It’s week 10 and here at UCI Transat, we’re pleased to announce that we have received the diesel engine purchased from eBay and have had a successful engine start thanks to Connor Kingman who took the engine home over Thanksgiving break. Last weeks meeting consisted of purchasing diesel fuel and removing rust from certain parts of the engine in order to get it ready for use in the boat. We are currently in the process of developing mechanical systems to keep the engine securely mounted in the bottom of the boat and reduce vibration.

In addition, we’re also happy to announce we have a name for our boat: Designated Driver

Our boat will be tasked with responsibly guiding itself across the ocean autonomously in the future. This alone, is a sobering reminder that we must design our craft so that it will confidently navigate its way across treacherous oceans and avoid possible impairments (kelp beds or other maritime obstacles).