Please select your home edition
Edition
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - LEADERBOARD

Model yacht race makes a splash

by Southampton Solent University 18 May 2024 03:36 PDT
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

Foiling Sport Congress gathers global players
To shape the Future of Foiling Last week, Malcesine hosted the first-ever Foiling Sport Congress — a by-invitation event organised to foster an in-depth discussion on the current state and future developments of foiling across all disciplines. Posted today at 5:59 am
Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup Day 3
The best female wave sailors in the world showcase their skills on the global stage After the men had taken centre stage for the opening two days of the 2025 Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup, today was the day for the best female wave sailors in the world to showcase their skills on the global stage. Posted today at 4:11 am
Transpac Onboard Episode 4
Anything Can Happen at Sea All Transpac 2025 competitors are now at sea and actively racing to Hawaii. We take a look at the Pasha Live Race Tracker and talk about the significant wind hole confronting a contingent of competitors. Posted today at 3:06 am
Stops & re-starts in first two legs of AEGEAN 600
A tough first night and early morning spent fighting zephyrs getting through the Cyclades After a beautiful breezy start yesterday, but a tough first night and early morning spent fighting zephyrs getting through the Cyclades, at the end of today's daylight the AEGEAN 600 fleet is back on the move. Posted on 7 Jul
Marblehead to Halifax Race Update
The front-runners are pushing hard toward the finish After nearly 24 hours at sea, the front-runners of the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race are pushing hard toward the finish. Temptation/Oakcliff leads the fleet in both elapsed and corrected time, with Boudicca – Gill Race Team close behind. Posted on 7 Jul
British Classic Week Day 1
Northerly winds gusting 22 knots make for a brisk start Day one at British Classic Week in Cowes saw fast-paced racing around the cans sponsored by Spirit Yachts for over 50 classic and modern classic yachts. Posted on 7 Jul
International Moth Worlds Opening Ceremony
137 sailors from 25 nations have gathered, featuring some of the biggest names in sailing After weeks of preparation and an intense lead-up, the 2025 Moth World Championship is ready to get under way. Official racing begins tomorrow, 8 July, on the waters of Lake Garda, with the event hosted by Fraglia Vela Malcesine. Posted on 7 Jul
iQFOiL Worlds a Aarhus day 2
No racing, but spirits stay high in Aarhus Day 2 of the iQFOiL World Championship in Aarhus tested the patience of sailors, coaches, and the Race Committee alike, as the wind refused to settle across the bay. Posted on 7 Jul
Foiling Frenzy at Fraglia Vela Malcesine
The Moth Worlds at Lake Garda are something else! The Moth Worlds at Lake Garda are something else! Regardless of where sailors are in their careers, or the reputation they have, everyone wants to be there and have a tilt at the title. Posted on 7 Jul
Protect Your Skin, Stay Out Longer
Rooster know that long days on the water are what summer is all about At Rooster, we know that long days on the water are what summer is all about. But with the sun high and strong, protecting your skin is just as important as protecting your kit. Posted on 7 Jul
Lloyd Stevenson - AC INEOS 1456x180px BOTTOMHenri-Lloyd Dynamic RangePalm Beach Motor Yachts