UNESCO,

UNEP, UICN, WWF, and WBCSD. In 2015, the foundation organized the “Race for Water Odyssey”. Its objective: to draw up the first global assessment of plastic pollution in oceans and highlight the dramatic consequences this problem has on the ecosystem and populations. Race for Water will then strive to use the results to develop solutions.

PlanetSolar SA and the Race for Water Foundation are joining forces in the fight against plastic pollution in oceans. Each entity will play a distinct and major role. Through the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar campaigns, the foundation will focus on outreach, education, and lobbying, while PlanetSolar SA will concentrate on the deployment of economically-viable solutions that promote developed technologies.

HISTORY - On the 4th of May 2012, history was made, as Raphael Domjan, at the helm of a giant of a catamaran powered only by solar panels crossed the finishing line at Monaco to become the first electric boat to sail around the world.MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, known under the project name PlanetSolar, is at as of 2014 the largest solar-powered boat in the world. The vessel was designed by LOMOcean Design, built by Knierim Yachtbau in Kiel, Germany, and launched on 31 March 2010. On 27 September 2010 Tûranor PlanetSolar started on a journey around the world in Monaco. With this expedition, the initiators of the project would like to focus the public awareness on the importance of renewable energies for environmental protection. The crew of six will circumnavigate the globe solely with the aid of solar power. Captain of the expedition is Frenchman Patrick Marchesseau. Other participants are Christian Ochsenbein (Bern, Switzerland) and Jens Langwasser (Kiel, Germany); as well as project initiator, president and expedition leader Raphaël Domjan (Neuchatel, Switzerland). On 27 November 2010 the solar boat reached Miami. A significant stopover was Cancún, during the United Nations World Climate Conference.

The Race for Water Odyssey is a scientific sailing expedition that aims to draw up a comprehensive assessment of plastic ocean pollution. Marco Simeoni, the Race for Water Foundation’s President, is currently in New York, where the expedition has made a stopover. Delighted by this donation, he is very touched by the confidence the Ströher family has shown. Grateful, he reveals his vision of the solar ship’s future:

“I aspire to equip the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar with a mobile laboratory for collecting and analyzing plastic litter in order to fight against ocean pollution. The history of this unique boat and the enthusiasm she generates at each stopover are powerful communication tools that I would like to put to good use to further the cause for water preservation. Moreover, this ship represents a wonderful pedagogical platform.” 

The Ströher family is happy to have found the Race for Water Foundation, a successor with similar values that is capable of sustainably pursuing the ship’s operation in service of environmental preservation.

“PlanetSolar’s objective, on one hand, was to conceptualize an idea that would prove the efficiency of solar technologies, and help in their growth and promotion. And on the other hand, it aimed to demonstrate that above and beyond a technological feat, the ship could be used for practical purposes in connection with sustainable development,” stated Immo Ströher, patriarch of the family.

Thanks to the businessman’s financial commitment and significant personal investment since 2007, PlanetSolar was able to go well beyond its initial accomplishment—completing the first exclusively solar-powered trip around the world - to create a sustainable company with a strong brand and international notoriety.

This donation arrived at just the right moment. In fact, the “Race for Water Odyssey”, initiated by the foundation, is in full swing and extensive new scientific data has already been collected. Thanks to this donation, the foundation will be able to start making preparations for the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar’s future campaigns. The ship’s operation has been entrusted to PlanetSolar SA’s experienced teams, that are working in parallel for the promotion and deployment of renewable energies. 

PLANETSOLAR is covered in over 500 square meters of solar panels rated at 93 kW, which in turn connect to one of the two electric motors in each hull. Although its hull is capable of hosting 200 persons, the shape of the boat means that it is be able to reach speeds of up to fourteen knots. The boat's hull has been model tested in wind tunnels and has been tank tested to determine the hydrodynamics and aerodynamics of the hull. This 31 meter long boat has been designed to be used as a luxury yacht after the record attempt is finished. The boat is registered in Switzerland and was financed by a German entrepreneur. Construction cost was €12.5 million. The name Tûranor, derived from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Lord of the Rings, translates to "The Power of the Sun".

RACE FOR WATER CONTACTS

Fondation Race for Water
Av. de Provence 4 - 1007 Lausanne

SWITZERLAND

Email: info@raceforwater.com

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