Mini Regatta gives students a hands-on STEM Challenge through NSF Navigating Home program

Students and their families standing knee-deep in calm, shallow ocean water, standing near small model versions of galaide’ or flying proas. — Students and their families cheered on their entries into the mini regatta competition held at the Piti Sea Festival. 20 entrants from local elementary and middle schools crafted their versions of galaide’ or flying proas and took them to the ocean in a showing of STEM prowess.

A group of children gather under a large white event tent on a sandy ground. . On the right, Master Navigator Larry Raigatel speaks to the group. — Master Navigator Larry Raigatel helped students make the connection between engineering and culture during the project, put on by the NSF Navigating Home STEM Ambassador Program.

A close-up shot focuses on a small, hand-crafted galaide’ sailing in shallow ocean water. — Entries took to the water naturally as spectators cheered on for the mini regatta competition. The competition took place during the Piti Sea Festival and featured STEM lessons for participants.

Engineering met island tradition during this year’s Piti Sea Festival as students put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test in the Mini Regatta Competition, an event supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Navigating Home STEM Ambassador Program (STEMAP).

The competition challenged participants to design, build, and race miniature galaide’, also known as the flying proa, combining principles of engineering, physics, and environmental science with Guam’s rich maritime heritage. Under the guidance from Master Navigator Larry Raigetal, students worked in teams to apply concepts such as buoyancy, balance, wind propulsion, and hull design before putting their vessels to the ultimate test on the water.

The contest served as more than just a friendly competition—it provided an engaging opportunity for students from Piti’s Jose Rios Middle and Marcial A. Sablan Elementary schools to experience STEM learning through hands-on experimentation and collaboration.

Throughout the design process, participants learned that success often comes through trial, error, and innovation, reinforcing the scientific method in a fun and meaningful way.

The event was supported by the NSF Navigating Home STEM Ambassador Program, an initiative that seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and community leaders by connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences rooted in island communities. By integrating traditional maritime knowledge with modern STEM education, the program encourages students to see science and engineering as tools for strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Guam and the broader Pacific region.

“The Mini Regatta is an excellent example of how STEM education can be both exciting and culturally relevant,” said NSF Navigating Home’s Franki Guerrero. “Students aren’t simply building boats—they’re learning how engineering, teamwork, and innovation can help solve real-world challenges while appreciating the traditions that have shaped our island.”

Held as part of the annual Piti Sea Festival, the competition drew students, families, educators, and community members together in celebration of Guam’s deep connection to the ocean. Spectators cheered as 20 handcrafted vessels navigated the course, showcasing the ingenuity and perseverance of its young builders.

By blending culture, community, and experiential learning, the Mini Regatta demonstrated that great STEM lessons can happen outside the classroom—one sailboat at a time.