Last Saturday, the crew of the “Rivershark II” submarine from Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences beat the team from Delft University of Technology in the race on the Spoy Canal at the Kleve campus.
At the international submarine race in Washington in July this year, the Dutch team had left their rivals from Kleve trailing behind. That is why the students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences were particularly delighted to have their revenge on home waters. Around 150 spectators had turned up to cheer both boats on enthusiastically and see who would take home the victory in the first submarine race on the Kleve campus.
The unanimous conclusion of both crews after the first test run was that the conditions in the Spoy Canal are not ideal for underwater travel, due to the narrow navigation channel, which is between one and two metres deep. Furthermore, aquatic plants significantly impair visibility. “Everything is green underwater,” said HSRW pilot Intekhabalam Saiyed, describing the view. Consequently, it was decided for the second race that divers would assist the submarines in staying on course during the race.
Shortly after the start, one of the pedals used to propel the Dutch team’s boat came loose. The pilot bravely carried on, but was still unable to complete the run. “Rivershark II” seized its chance and managed to complete the run – albeit with plenty of zigzagging underwater – and claimed victory.
Despite a few minor glitches, the organising team, the crew members and the spectators were more than satisfied. “A fitting finale to the first ‘Bring Your Own Submarine’ event in Germany,” said William M Megill, organiser of the race and Professor of Bionics at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
