Bel Air High School’s Engineering team leaves the competition with 2nd place on the 4th of May, held at the Museum of Industry in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. In previous years, Bel Air typically placed 1st, however this year’s competition was different. 

The competition consists of multiple schools competing in the manufacturing of boats, as well as testing and competing with those boats holding a certain number of cargo containers, speed, and a course the ships must follow. Student and Fleet Commander Karolina Morales, of BAHS Engineering team says “A loss like today shouldn’t have happened. We planned so many weeks and months ahead just for 2nd place. It is truly unbelievable.” Morales put money, time and dedication towards the boat. Morales also explained that she too was just a worker for the Engineering Team and was promoted and is frustrated she could not secure the victory. 

Although the competition may not have been the most successful, the boats produced by BAHS excelled in technology of motors and other required components. Captain Abby Florianne comments that the boats, in their own way, were a success. “The motors and technology itself should have placed better than a 2nd place for sure. It was better than anyone else’s. What came down to us losing was who piloted the boat, and what other teams did better.” 

Over the last couple of years, Bel Air has won a total of 8 competitions, coming in first place each time. This year, the engineering team took from September to May to build and ensure the boat would be prosperous within the competition. Some days, the Engineering team stayed until 10 PM working hard to finish the boats.  

Faculty Advisor Christopher Serokos agreed that some factors weren’t ideal, but in the end, it is always worth it to compete. “The weather was rainy and windy, judges scored how they scored. You can’t win everything. This is an experience, but it’s one to learn from.”