Team Sea Sakthi of Kumaraguru, the first ever Indian student team at the International Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 

Chennai: 14 students from Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT), Coimbatore aligning with the future-forward vision to promote alternate propulsion system in maritime mobility are representing India first time ever in the 9^th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge organised by the prestigious Yacht Club De Monaco between 04 and 09 July 2022. A proud moment to the state of Tamil Nadu with a rich maritime history dating back to Sangam period, the undergraduate engineering students at KCT Garage, the automotive tech forum of the institution, under the aegis of Team Sea Sakthi have designed “Yali” the solar–powered energy boat.

The one major challenge for the team is the maximum quantity of energy, pre-set at 10kWh, in addition todesigning a high-performance cockpit in a sustainable way that optimises the life cycle of all the materials. With a zero–pollution vision, the Team Sea Sakthi has powered their engines with solar panels and lithium-ion battery,promising a greener maritime mobility. Built on three-blade, six-kilowatt propulsion system, the team has opted for mono-perc technology to run the boat as it is more efficient than monocrystalline technology. As it is mandatory to possess valid certificates to sail the yacht, Mohan and Swaminathan, II-year Mechatronics Engineering students from Team Sea Sakthi have undergone training at Kerala Water Sports and Sailing Organisation in Kochi and have been qualified as pilots.

Team Sea Sakthi, driven by passion and innovation,shall compete with 15 other teams from 10 other nationalities including Canada, the USA and Greece.The journey towards participating in the 9^th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge started in December 2021 when Team Sea Sakthi’s yacht design was approved by the jury and got qualified for the challenge. Mr. Kiranlal, Assistant Professor and mentor of Team Sea Sakthi stated that the trial-run has been done at Chennai with the support of Tamil Nadu Sailing Association before freighting the vessel to Monaco on 10 May 2022. 

Team Sea Sakthi is presently sponsored by Pricol Limited, Master Linen Inc, Janatics Pneumatic, RIM Drive Technology and ACC and the team looks forward for further partnership and patronage to support in logistics, travel and participation. Faced with climate emergency, this maiden initiative of the Indian students from Kumaraguru College of Technology is poised to stimulate eco-responsible thinking in the world of yachting.