Mumbai, Aug 9, 2024: Electrical and digital building infrastructure company Group Legrand India has sponsored 'Team Sea Sakthi', the only Indian team that represented the country in the 11th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2024, organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco.
Comprising 14 innovative students from Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the team was dedicated to pioneering alternative power sources for marine vessels, championing a carbon-free future for the seas.
In their third consecutive participation, Team Sea Sakthi unveiled Yali 3.0, a cutting-edge boat featuring a twin propulsion system, custom-designed propellers, and an AI-driven navigation system with integrated Yacht OS. The team advanced to the quarterfinals in both the championship and slalom races on the event's final day, securing multiple accolades including the Innovation Prize, the Design Prize, the Communication Prize, and the coveted Townhall Cup. Finishing 6th overall, Sea Sakthi brought immense pride to their institution and nation.
Beyond their impressive performance, the Sea Sakthi team had spearheaded sustainable technology projects. Their first initiative focused on developing low-cost, solar-powered autonomous boats to clean trash from Indian lakes, which enhanced water quality and public health. Additionally, they innovated cleaner, more efficient fishing boat technology to address the limitations of petrol-powered fishing boats, which had strained budgets, limited range, polluted waterways, and posed safety risks.
Tony Berland, CEO and Managing Director, Group Legrand India remarked, "We were thrilled to support these exceptional students in representing India for the third time at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2024. Their dedication to sustainability and a thriving blue economy aligned perfectly with Legrand’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and our broader environmental and community welfare initiatives. Such synergy of ideals paved the way for progress and prosperity."
Group Legrand India's support for Team Sea Sakthi underscored its dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability, both within its organization and in the wider community.
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), is a premier event dedicated to advancing sustainable maritime innovation. Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier and now led by HSH Prince Albert II, the YCM boasts 2,500 members from 81 countries. The challenge gathers innovators, engineers, and industry leaders from around the globe to showcase and compete with eco-friendly boat technologies, aiming to propel the future of clean energy in yachting. This event underscores Monaco's commitment to environmental stewardship and its influential role in promoting sustainability within the global yachting community.
