When Engineers Go Sailing

Summer 2013, after my freshman year in college, I had the opportunity to participate in one of Stanford's Sophomore College classes, When Engineers Go SailingI was inspired to take this class after I spent my freshman year on the Stanford Women's Rowing team. I wanted to learn about how engineering could be applied to improve and drastically change classic sports, such as rowing and sailing. 

We were immersed in engineering topics such as materials, mathematical modeling, and fluid mechanics, and also had the chance to do some sailing ourselves at Stanford's boathouse, visit the Oracle race headquarters, and see a few of the races in person. 

As part of the class, we completed a group report and presentation on a topic of our choice. Our group chose to research carbon fiber, fascinated by the possibilities it allows and the considerations that must be taken when using it.