Solar Powered Floating Classroom to be Commissioned Saturday in Harwich

HARWICH – The Friends of Pleasant Bay and Pleasant Bay Community Boating will hold a commissioning ceremony Saturday for a one-of-a-kind floating classroom research vessel.

The vessel, named “Friend of Pleasant Bay,” is a 37- by 12-foot, solar-powered pontoon boat that can hold up to 29 passengers and two crew. The vessel is also capable of holding up to 10 wheelchairs.

The first solar-powered, floating classroom on the Cape will help students and scientists access remote areas of Pleasant Bay and quietly approach seals, birds and other wildlife.