ASNE-Sika
Build-A-Boat Challenge
Teams design and build boats from scratch – then race them. For 30 years this event has celebrated naval engineering, shipbuilding, and the region’s maritime heritage.
Free & open to the public
About the Event
Built here. Raced here.
For 30 years.
The ASNE-Sika Ultimate Build-A-Boat Challenge brings together teams of naval engineers, shipbuilding professionals, students, and maritime enthusiasts to design and construct boats from raw materials – then put them to the test on the water.
This year’s event marks the 30th anniversary of the challenge, timed to coincide with the Sail250® Virginia celebrations commemorating America’s 250th birthday. The 2026 event moves to a new home at North Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth – just a short ferry ride from Norfolk and steps from the Renaissance Hotel, right in the heart of the waterfront action.
Sponsor contributions cover the cost of construction materials, keeping the event free for all competing teams. One hundred percent of net proceeds fund ASNE engineering scholarships and STEM grants for the next generation of naval engineers and shipbuilding professionals.
Event Details
- Bring your own tools
- Saturday: Build from 8:30am to 5pm
- Sunday: 3 races, arrive by 12pm for catered lunch
Contact
For event information, team registration, or sponsorship inquiries, contact Mike D’Amato at 757.641.2877 or michaelj.damato@verizon.net. Visit asne-tw.org for full details.
The Event
Two days on the water
Each team receives the same materials and has one day to design and build a seaworthy vessel. On race day, it all comes down to engineering, teamwork, and a little luck on the water.
01
Build Day
Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Morning
8am: Arrival of teams and volunteers
8am-10am: Setup - All Day
10am: Building Starts - Evening
Boats sealed and staged for race day
02
Race Day
Sunday, June 21, 2026
- Morning
11am: Lunch Setup - Lunch
12pm: Catered Lunch for Sponsors, Builders, and Volunteers - Race + Ceremony
2:30pm: Races 3 Heats
4:30pm: Trophy Presentations
Ready to enter a team?
Registration is open and spots are limited to 20 teams. Visit the official event website for team entry forms, sponsor applications, photos, and race videos from previous years.
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