Each year, senior academy students participate in SMUD’s Solar Regatta at Rancho Seco Recreational Area—an exciting two-day competition that brings together high schools from across California.
Working in teams, students design, build, and race solar-powered boats powered entirely by renewable energy. Boats are judged on speed, distance, maneuverability, and craftsmanship, giving students authentic, hands-on experience in engineering, teamwork, and sustainable design. Our program has competed since 2018, building two boats: a 16.5-foot flat-bottom canoe and an 18.5-foot racing boat with outriggers. Each year, students refine their designs, learning through testing, trial and error, and continuous improvement.
More than a race, Solar Regatta is a capstone experience that builds leadership, collaboration, and community. Students organize their work using SCRUM project management and choose roles within mechanical, electrical, and aesthetics teams. The event includes an overnight campout followed by a full day of racing—a memorable culminating experience before graduation.
Solar Regatta Videos
2024
2023
2022
2020