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The Monaco Yacht Club (YCM) will host the second annual Monaco Solar Boat Challenge on July 14-16. Franck Terlin / Yacht Club de Monaco
Featuring boats powered solely by solar panels, the event attempts to start paving the way for a greener future in sailing. Franck Terlin / Yacht Club de Monaco
The competition pits the sailors against each other as they attempt to record the fastest speed across water. Franck Terlin / Yacht Club de Monaco
Last year's record was set by Dutchman Gerard van der Schaar of the Clafis Private Energy Solar Team, who clocked a speed of 44.4 km/h over one eighth of a nautical mile (231.5 meters). Franck Terlin / Yacht Club de Monaco
"Solar energy is one of the key elements in the pathway towards a sustainable future and we are fully committed to promote the ultimate synergy of nature, motion and innovation in motor boating," said Raffaele Chiulli, president of the International Union of Powerboating (UIM). Franck Terlin / Yacht Club de Monaco
The UIM has supported the Monaco Yacht Club's efforts to organize the event, which has 15 registered teams. Teams from the Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, Germany, Poland and Monaco make up the international field. Franck Terlin / Yacht Club de Monaco
"In Monaco we pay particular attention to everything related to respect for the environment," said Bernard d'Alessandri, YCM secretary general. "The enthusiasm of this new generation of engineers suggests this technology could soon be applied to the leisure boat sector, including mega-yachts." Franck Terlin / Yacht Club de Monaco
Alongside the main event will be the Vripack Grand Prix, a challenge in which competitors have the opportunity to build their own solar-powered boats from scratch to take part in different races. Franck Terlin / Yacht Club de Monaco
This year's event takes place in Monaco's picturesque Port Hercules. Bruno Vincent/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
