A TEAM of Southampton eco-engineers made a splash this week on their debut in the world of powerboat racing.
But blazing sunshine combined with cutting-edge science meant Team Tarka didn’t cause a ripple of impact on the environment.
The academics and postgraduates became the first British team to compete in Solar Splash – the world championship of intercollegiate solar boating.
The University of Southampton team made the longest journey of any of the competitors to get to the event, which was held over five days on Lake Fayetteville, in Arkansas.
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With a Union Jack flying from the boat and emblazoned on its nose, it wasn’t hard to spot Tarka amongst the other competitors.
They came away with a string of awards – including recognition of their teamwork and sportsmanship – and finished a credible 10th out of 19 teams.
Team leader Dr Peter Wilson, from the university’s School of Electronics and Computer Sciences, said: “Getting into the top ten was a dream this year, our first attempt, but I didn’t really dare to think we’d actually do it.”
Team members are due to arrive back in Southampton today and will shortly begin planning for next year’s event.
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