|
FAU Does Great at ISR 8!
PERSONAL NOTE FROM TRAVIS STEEVES
July 8, 2005
FAU's Human Powered Submarine Team has just returned from the 8th International Submarine Races, held at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Bethesda, MD. The races took place from June 27 - July 1. This was F.A.U's first attempt to compete in a human powered submarine event since 1998, and the first time F.A.U. has competed in the ISR since 1993.
Despite being out classed by the current world leaders in human submarine racing, the F.A.U. HPS team has returned with $750 in prize money, placing in an unprecedented 6 out of 9 possible award categories, including most efficient team!
As our lead propulsor, David Wilkinson's focus and physical conditioning was pivotal to the success through the speed traps. He and I managed to coax the 15 year old F.A. U-Boat to a top speed of 6.1 knots, beating the FAU world record set back in 1994, and granting F.A.U membership in the very exclusive 6+ knot club.
Since the first ISR, held in 1989, only 2 other teams have managed to earn the distinction of breaking the 6 knot barrier. These 2 teams, from Holland and Canada, are heavily funded and supported, and use cutting edge technology to achieve their success.
By the end of the race week, the F.A.U. team had earned 2nd place for speed in the 2 man category and 3rd place overall, for speed with respect to the other 22 entries. This past week will definitely be one for the F.A.U. history books!
I plan to give a presentation regarding our efforts, the race week itself, and details about the 6 awards early in the fall semester. I want to congratulate the following team members for their outstanding efforts at the 8th ISR:
Scott Gibbs, David Wilkinson, David VanEpps, Cynthia Cleveland, David Darwent, Gerry Kaufman, Kenny Patek, Faydra Schaffer, Zach Grabe
I'd also like to thank Dr. An and Dr. Dhanak for taking the time to visit us during the week. Stephanie Brown and Jessie Chaffin, who are interning for the summer at the NSWC were also on hand during their lunch breaks to help sustain the team. We thank all of you for your support.
|
