Newsletter - Nov 2026
An update on our plans and technical developments for the 2027 season ahead!
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY RIVIERA RACING
Paving the way to a sustainable maritime future
Latest News
MEBC 2026
And just like that, our Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2026 campaign is over. We were proud to place 10th overall out of a competitive field of 28 teams from around the world - the best result in the team's history! Thank you to all our partners and sponsors who have helped support our journey across the past year. We couldn't have done it without you! See you in 2027!
Introducing the Atomstack
Introducing the Atomstack, our newest competitor for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2026! Thanks to all our amazing partners and backers who have supported us on our journey so far this year. See you all soon in Monaco!
Who We Are
Cambridge University Riviera Racing is a team of versatile students, each bringing a unique set of strengths to the table as we embark on a ground-breaking mission to design and build a catamaran racer to compete at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, is an international competition between pioneers in yachting, requiring competitors to test their zero-emissions creations in a series of races. The competition attracts the world's press to the races, with all eyes on the tech talks and industry pitches.
Our Vision
At Riviera Racing, we are conscious of the need for dedicated focus on developing highly performant zero-emissions powertrains and intend to demonstrate the viability of alternate fuels.
The Boat
Our most recent boat Atomstack, competed at the MEBC 2026. Built for performance and robustness, Atomstack features:
- Lightweight Steering - Our rope-pulley steering system replaces traditional steel cables, significantly reducing weight while maintaining responsive handling.
- High Discharge Battery - Our 10kWh custom battery, built with energy-dense prismatic LFP blade cells, improves discharge rates and safety.
- Custom Propeller - Designed in-house, our propeller is tailored to the speeds of our electric motor to optimise efficiency and acceleration under racing conditions.
- Modular Case - Our modular body, developed with CPCases, serves as our battery enclosure. This modularity enables adjustments to weight distribution.
- Electric Propulsion - Partnering with Lynch Motors, we debut the Bluefin II electric outboard, delivering significant advancements in both weight reduction and power output.
Our Concept for 2027
For our 2026-27 build cycle, we plan to build upon the successes of Atomstack and bring several innovations to our boat, including:
- Hydrofoils - The incorporation of hydrofoils allows our boat to be lifted out of the water, reducing the drag experienced by the hulls
- High Voltage - We are evolving to a 96V battery and motor architecture, which will enable us to maximise our 25kW power capabilities
- Bio-composites - Sustainable materials, such as bamboo and mycelium, will be integrated into the boat's design to further reduce our carbon footprint
- Smarter Software - New and improved software will allow for innovative capabilities, including race strategy prediction
Industry Partners
We are proud to collaborate with leading industry partners who share our vision for sustainable maritime innovation. These partnerships provide invaluable support, expertise, and resources that enable us to push the boundaries of electric racing technology and advance the future of clean maritime transportation.
Meet the Team
Behind our innovative racing vessel lies a dedicated team of passionate engineers, designers, and visionaries. United by our commitment to clean maritime innovation and competitive excellence, each team member contributes their unique skills and perspectives to prove that electric propulsion can deliver both performance and sustainability.
Gereon Leckebusch
Chief Engineer
Leela Rao
Media and Press Lead
Get in Touch
Phone
+44 (0) 7522 170658Address
Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge
Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK