Cardboard boat race returns to Havre des Pas

Sunday 01 July 2018

Year nine students are being given the challenge to create cardboard boats that stand the test of water today at Havre des Pas bathing pool.

Channel Islands Group of Professional Engineers (CIGPE) launched the challenge to encourage budding engineers who will be tasked with designing, building and then sailing a boat made of just cardboard.

In teams of four accompanied by an adult, students will have 30 minutes to plan their boat and two hours to design and build it, all whilst in fancy dress. 

Taking place at Havre des Pas bathing pool, the CIGPE will be providing all the materials and tools. The boat must be capable of carrying two people over a 100m course, with prizes being given for the longest distance sailed and the best design.

The CIGPE work with schools with the aim of encouraging students to gain an interest in and to take Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subject, as Jersey has a shortage of skilled engineers. They were involved in setting up the Civil Engineering Degree course at Highlands College.

Pictured: The race willl take part between 14:00 and 16:00 at Havre des Pas Bathing Pool.  

Andrew Morvan, CIGPE Committee member, said: “The transferable skills learnt by studying STEM subjects are also vital in all careers.

“We want to help students understand the link between what they learn at school and the practical application of science and engineering so they can see that these subjects are more than just thick textbooks but are really fun and creative.”

"We aim to link it in more with the curriculum and perhaps have some local engineers come in to support a lesson in class ahead of the event next year. 

“There is also potential to have a more sophisticated design challenge by allowing the design and build to happen in the weeks leading up to the event rather than on the day.”

The challenge starts at 10:00 with racing to take place between 14:00 and 16:00. Spectators are welcome.