Atlantic City High School’s 12th Annual Boat Races Made Waves with Record-Breaking Win

The 12th Annual Boat Races at Atlantic City High School were a resounding success, drawing cheers from classmates, teachers, and visitors as students put their engineering and physics knowledge to the test on the water.

Held on campus in Atlantic City, NJ, this year’s event celebrated creativity, teamwork, and scientific application through one of the school’s most exciting traditions. Students from Honors Physics and AP Physics 1 classes participated, using principles they learned throughout the year to design and race their boats across a makeshift course.

The competition was not only about speed, but also about design, buoyancy, and innovation. Every team had the opportunity to present their vessels, explain their engineering choices, and demonstrate how physics could be applied in a practical, hands-on challenge.

The highlight of the event came when a new school record was set by Zuzanna Turska ’25, a two-time champion, and her teammates. Their boat sped across the finish line faster than any in previous years, cementing their names in the school’s physics legacy. Their victory proved to be a perfect blend of technical skill and effective collaboration.

The first-place prize went to “Puff Mobile”, created by students in the Honors Physics class. Known for its sleek design and aerodynamic efficiency, the boat outpaced its competitors while remaining remarkably stable during the race.

Second and third place were awarded to “Armstrong” and “Mayflower”, both entries from AP Physics 1. These boats demonstrated unique structural solutions and a deep understanding of force, motion, and fluid dynamics.

The event was as educational as it was entertaining, giving students the chance to engage with physics in a way that was both interactive and memorable. Teachers and spectators alike were impressed by the ingenuity on display and the energy students brought to the challenge.

The race also served as an opportunity for students to practice problem-solving, collaboration, and communication, all key components of STEM education. Whether their boats placed or not, every participant walked away with valuable experience and a sense of pride.

A big thank you went out to all who came to support the event, especially the teachers who organized it and the students who made it possible. The 12th Annual Boat Races stood as a testament to what students can achieve when given the space to explore, build, and compete.

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Photo Credit to: Atlantic City High School