Cardboard boat race in Plymouth Sound

Makeshift boats made entirely from cardboard will be taking to the water on Saturday 29 September as the Cardboard Boat Race returns to Plymouth.

The competition gives teams of budding engineers just four hours to design and build a cardboard boat that can take two teammates across the 250m course in the fastest time.

As well as giving local engineers the chance to show-off their cardboard know-how, the Cardboard Boat Race aims to encourage young people to pursue careers in engineering. The UK is facing an engineering skills shortage as young people turn away from the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects that are vital for an engineering career.

Hosted by the Plymouth and Devon Schools Sailing Association (PDSSA), the annual event is sponsored by Babcock (Devonport Royal Dockyard) and run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

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Dr Colin Brown, Director of Engineering at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said:

“Engineers are natural problem-solvers, whether that problem is keeping the nation’s lights on, reducing carbon emissions or keeping a cardboard boat afloat.”

“The engineers taking part next Saturday are risking a soaking for a good cause. The UK needs more engineers, and showing the younger generation that engineering can be fun as well as practical is a great way to encourage them to consider a career in the profession.”

Teams of up to four people will be provided with materials and tools including cardboard sheets, tubes, duct tape and quick-dry varnish. Competitors are strongly advised to bring swimwear...