Bermudian students won praise from judges at SailGP for their creative use of repurposed materials to build model catamaran vessels, with CedarBridge Academy taking first place and Sandys Secondary Middle School coming in second.

Bermuda High School finished third in the Inspire Next Gen Challenge, which recognises outstanding innovation, sustainability and design.

The competition, supported by the Endeavour charity, is part of SailGP Inspire, the global championship’s award-winning education and outreach programme.

Roughly 1,600 students on the island, aged 11 to 14, tested their teamwork and engineering skills in the test to build model F50 catamarans.

Judges praised CedarBridge’s model F50 as “engineered to a remarkably high standard”, citing the “exceptional” attention to detail across the wings, hull, spinnaker and foils.

Sandys Secondary Middle School’s team was commended for its creative use of upcycled soda cans inspired by the Bonds Flying Roos colourway.

The programme has engaged more than 34,000 young people globally, creating pathways into sailing and the wider marine industry through hands-on experiences.

The Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix from May 9 to 10 marks the fifth stop of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship, with international teams racing identical high-speed F50 catamarans.

Winning schools from the challenge will receive tickets to attend the event and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the SailGP Tech Site.

The event will spotlight Bermuda’s maritime capabilities, natural beauty and status as a top global sailing destination on the world’s stage.

This will be the fourth time Bermuda hosts the Rolex SailGP Championship. Tickets remain on sale at SailGP.com/Bermuda.