Industries in northern Japan expressed their interest in working with UWC Atlantic College when they heard of its boat-building legacy. Kamaishi was decimated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and much of its industry has not yet recovered. A proposal was made to members of the Kamaishi community by Mr Jenkins, emphasising that the manufacture of boats designed at UWC Atlantic College would not only revive the areas withered industry but result in vessels which could save innumerable lives in the event of another tsunami.

 

Though the brief is ambitious, the necessity of its success is felt by all involved. ‘That Japanese companies have invested in the concept of the design’s manufacture is a great display of trust and shows the responsibility placed upon the students of Atlantic College,’ said Robin Jenkins, ‘not to mention the lives that could potentially be saved with the invention of a tsunami vessel.’ As a design lecturer at University of the Arts London, Mr Jenkins travelled to Japan as a consultant for Future Lab Tohoku. The organisation consists of a collaboration of artists who work with tsunami victims to set up design-related projects, hoping to rebuild small industries and communities.

 

Work began promptly as, in eight months’ time; the completed prototype will undergo rigorous sea trials consisting of an expedition around the British coast, beginning on the 25th of July, before being transported to Kamaishi. A team of students are researching the characteristics of the Japanese coastline in order to make bespoke initial designs. They are also in charge of the project’s logistics, its branding and documenting its progress on social media, not to mention the boat’s construction and subsequent thorough testing in the Bristol Channel.

 

However, the team would still benefit from the assistance of enthusiastic alumni. Any experience in boat construction and design would be valuable, but knowledge of organising and running a project, public relations or fundraising is just as vital for the project’s success.