A cardboard boat building challenge is to see students compete against each other in a “sink or swim” race gala.

The National Aquatics Centre event involves students aged 9 to 12 building a craft from just cardboard and duct tape.

Teams of up to five will have two hours to construct a boat which it is hoped will be strong enough to hold the students for the 50-metre length of the pool during races.

Participants have been encouraged to prepare for the challenge by planning and building prototypes in the run-up to the event.

Cardboard material for the boats will be reused, locally-sourced boxes, which have been donated by Butterfield and Vallis, organisers said.

The event, from 1pm to 3pm today, is being hosted by the Institute of Bermuda Architects and the Bermuda Association of Professional Engineers, and marks the first time it has been held since 2019.

Tika Gilbert, IBA president, 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.

“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 in our professions.”

Spectators have been asked to come along and cheer on the teams with the boat building running from 1pm to 3pm, followed by races and an awards ceremony.