Cardboard Armada Launches Sept. 22

SUZANNE RAMSEY
College relations staff writer

Etymologically, “armada” is Spanish for “armed” in the feminine variation, and it usually refers to a fleet of naval or military ships.

What better way to describe the flotilla to be launched by Sweet Briar’s engineering students at the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta? Women, armed with scads of engineering know-how, building boats. Makes perfect sense.

At 12:45 p.m. on Sept. 22, more than two dozen engineering students will shove off from the shores of Sweet Briar’s Lower Lake in crafts made from 20 pounds of heavyweight cardboard and 50 feet of duct tape.

The students are enrolled in Engineering 110 – Designing our World: An Introduction to Engineering Design. This teamwork exercise gives them a chance to put what they’ve learned in the classroom to the test.

“This is a challenging learning experience,” Dorsa Sanadgol, assistant professor of engineering, said. “The purpose of this project is to have students work as part of a team to design and construct a buoyant vessel using only cardboard and duct tape that can be navigated in an open body of water. Cooperation and teamwork are essential components of this design project.”

With play-by-play provided by WSET reporter Ishmael LaBiosa, each team of two will pilot their boats through a figure-eight-shaped course. The object is to stay afloat and cross the finish line first.

The teams are judged in three categories — design, buoyancy and speed. Awards are given for highest overall score and highest score in each category.

In its fourth running, the regatta is held in conjunction with Sweet Briar’s Homecoming festivities and is co-sponsored by the Boxwood Circle Society and the Alumnae Association. Last year’s event drew about 500 spectators.

In case of rain, the regatta will be held in the swimming pool at Williams Gymnasium.

Spectators should park at Guion Science Center or Fletcher parking lot and walk to the lake or park and catch a shuttle at the top of Boathouse Road. Two shuttles will circulate throughout the event.

Cardboard used in construction of the boats was donated by Weyerhaeuser Inc. Trophies and Bistro Bucks, to be awarded to the winners, have been provided by the development office.

If you plan to attend the regatta, or if you would like more information, contact Missy Witherow, assistant director in the alumnae office, at 381-6165 or mwitherow@sbc.edu
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