News release Model students
June 2 2009
A model boat sailing race that began as bit of end of term fun 40 years ago, now forms part of the first year unit assessment for Solent University yacht design & production students.
More than 50 yacht designers of the future will be racing their craft at Gosport Boating Lake on Friday, June 5th, under the scrutiny of their lecturers. The last 15% of their 'Yacht Design & Production' unit mark will be awarded based on how their yacht performs on race day.
Giles Barkley, Senior Lecturer in Yacht & Powercraft Design says: "As well as being a fun way to end the year, academically the boat race allows our students to put into practice all they have learnt about naval architecture, composite boat building and design software."
Students have to design and build the vessels to conform to the yacht design rule and race them upwind and downwind to pass their design unit. The other 85% of the unit mark has been awarded based on their computer aided design, and the build quality of their models.
Past winners of the model yacht race have gone on to enjoy great success within the industry. On the sailing side, Herve Piveteau, who won back in the 1990's last year sailed to victory in the Production Boat Class at the Mini Transat 2008, the French equivalent of the OSTAR. Jason Ker - another up and coming designer who also raced his model yacht to success - was the designer of the last South African, America's Cup entry.
This years race will be hosted by Gosport Model yacht & Boat Club at Gosport Boating Lake on Friday June 5th from 2-4pm. All are welcome to spectate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE PRESS OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040