Designed and manufactured by the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Solar Boat Team, 'Nusrat', Türkiye's first solar-powered boat, won third place at the 'Solar Splash 2007 – Solar Boat Race World Championship' held in Arkansas, USA, between June 13-17, 2007.
In the competition, which was held in various categories, the ITU Solar Boat Team was awarded six different prizes. Their solar boat, Nusrat, which came in third place in the world, won a total of six awards: best electrical system design, best solar energy system design, best visual presentation, best rookie team, and third place in the maneuvering race.
The Solar Splash Solar Boat Race has been held in the USA for 14 years. This year, hosted by the University of Arkansas, Solar Splash saw the participation of 18 universities. Following the competition, Caderville University won the world championship, while the University of Arkansas took second place. The ITU Solar Boat Team came in third, with the University of Northern Iowa and the University of South Carolina securing fourth and fifth place respectively.
The boat piloted by Ersin Demir, a Mechanical Engineering student at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), attracted attention in the Solar Splash Solar Boat Race, which consisted of Qualifying, Maneuvering (Solar Slalom), Sprint, and Endurance stages, with its maneuverability, robustness, original design, and production. Nusrat, Türkiye's first solar-powered boat, stood out for its maneuverability and robustness. The boat, piloted by ITU Mechanical Engineering student Ersin Demir, successfully completed all stages. At the awards ceremony held on Sunday, June 17, 2007, the ITU Solar Boat Team, awarded third place, received great interest from participants and the people of Arkansas. In a tent set up for the participants, the ITU Solar Boat Team also promoted Turkey, showing promotional films and offering Turkish delight to the participants and the people of Arkansas.
