The island’s architects and engineers have teamed up to launch a cardboard boat-building challenge for schoolchildren.

The event, to be held this afternoon, was designed by the Institute of Bermuda Architects and the Bermuda Association of Professional Engineers to promote an interest in the professions. It will be open to the public.

Lisamarie Masters, the president of the IBA, said: “As design professionals, it is important for us to engage with the next generation of architects and engineers, so that we can build relationships with students and help guide them through the process of becoming a registered professional.”

She added: “Building and racing a cardboard boat is a fantastic way for students to engage with many of the problem-solving, design and collaboration skills we as professionals use regularly.

“It is quite literally a sink-or-swim challenge and it is our hope that some of the students participating consider a career as an engineer or architect.”

The race will involve teams of up to five pupils building a boat out of cardboard and duct tape over a two-hour period.

All materials and equipment will be provided.

The boats will have to carry two team members the 50-metre length of the pool as fast as possible and the competitors were asked to plan and build prototypes before the event.

The competition, now in its fifth year, is open to pupils in years 9 to 12 and will be held at the National Aquatics Centre in Devonshire.

Organisers said spectators were welcome to wattend and cheer on the teams.

The youngsters will build their boats between 1pm and 3pm. The races will start at 3.15pm and the awards ceremony will be held at 3.45pm.

Cardboard for the boats was donated by wholesaler Butterfield & Vallis and the duct tape was gifted by hardware store Gorham’s.