PHOTOS COURTESY OF BETH SIMS

The Next Generation

MMA & Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Host Model Boat Competition

ON JANUARY 27, Maine Maritime Academy, in collaboration with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, hosted a race of model vessels built by groups of 7th and 8th graders from Adams School and Penobscot Community School. The remote-controlled boats, based on the original design of the Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers and named for MMA alumnus David Philbrook ’82, are constructed of 3D printed components and propelled by a motor with electrical circuits assembled by the students.

Maine Maritime Academy partnered with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s STEM Outreach Program to engage area students to learn fundamentals associated with boat design and construction. Students were taught basic boat terminology, the introductory physics of flotation, methods of fabrication, and other boatbuilding concepts. After completing the coursework, students built their own model ships in stages echoing that of a real-world naval shipyard.

The Adams School and Penobscot Community School students successfully built six model boats during the program and tested them under the rigors of competition in the Bok Pool, which included a race, maneuverability tasks, and a game of capture the flag.

Miniature Pentagoet

Post Comment

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Comments are moderated and will be reviewed prior to posting online. Please be aware that when you submit a comment, you agree to the following rules:

  • Be respectful and considerate of others in your tone and content.
  • Use your own words and communicate clearly and concisely.
  • Do not use abusive language, obscenities, or otherwise objectionable content under any circumstances.
  • Do not impersonate or make false statements about someone else.
  • Do not use commenting to advertise, campaign or recruit.
  • Feel free to use your real name, but please do not post other personal or private information.

Maine Maritime Academy reserves the right to delete any comment that does not comply with these guidelines and is not responsible or liable in any way for comments posted by its users. If you have a message for the editor, please email mariner@mma.edu.

The Academy News

View All >
  • Regimental Change of Command CeremonyAn annual event transferring responsibilities between two classes of student leaders
    Read More
  • 2025 Regimental Awards CeremonyCelebrating the achievements of students
    Read More
  • MMA Admissions Hosts Leadership Challenge WeekendEvent builds skills, confidence, and campus connections
    Read More