Cal Maritime Windhaulers
California State University Maritime Academy, Vallejo, California
Faculty Advisers
Thomas Nordenholz
Student Leads
Jake Nelson
Matthew Rizzi
Evan Fishel
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What is your team name, institution name, city, and state?
We are the Cal Maritime Windhaulers from the California State University Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California.
Who are your faculty advisor and student lead(s)?
Our faculty advisor is Thomas Nordenholz, and our student leads are Jake Nelson (our Turbine Prototype Contest & Turbine Testing Contest lead), Matthew Rizzi (our Project Development Contest lead), and Evan Fischel (our Connection Creation Contest lead).
Why is your team participating in the Collegiate Wind Competition (CWC)?
Our team is participating in the CWC to further our understanding of the wind energy industry, develop professional skills, and grow our network in the renewable energy sector. We hope that our participation in the competition fosters the growth of environmentally conscious behavior in ourselves and others.
What is your vision for a renewable energy future?
Because our university is intertwined with the maritime industry, our vision for a renewable energy future lies at the intersection of maritime logistics and energy production. Our university’s experience in the maritime sector allows us to integrate seamlessly into the offshore wind energy sector.
The Cal Maritime Windhaulers include (from left to right) in the back row: Matthew Thomas, Ian McNairn, Matthew Rizzi, Miles Krauter, Jasen Nicolas, Sidharth Kumar, Brennan White, Karl Nordhoff, Evan Fishel, and Thomas Nordenholz; and in the front row: Michael Strange, Olivia Larwood, Charlotte Gott, Aurora Thomas, Cyrus Khaleeli, Vonne Ng-Bader, Jake Nelson, Lucian Drogo, Kent Suzuki, and Anthony Butler.
Describe your project, objectives, and game plan.
Our project includes project development, turbine design, and industry and public outreach. Weekly meetings help the team stay connected, and off-campus social events bring the team together. Our objective is to grow our cross-disciplinary skills while supporting a future built on renewable energy.
Who has your team connected with in the wind industry? What lessons have you learned from them, and how can your team apply those lessons to the competition?
This year, our team interviewed the vice president of a wind energy company, a director of engineering, a wind energy analyst, and a marketing and corporate communication representative in the wind energy industry. These connections have substantially aided our team’s project development, helping us find solutions to difficult problems. We have also learned numerous ways to begin and grow our future careers.
What does your team do exceptionally well? How will you use your team’s strengths to your advantage in the competition?
Over the past decade of participating in the CWC, our team has acquired crucial equipment and expertise. Our archives of information and alumni support network provide us with the skills necessary to succeed in competition. Further, as the only maritime academy on the West Coast, our team brings unique expertise in maritime affairs. These skills give our team an edge in the offshore segment of the competition.
If you had to choose a catchy slogan for your team, what would it be and why?
Our team’s slogan, “Breeze to gail, Windhaulers prevail,” is derived from our maritime background. This slogan means that, in light winds or heavy storms, we will triumph over any challenges we encounter. No matter how difficult the storm may prove to be, we are determined to succeed in fulfilling our CWC learning objectives.
This content was submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy by the team. Find more information on CWC 2023.