Isle of Wight Science Fair

The Classic Boat Museum was proud to participate in the Isle of Wight Science Festival, held at Cowes Enterprise College on Thursday 3rd July 2025. This vibrant event brought together over 25 technology-based organisations, with the shared aim of inspiring young Islanders to explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Building on the legacy of the Noel Turner Science Festival, this year’s festival embraced the theme “Light a Spark to Encourage the Future Engineers,” emphasising the urgent need to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers in response to a global skills shortage.

The museum’s exhibit focused on boat design and hydrodynamics, offering students the opportunity to test model boats in a custom-built water tank. This hands-on activity proved hugely popular, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking as students experimented with design and propulsion techniques to reduce drag and increase speed. The highlight of the day came when Student A successfully completed the course in just 5.98 seconds, marking the fastest time recorded during the event.

The museum’s participation in the Isle of Wight Science Festival was a resounding success, engaging hundreds of students and igniting enthusiasm for engineering and marine design. The interactive test tank was particularly well-received, reinforcing the festival’s core mission to inspire curiosity, creativity, and aspiration in STEM fields among young people. We look forward to supporting the festival again in the future and continuing our mission to bring maritime science and history to life for the next generation.