The SCIGRIP Solar Boat Team has accomplished another milestone in preparation for the DONG World Cup Solar Power Challenge. Last week, the Polish entry, named the SCIGRIP Solar Boat, successfully completed stability and speed tests on the water, and the team remains confident of an excellent result in this year's championships, hosted in Holland from June 28 - July 3.

SCIGRIP, a global supplier of smart adhesive solutions, is sponsoring the team and providing technical advice, as well as supplying structural bonding products both throughout the build process and during the race.

SCIGRIP's two-component, high viscosity methacrylate (MMA) adhesive, SG 230HV was used to bond the largest and most demanding joints, such as the bulkheads, engine column, and floater beam sections. The product has a 10:1 mix ratio with adjustable cure rates ranging from 30 to 120 minutes, giving the team greater flexibility with regards to working times.

For applications where substrates have to bond and cure very quickly, such as the perimeter of the electrical box, SCIGRIP's SG300-05 was applied. A black formulation of SG3000 was also used to bond the deck to the hull, allowing the joint to blend seamlessly and be hidden from view. SG100 White was used to adhere the structure's floats to the deck and also to provide UV protection and prevent discoloration.

The SCIGRIP Solar Boat Team possesses a wealth of experience in terms of design, mechanical and boat building skills, and the use of advanced composites. This expertise has been channelled into the boat's construction, and the team is delighted to report that their 2014 entry is the most lightweight structure they have produced to date.

Having achieved 2nd place in 2008 and 3rd place -plus the Innovation Award for the lightest boat in the competition- in 2012, hopes remain high for an outstanding 2014 performance.

Should any mishaps occur on the water during this highly competitive regatta, SCIGRIP will issue specially packaged "Repair Packs" to all of the 42 participating teams.

Repair packs will include:

+ SG5000-03: The high strength, two component MMA adhesive that requires no surface preparation and is suitable for bonding composites, metals, and plastics;

+ CA 25 Pen: An instant, general purpose ethyl-based cyanoacrylate adhesive that bonds almost immediately on contact;

+ CA44: A non-drip thixotropic gel or paste with a fast-set formulation that does not run on vertical surfaces;

+ Plus a selection of other SCGRIP fast-curing adhesives and waterproof epoxy sticks formulated to bond easily with wood, aluminum, and steel, as well as composite substrates.