On June 13, 2024, the I Symposium on Motorboat Technology took place at the Poznan University of Technology, gathering industry experts, academic circles, students, and motorboat technology enthusiasts. Guests from all over Poland attended the event, including from the Tricity area, Warsaw, Bydgoszcz, and Wroclaw. During the symposium, we had the opportunity to listen to lectures on the latest trends in the field of motorboat technology, as well as presentations from enthusiasts about their activities in this area. Our partners showcased their boats in front of the Lecture Centre, into which they put their whole hearts and every free moment. Among them were three unique vessels: the 5.5-meter open-deck sailing yacht Disco Volante, the sports catamaran Thundercat Zapcat, and the boat Solaris I from the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology's PWr Solar Boat Team, which participated in competitions in the USA and the Netherlands. Upon registration, each participant received a keychain with the club's logo, which we hope will accompany them on various journeys for a long time.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants of the I Symposium on Motorboat Technology for sharing their valuable knowledge and passion. The following comprehensive summary of the extensive presentations by each speaker will show you the vast amount of knowledge we gained that day. According to the order of presentations:
Prof. Agnieszka Misztal, Vice-Rector of the Poznan University of Technology, presented an overview of student activities at the university. We also thank prof. Misztal for her belief in us and for the symbolic opening of our Scientific Club's workshop on that day.
The chairman of our Scientific Club, Sebastian Freda, presented key information about the current activities and future development plans of our club, inspiring symposium participants to follow our #RoadtoMonaco.
Our advisor, Dr. hab. inż. Wojciech Cieślik, presented key aspects of an alternative approach to water sports. This presentation made us aware of the necessity to integrate many aspects during the design of the #POWERboat, such as the shape of the boat, the proper selection of the propulsion system, and the production, storage, and management of energy.
The director of Vetus Polska, Tomasz Gonciarz, PhD presented the potential of the yacht industry in Poland, making us aware of our future career development opportunities. Although VETUS components are not immediately visible on yachts, they are the foundation of many vessels, and several components will be installed in our solar-hydrogen boat. At the end of his presentation, Tomasz Gonciarz, PhD introduced a group of students from the Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering who joined the ranks of journalists for the Yacht Technology Bulletin magazine.
Katarzyna Panasiuk's presentation opened our horizons in the field of laminates and composites, which are crucial for the #PowerBoat. Thanks to her, we know that our boat will use new hybrid material technologies, ensuring durability, lightness, and a modern appearance.
Thanks to the involvement of Patrycja Walichnowska, we received valuable tips on photovoltaic panels, which are key for generating electrical energy directly onboard the vessel. This information will help us achieve success in the endurance race.
At the end of the first panel, Michał Rawecki gave his presentation, discussing the potential of reverse engineering both in industry and in applications we can use when designing space for the specific equipment we will install on the boat.
During the break between panels, we took a commemorative photo in front of the Lecture Centre and the displayed boats. As you can see, the turnout exceeded our expectations. Then, the official workshop opening took place. The Chairman of the Club, Sebastian Freda, together with the Club's advisor, prof. Wojciech Cieślik, and the Vice-Rector, prof. Agnieszka Misztal, ceremoniously cut the ribbon, symbolically inaugurating our new workshop. It was a moment of joy and pride for all Club members. During the workshop, Jakub Wasiela said a few words about its most important elements. Then, there was a time for a short break.
The second panel was dedicated to solutions specifically tailored to our applications, but it also included presentations seemingly unrelated to the main theme of the symposium. In order of presentations:
Panel II was opened by Andrzej Kaleciński, a shareholder in Prime Marine, who detailed the strengths of Torqeedo electric motors, which are essential in the context of our project. Mr. Andrzej emphasized that the event we organized should become a permanent fixture in the calendar of motorboat events in Poland.
Next, Mikołaj Klekowicki presented our project to the audience, highlighting what happens when aviators take on boat design. The number of ideas is immense, and if half of them come to fruition, our boat will be flying over the water.
Mr. Mateusz Dutkiewicz, MSc Eng., thoroughly described advanced techniques for designing composite components, sharing innovative construction methods. He also presented all the advantages and disadvantages of various mould-making methods. His knowledge is so extensive that we look forward to further meetings with our Scientific Circle’s designers to meet the demands of laminate manufacturing technology.
Jakub Borucki’s presentation — a water sports enthusiast — covered various aspects of boatbuilding. By sharing his knowledge and practical experience, Mr. Jakub showed us that if one person can build such a beautiful boat as the Disco Volante (displayed that day in front of the Lecture Centre), we can also achieve success.
In place of Błażej Predko, MSc Eng., owner of Lambo Yachts, technician Grzegorz Bałdyga arrived. This presentation slightly upended our previous beliefs about the technology for constructing our boat, as they proposed modern 3D printing as an alternative to mould making.
We are delighted that our Motorboat Technology Symposium was visited by a team from Wrocław University of Science and Technology’s PWr Solar Boat Team. The presentation by Eng. Marcin Matuszewski and Eng. Paweł Ledwoń made us realize the many experiences a team undergoes when competing in international competitions. We hope our achievements will be as impressive as the Solaris I boat. We are keeping our fingers crossed for their third boat project, DKM.
The final, presentation was about the idea of developing our workshop. It was delivered by Gabriele Tocicka and Aleksandra Mruk — members of the Scientific Club "Sustainable Architecture Workshop" under the supervision of Prof. Sławomir Rosolski. The ladies passionately presented the idea of expanding our workshop with a mezzanine where further work by individual sections can be held.
In the end, our Circle’s supervisor and chairman — prof. Eng. Wojciech Cieślik and Sebastian Freda — thanked all participants and presented participation certificates to the speakers. Based on the feedback from all sides after the event, we agree that the 2nd Motorboat Technology Symposium will take place, and to avoid missing the opportunity to participate, please follow the social media profiles of the PUT Powertrain Scientific Circle → [https://www.facebook.com/PUTPowertrain](https://www.facebook.com/PUTPowertrain)
Text: Prof. Wojciech Cieślik, Sebastian Freda, Eng. Malwina Nowak, Marharyta Albatova
Photos: Information and Promotion Department of Poznan University of Technology
