March 19, 2026—The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), New England Science and Sailing (NESS), and Educational Passages (EP) are joining forces once again for the 7th annual Recycle Regatta. This dynamic educational initiative brings students together to design, build, and race boats made entirely from recycled and repurposed materials.
The Recycle Regatta is a free hands-on competition open to students in grades K-12 that blends science and creativity. Participants apply engineering principles to construct seaworthy model sailboats using only recycled materials, gaining practical experience in buoyancy, physics, and environmental stewardship while racing their creations to victory. Last year’s Regatta attracted over 150 students across the United States who brought materials ranging from water bottles to plastic bags and even cardboard boxes.
“What started as a way to engage students while they were stuck at home during the pandemic has flourished into an opportunity for teachers and students, alike. Not only does it require individuals to be resourceful with materials but it empowers them to apply the engineering process to find the best version of their vessel. This combination allows students to weave confidence and pride into their design, showcasing the best of Recycle Regatta,” said Beth Smith, NESS Educator.
Through this innovative program, students not only learn STEAM concepts but also deepen their understanding of marine conservation and the importance of reducing waste. The initiative encourages young environmental stewards to rethink how everyday materials can be reused and repurposed, reinforcing the critical message of protecting oceans and waterways from plastic pollution.
“Programs like the Recycle Regatta demonstrate how creativity and education can inspire the next generation of maritime and environmental stewards and leaders,” said Meghan Reilly, NAMEPA’s Education and Outreach Manager. “By combining hands-on engineering with marine environment protection, participants gain both the knowledge and the motivation to protect the marine environment.”
Recycle Regatta continues to engage classrooms, community groups, and sailing organizations by providing an exciting platform for experiential learning and environmental awareness
“Each year, we look forward to seeing the creativity that participants bring to their Recycle Regatta submissions,” said Daryn Clevesy, Program Coordinator at Educational Passages. “This engaging and accessible activity makes learning about ocean health and marine dynamics tangible and fun, while also fostering environmental stewardship through friendly competition.”
In addition to on-the-water fun, the Recycle Regatta highlights the broader global challenge of marine debris and plastic pollution, encouraging students and communities to adopt sustainable practices such as reducing, reusing, repurposing, and recycling materials in everyday life.
NAMEPA, NESS, and Educational Passages remain committed to advancing environmental education and supporting programs that empower students to explore maritime careers while becoming responsible stewards of the marine environment.
To learn more about Recycle Regatta or how to get involved, please visit Recycle Regatta
About NAMEPA
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is a maritime industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting resilient maritime industry best practices and educating seafarers, students, and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake, and river resources. For more information, visit www.namepa.net.
About NESS
New England Science & Sailing is a NEASC accredited program that inspires, empowers, and transforms students through ocean-based experiential learning. We serve schools, teachers, and families both on and off the water. Through our STEM-based curriculum students build leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills. To see what adventures await you, visit us at NESSF.org!
About Educational Passages
Educational Passages (EP) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that envisions a world in which students, educators, researchers, and communities are united as global learners across our one shared ocean. Our mission is to empower students to be explorers, scientists, and stewards through discovering the ocean, with our unique miniboats as their vessel to learning. For more information, visit https://educationalpassages.org/.
Featured Image: Recycle Regatta Logo and one of the winners from 2025