Schools

SHS Robotics Students Sail Away to Gloucester

Today and tomorrow Dick Leonard's students will navigate a sailboat they assembled, outfitted with electronics and programmed.

 

The high school robotics students' sailing vessel set sail in her maiden voyage last month off Fisherman's Beach.

Today the craft will ride Gloucester Harbor waters at the 7th International Robotic Sailboat Championship —  called Sailbot.

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Some members of teacher Dick Leonard's Sailbot (robotic) team are also members of Swampscott High's regular (nautical) sailing team including Haley McDevitt and Conner Lau.

Last month at Fisherman's Beach, Haley and Conor were decked out in their sailing gear, ready to climb aboard their crafts to practice their nautical skills.

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But first they tested the robotic sailing vessel. Haley carried it to and placed it in the water and Connor navigated it remotely.

Haley is the captain of the Sailbot crew.

The Swampscott High robotics team assembled their craft, as well as assembled and installed electronics. They also did some programming.

This is the first year high school students have been allowed to compete in the international competition, Haley said.

The city of Gloucester and Olin College are hosting the event.

Events include fleet racing, autonomous navigation and a long distance race.


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