“I think in 35 years of doing this and probably close to 2,000 boats, I’ve never seen the same boat twice.”
Grand Valley State University professor of engineering Shirley Fleischmann started the Wooden Shoe Regatta as a fluid mechanics lab for juniors majoring in mechanical engineering. Students design and build their own small, wooden sailboats, racing them across a shallow water tank, powered by six fans.
Senior Nick Clarent says it’s a fun way for the students to celebrate their accomplishments.
“It’s about celebrating the work that you put into something, because every person here put in loads and loads of work and, whether it ended up working or not, it’s still fun to celebrate it.”
Points are awarded for style and speed, with winners receiving a wooden shoe hand-painted by Fleischmann. As she prepares for retirement, she says she hopes the students feel a sense of comradery and accomplishment as the annual regatta continues without her.
“It will continue and I have promised to keep on painting the shoes as well.”
When the regatta first launched in 1990, there were only six participants. This year, nearly 70 students competed.
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