Inspiration for the project came from the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers’ charity ‘Glass in Society’. Charity spokesman Tony Thatcher said, ‘We wanted young people to know just how important glass is in the twenty-first century. Boat building and glass fibre are vital to the Isle of Wight economy so it was a perfect place to start.’

School trips were organised to VT Halmatic, Cheetah Marine on the island and the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to see the glass floor of an enclosed observation platform at 100m height.

Winning teams from each school assembled at Cowes Yacht Haven on 6 December for head to head final judging. The judges were Frank Fletcher of the Ellen Macarthur Trust; Joe Vittoria, creator and owner of ‘Mirabella V’, the world’s largest glass fibre single masted sailing boat; and Sean and Lucy Strevens of Cheetah Marine. The judges spent time with every team, examined every model and questioned the teams about their designs and materials.

The boat designs included a Disco Party Boat, Health Spa, Marine Ambulance and Solar Powered Ecoboat. The judges paid tribute to both the teachers and the students for their enthusiasm and commitment.

Sean Strevens of Cheetah Marine said, ‘The quality of ideas, the models and the presentations was exceptional. It makes me realise that Britain still has what it takes to be leaders in design and technology.’

Sponsors included The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, Cheetah Marine, VT Halmatic, three Island Rotary Clubs, Joe Vittoria, Gurit and Vestas. The project will be organised again next year. Prizes for the winners were sailing and powerboat courses sponsored by the UK Sailing Academy.

MJ Information No: 22632