Students Send Mini Research Vessel To Sea
Saltus Grammar School students have launched Bermuda’s first student-built research miniboat, Coral Tempest, into the Atlantic through the global Educational Passages program.
A spokesperson said, “Saltus Grammar School students have made history as the first organization in Bermuda to participate in the internationally recognized Educational Passages Miniboat Program, launching the island’s first student-assembled educational research miniboat into the Atlantic Ocean.
Photos courtesy of Claire Medley [BIOS]
“Since September 2025, 13 senior students, guided by Saltus Science Teacher Paul Wright, have been engaged in a truly unique, interdisciplinary oceanography project that integrates science, technology, engineering, design, communications, and real-world research.
“The project culminated in the successful launch of their uncrewed research vessel, Coral Tempest, on Wednesday, 14th January, by the team from Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences [BIOS], a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University. Scientists and crew aboard R/V Atlantic Explorer were also carrying out scientific work funded by the US National Science Foundation at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series [BATS] sites 45 nm to the southeast of the island.
“This pioneering project exemplifies Saltus’ adoption of the British Columbia Curriculum, highlighting the school’s commitment to authentic, interdisciplinary STEAM [science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics] learning that encourages students to apply knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts.
“As part of their Oceanography course, students assembled, equipped, tested, and prepared a 1.5-metre [5-foot] uncrewed research vessel designed to sail downwind across the ocean while collecting valuable environmental data. Participation in the global Educational Passages program places Saltus at the forefront of experiential marine science education and marks a significant milestone for Bermuda’s educational community.
“The project was deliberately structured to reflect real-world scientific collaboration. Students were organized into five specialist teams, each responsible for a critical component of the vessel’s development:
- “Hull Team: prepared and installed the keel, sanded and painted the hull with antifouling paint, and stepped the mast.
- Team members: Tristan Burgess, Rory Savage
- “Tech Team: outfitted the miniboat with electronic sensors, led the research design, and prepared systems to collect oceanographic data.
- Team members: Chloe Burns, Evan Davis, Gabriel Mackertich
- “Launch Team: constructed a display stand, identified a deployer, and coordinated the successful offshore launch.
- Team members: Aiden Mahoney, Jada Tannock, Jaxon Trott
- “Graphics Team: designed the sail and deck graphics in line with stakeholder and program requirements.
- Team members: Sam Mello, Jordan Talbot
- “Media Team: documented the build process, created educational displays, and promoted the project throughout the Saltus community.
- Team members: Jaeda Grant, Gabriela Gonzalez, William Butterworth
“Working collaboratively, students were responsible for every stage of the process,from construction and ballasting to sealing, branding, and launch preparation. Now at sea, the Coral Tempest will transmit real-time data as students track its Atlantic journey, analyze oceanographic conditions, and study weather systems as part of their ongoing coursework.”
“The Coral Tempest represents the very best of what learning looks like at Saltus,” said the Saltus Grammar School Head of School, Ms. Julie Rousseau, “Through our adoption of the British Columbia Curriculum, we are committed to interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning that connects knowledge to real-world application. This project brought science, technology, engineering, creativity, and collaboration together in a powerful way, while marking a proud milestone as the first organization in Bermuda to participate in this global research initiative.
“Our students are not just studying oceanography, they are engaged in ongoing research, authentic problem-solving and collaboration and learning how to thrive through an exciting shared challenge and purpose.”
A spokesperson added, “The Saltus community and the public are invited to follow Coral Tempest as it journeys across the Atlantic Ocean: https://educationalpassages.org/boats/coraltempest/.”
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