Hoist the sails! K-12 students are invited to compete in the third annual virtual Recycle Regatta! Apply the engineering method and become an environmental steward as you repurpose recyclables into a seaworthy vessel. Master obstacles in buoyancy, engineering, and physics to race your boat to victory. Classrooms, boating centers, families, and all community organizations are encouraged to take on the challenge!

STONINGTON, CT – In an effort to bring ocean-based experiential learning to students and families at home, the New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS), in partnership with Educational Passages and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Virtual Recycle Regatta.

Participating K-12 students will design and engineer a model sailboat out of common recycled and repurposed materials. Students will test their boats for buoyancy and balance, and calculate nautical speed using mathematical applications. Students will then submit their data and race against other competitors across the world for prizes!

Submissions will be accepted from February 15 – March 31 and winners will be announced mid-April. Entry into the Recycle Regatta is free.

Two prizes will be awarded per fleet, one for fastest boat and one for the most creative design. Students will compete in a fleet based on grade level:

– Miniboat: grades K – 2
– Opti: grades 3 – 5
– Hartley: grades 6 – 8
– Laser: grades 9 – 12

To prepare for the Regatta, participants are invited to use an array of free educational videos related to the engineering method, buoyancy, recycling, marine debris, and ocean currents on the NESS YouTube channel.

New this year is a Teacher Toolkit, a step-by- step guide to hosting individual regattas with students or groups. The toolkit includes instructions, data sheet, and alignment to formal curriculum standards. Plus, any classroom or organization that submits more than 10 entries will be featured on the Recycle Regatta website and social media page as a member of the “crew”!

NESS is also providing open enrollment Online Experiential Learning Programs on March 15 for students interested in learning more about sailing, ocean currents, and more. Registration is required and can be found along with more information, Regatta rules, entry forms, and examples of previous submissions at educationalpassages.org/recycle-regatta.

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New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) is a nationally recognized and award-winning ocean adventure education non-profit with a mission to empower students with a love of learning through ocean-based experiential programs that serve schools, teachers, and families. NESS offers a unique education model that empowers students with leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills to ensure academic success through marine science, sailing, powerboating, and adventure sports programs. NESS is the first, and only, program of its kind to be accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). For more information, visit nessf.org.

Educational Passages is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire ocean stewardship through unique global experiences. Participants connect through the building, launching, and tracking of six foot long unmanned and satellite equipped “miniboats” that sail themselves to distant shores. The Finder’s Sticker onboard helps connect classrooms if it lands ashore. These boats sail the world’s ocean and have connected 28 countries so far, bringing students, teachers, and communities together around fascinating learning opportunities. To learn more about Educational Passages and its Miniboat Program, visit educationalpassages.org.

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students, and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake, and river resources. For more information visit namepa.net.