Candino watches join forces with PlanetSolar which will set off in 2011
The construction of the PlanetSolar boat is forging ahead and new, top class partners have joined forces with the first circumnavigation of the globe in a solar-powered boat. The departure for the world tour is set for 2011, whereas a European roadshow is scheduled in 2010.
The construction of the largest solar-powered boat in the world is forging ahead at the Knierim shipyard in Kiel (Germany). The first side hulls have just been completed and the boat should leave the yard by the end of 2009. PlanetSolar will be sailing on the Baltic as of January 2010 to conduct a series of tests in real-life conditions.
As far as funding the project is concerned, PlanetSolar SA has just signed a partnership agreement with the Candino Swiss Watch brand. A member of the Festina Group, Candino is one of the major partners of the adventure.
The Swiss Confederation, through the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAE), will also be part of the adventure. The DFAE through its “Présence Suisse” unit will support the project in its diplomatic relations worldwide and in its media representation in the different countries visited by PlanetSolar.
The departure of the world tour has been postponed to April 2011 in a Mediterranean town which will be selected in the next few weeks. This date was set following results in model basins and wind tunnels, which were not initially scheduled.
The PlanetSolar village will be officially inaugurated in September 2009 at Yverdon-les-Bains. A European roadshow is scheduled for 2010. The PlanetSolar boat and village will be stopping in Hamburg, Paris and London. Other stops will be announced later.
Candino Swiss Watch the official PlanetSolar timekeeper – The Candino Swiss Watch brand undertakes to actively support the PlanetSolar project. It will be one of the main sponsors as well as the official timekeeper of the adventure. Notions of time, precision, innovation and reliability are the values shared by Candino and PlanetSolar.
For a long time, Candino watches have sought to become involved in a sustainable development driven project. Jean-Claude Schwarz, the Festina-Candino Watch SA CEO, is enthusiastic about the idea of joining forces for this world first. “Candino is proud to participate in a project that reflects its values. For a Swiss made, high quality brand, being part of an innovative concept, developed by a Swiss team and using state-of-the-art technology is an authentic way to contribute to the environment”.
DFAE, official partner of PlanetSolar – The PlanetSolar boat will fly the Swiss flag and thus convey a hi-tech, entrepreneurial image for the country as it sails around the world.
The PlanetSolar project is part of the DFAE’s international communication project presenting Switzerland as a major player in key areas such as new transport and sustainable development means.
The new PlanetSolar timetable:
- September 2009 : Inauguration of the PlanetSolar village in Yverdon-les-Bains.
- January 2010: Completion of the construction of the boat and first tests
- April to October 2010: European tour of the boat and PlanetSolar village
- From April 2011: Departure for the world tour from a Mediterranean port (about 140 days of navigation)
(Candino press)