A GROUP of students from Beaminster School have won a powerboat competition for the second year running.

Taking part in the QinetiQ schools powerboat challenge, the task involved a team of pupils designing, building and testing a radio controlled model powerboat before racing it at the Haslar Marine Technology Park in Gosport.

Consisting of Year 8 students Archie Bromfield, Bertie Purkiss, Joe Smith and Hugh Wycherley, Beaminster School’s team fought off competition from teams across Hampshire and Dorset, winning eight heats and getting through to the final.

Archie Bromfield said: “After weeks of hard graft, our work finally paid off. I really enjoyed the entire experience from start to end. I am definitely interested in a career as a naval architect. Overall, it was one of the best days of the year!”

Starting this project in January, the students began designing the hull of the boat on the school’s CAD system. They combined their design with material they had been provided with which they were not allowed to alter, such as a basic propulsion system, a motor, propshaft, propeller and battery.

On race day each team set up a display to showcase what they had done and revealed how they had come to their final design, which involved giving a presentation to judges from QinetiQ and their boats being scrutinised by naval architects.

Prior to the final, some small alterations were made during the lunchtime break which proved to be crucial as the Beaminster team won by a two lap margin.

Hugh Wycherley, said: “The day was really interesting and we really learned a lot. Seeing some of the other boat designs was inspirational – one boat kept going despite sinking twice.

“The QinetiQ staff who organised the day were very helpful and gave us some great tips to make our boat quicker and the atmosphere of the day was great. There were five races and we were very pleased with the boat because we won every race.”

Adrian Barton, head of technology at Beaminster School, who accompanied the students said: “This event offers a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to work alongside designers, naval architects and engineers.”