QinetiQ Powerboat Challenge 2025 tests students skills

Image courtesy QinetiQ

Students from eight schools across the south visited the Ocean Basin at QinetiQ’s Haslar Technology Park last Friday (21st November) to race their model powerboats in the 16th iteration of the event.

The teams have been designing and building their powerboats since September with support from expert maritime staff from QinetiQ and industry partners during school visits.

The races took place in the Ocean Basin which is one of the one of the largest and most advanced maritime test environments in Europe, measuring 122m long, 61m wide, 5.5m deep and capable of holding 40 million litres of water.

It is used for testing ship designs, submarines, unmanned surface vessels, and hydrodynamic performance under various conditions.

Jim Graham, Managing Director Maritime and Land, QinetiQ, said: “The Powerboat Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn a variety of skills and hopefully be inspired by our world class facilities to explore a career in engineering.

“While the final race day is clearly the highlight, the students start this exercise at the beginning of the school year. They work in teams to create their finished product, with support from our staff and local subject matter experts who visit them to lend a hand and to share their expert knowledge.”

Captain Mark Hamilton, Commanding Officer HMS Sultan, said: “I hope today’s participants continue to be curious, challenge themselves and this experience sets them up for a career in engineering. Success can be defined in a variety of ways and today’s teams have demonstrated perseverance, engineering prowess, and determination to succeed.”

Participating schools
Eggar’s School – Alton
The Polygon School – Southampton
Cowes Enterprise College – Cowes, Isle of Wight
Testbourne Community School – Micheldever
Godolphin School – Salisbury
Frogmore Community College – Yateley
Brune Park School – Gosport
Boundary Oak – Fareham

Winners
1st Cowes Enterprise College, Cowes, Isle of Wight – DL75
2nd Godolphin School, Salisbury – Tubby Custard
3rd Testbourne Community School, Micheldever – Black Lightening

Awards
Presentation Award presented by Lorna Wagner (Maritime Solent) – Godolphin School
Judges Award presented by Paul Jobson (Royal Institute of Naval Architects) – The Polygon School
Perseverance Award presented by Jim Graham (QinetiQ) – Brune Park School