Please select your home edition
Edition
Savvy Navvy 2024

Model yacht race makes a splash

by Southampton Solent University 18 May 10:36 UTC
Yacht and Powercraft Design students model yacht race © Southampton Solent University

A winner has emerged victorious at Solent University, Southampton following a high-octane race of model yachts at Gosport Boating Lake.

In an annual tradition that spans almost 50 years, BEng (Hons) Yacht Design and Production and BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design students went head-to-head on Thursday 16 May to test out their hand-crafted model yachts and find out who would be crowned the winner.

With a reputation for producing global talent in the marine industry, Solent University's model yacht race provides a glimpse into the skills students possess as they prepare for exciting careers on and offshore.

Inclement weather on the day posed a challenge, with 17 students setting sail to claim the top spot. Yacht Design and Production students took home the wins, with Jack Francis winning the upwind race and Sonny Day Bridger taking first place in the downwind race. Yacht and Powercraft Design student, Finlay Coyle, who built a beautiful looking model which sailed gracefully throughout the racing, won the Concours' D'Elegance.

The racing hopefuls - all of whom are first year students at Solent - had their performance closely scrutinised by the University's lecturers who have a global reputation in the industry. Giles Barkley, Course Leader Yacht Engineering, says:

"This tradition is a great opportunity to witness the impressive skills our students have - and at such an early stage in their university journey. Model yachts are not easy to get right, but this year's cohort did a fantastic job producing well-designed models that performed well on the water.

"At Solent, we are proud that many of our previous winners are now thriving in the world of professional yacht design, and it is challenges like this that help to develop student skills, readying them for the competitive industry that awaits them."

While the race has almost five decades under its belt and is notorious for being good fun, it is also about academic excellence. The race forms part of the students' first-year studies, with lecturers assessing the standard of the yachts, as well as their durability on the day, following 100 hours dedicated to the design and build of the vessels.

Graduates have gone on to work on designs for many different Americas Cup campaigns, as well as Open 60 race yachts. With a reputation for delivering world-class teaching in the heart of one of England's biggest maritime cities, Solent offers many different courses in yacht design, and recently introduced a Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design MSc - the first of its kind in the UK.

To find out more about the courses on offer at Solent, visit www.solent.ac.uk.

Related Articles

Governor announces marine infrastruce investment
Vote Yes on Florida's Amendment 2 this election day Not many people get to turn their favorite hobby into a full-time job. Thankfully, I'm one of the lucky few. Posted on 4 Nov
Max Bet Bayliss 64' on the water
The culmination of over 60,000 man-hours of dedicated craftsmanship The well-respected team behind Max Bet is no stranger to the Bayliss Boatworks family, having previously entrusted us with the repower of their 66' Spencer. Posted on 4 Nov
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal Bayliss 75', Tarheel Bayliss 64', Mama Seata Bayliss 76' With the glassing phase complete on Big Deal's mezzanine, our exterior team has applied Awlfair, and sanding is currently under way to ensure a smooth, polished finish before the primer is applied. Posted on 3 Nov
IGFA Red Sea Championship returns to Egypt
Multi-species tournament celebrates Red Sea sportfishing in 2025 Multi-species tournament celebrates Red Sea sportfishing while advancing game fish conservation. Posted on 1 Nov
Meet the all-new 29BAY
Capture performance, comfort, range and versatility in Contender Boats biggest bay boat ever Looking for a boat that can do it all? Contender is proud to introduce your answer in the all-new 29BAY — a handcrafted fishing machine that is everything you need it to be and more. Posted on 31 Oct
EGO® Fishing's S2 Slider: Still the champion
Thousands of happy anglers later, S2 Slider remains the most innovative landing net on the water It's said that a system is only as good as the weakest link. Then how is it that some anglers rely on junk landing nets with warped hoops and rotten or torn meshing? Posted on 31 Oct
New Breakwater waterproof gloves!
The perfect blend of flexibility and comfort for all-day wear The Breakwater gloves are built to keep your hands dry, even when fully submerged, thanks to a 100% waterproof membrane that delivers total protection in cold, wet or windy conditions. Posted on 31 Oct
New Hurricane 24 CC 24-foot Center Console
Designed from the ground-up as a family-friendly boat Punching well above its weight class with features, ride and functionality for a 24-ft boat, the Hurricane 24CC was designed from the ground-up as a family-friendly boat that is equally in its element as a platform for fishing, tow sports or day cruising. Posted on 31 Oct
Fishing: Late Fall Walleyes
Quick Q&A with seasoned walleye professional Jason Przekurat Quick Q&A with seasoned walleye professional and Whitewater Fishing pro staffer Jason Przekurat. Posted on 31 Oct
A new Freedom debuts
Freedom 345 is making its debut in Fort Lauderdale Grady-White's NEW Freedom 345 is making its debut in Fort Lauderdale. Posted on 31 Oct
Savvy Navvy 2024Maritimo 2023 S600 FOOTER