HOW do you keep a bunch of high school students engaged post-exams and before the holiday break?
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Get them to build something and make it a competition.
The inaugural Cardboard Boat Regatta has been run and won and hailed a success by organisers the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West and Hastings Secondary College Westport campus.
The event was held on Saturday, December 14, in the Hastings River at Marine Rescue's headquarters in Port Macquarie and followed by a barbecue to raise money for the drought.
Basking in their glory was team Blokes on Boats who charged home in a sturdy, waterproof and agile vessel to win the championship crown.
Student Cody Richards said it all came down to hard work and of course bouyancy - they didn't sink.
The Rotary Club worked closely with marine studies teacher Lloyd Godson over many months to deliver the exciting project for students in years 9, 10 and 11 Marine Studies.
Vocational Service Director, Heather Mayne, said it was an opportunity for Rotary to engage with young people in a different way and put the theory learned in the classroom into practice.
It is hoped next year, the competition will be an inter-school end of year event.
Each boat was built to have a minimum two crew and a maximum of four students.
Sponsoring the town's maiden soggy boat competition, international defence contractor Birdon Marine donated prize money towards the regatta, with the major prize providing marine students with industry experience or resources to benefit their studies.
The champions were Blokes on Boats; the team spirit and creative design awards went to Hot Babes while team T and T took home the most epic fail award. The fastest course time was recorded by team Platypus.
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