The Competition
2022 Route
Updated Spring 2022 rules
The competition course will begin and
end within Pohick Bay Regional Park to the left of the boat launch. Each boat is tasked with
completing 5 laps (
<1 mile per lap) with turns defined by the buoys at either end of the course (see image below). This
short track course will allow for maximum visibility by MACC attendees and safety of those
competing. Participants can gather along the edge of the auxiliary parking lot and may use the
Eagle Nest facilities as a place to get water/snacks and some shade.
This Spring, we
reconfigured the course to be on the bayside of the boat launch (rather than between the boat launch
and the Potomac River). As of today, we are using these GPS coordinates for the course.
Start: 38.680247, -77.165448 - Buoy 2: 38.68223710587, -77.17434028973
Because this waterway is publicly accessible, we do need to abide by public boating regulations:
- Register your boat in your state and you can use it in the state of Virginia
- Ensure your race-day captain has a boating license. Virginia will recognize any
other state's boating license and you can also take these online
options to get your boat license from Virginia-approved companies.
Participants in the competition will be tasked with completing 5 laps of a short <1 mile out and
back circuit in relatively protected waters. The competition is open to both manned and unmanned
vessels, but participation is subject to compliance with all USCG regulations. Manned and unmanned
vessels will race separately for safety reasons. Additionally, the competition organizers reserve
the right to decline any vessel water access if safety concerns are present.
The Schedule
The competition will be held on
Thursday, May 26, 2022, thus ensuring our competitors can join the in-person race before heading on
to their jobs and internships. Competitors will be expected to launch their boats from the nearby
boat ramp and have their boat race-ready after 15 minutes in the water. Competitors are required to
pull their boats from the water at the conclusion of the competition. Note, due to space
constraints, anyone wishing to display their PEP vessel for the duration of the must separately
purchase an in-water, static, or tent exhibit space.
The 2022 Course
The competition course will begin and end at the ASNE-provided buoy to the northwest of the boat
launch at Pohick Bay Regional Park. The buoy will be large and painted orange. The western buoy will
have the same construction and be spaced one-half mile apart. Each boat is tasked with completing 5
laps (approximately 1 mile per lap) with turns defined by these two buoys spaced one-half mile (see
image below). This short track course will allow for maximum visibility by PEP attendees and safety
of those competing. Participants will be able to register soon so that we have an accurate head
count to manage the day's events.
The Rules
Download a copy of the 2022 competition rules here. Teams should also be mindful
of the USCG Safety Rules.
Competitor Incentives
As part of the PEP program, up to $7,000 technology mini-grants will be awarded to collegiate
participants to encourage further innovation in electric power for small craft.
Top 3 Winners will be awarded cash prize in each class, and see the Competition Rules for more
details about the awards.
Teams Committed to the 2022 PEP Competition (PDF of Rules)
- University of Pittsburgh
- Wake Forest University
- University of Michigan - e-Jetski
- North Carolina A&T - Water Aggies
- Old Dominion University
- Princeton University - Papillon Rouge
- Texas A&M
- University of Kentucky
- Tennessee Tech
- Johns Hopkins University
- Michigan Solar Sea
- Virginia Tech
- University of Washington - Bothell
- Widener University
- University of Georgia
- Stevens Institute
As part of the PEP program, up to $7,000 technology mini-grants will be awarded to participants to
encourage further innovation in electric power for small craft. Top 3 Winners will be awarded
$2,000, $1,000, and $500 in each class. There are also special engineering awards for teams
displaying innovative engineering.
More Details about Pohick Bay Regional Park
There are numerous accommodations nearby and there are cabins on site that you may choose to rent.
Please note that ASNE is helping to facilitate your travel, but you will need to be responsible to
plan and budget for this travel.
If you choose to arrive earlier than Tuesday, we welcome you to stop by the ASNE offices or take in
some of the regional sites
Liability and Photo Release All competitors must complete the liability and
photo release included on the last page of the downloadable
competition rules. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must also sign.