The young champions, the Sea Circuits, are gearing up to defend their title at a regional underwater robotics competition on May 11.

After a triumphant yet initially unrecognized victory last year, the team is eager to demonstrate their skills and reclaim their crown in a celebration of innovation and teamwork, according to a press release.

In 2023, the Sea Circuits, a spirited team of homeschooled innovators secured the championship against older and more experienced teams. Due to an oversight, their victory was not acknowledged until a later review corrected the scores, spotlighting their outstanding performance.

“This year, they return with renewed vigor and the goal to win, not just in the water, but in the hearts and minds of all from the moment the results are in,” the press release states.

The team, likely to once again be the youngest team at the competition, has seen some changes this season, with the addition of a new member, Elliott Farrell, 9, stepping in as the Manipulator Operator. Farrell joins the ranks of the seasoned young engineers — Finn Macartney, 9, Charlotte Whitridge, 8, Nova Olson, 8 and Skye Macartney, 7 — bringing fresh enthusiasm and a keen sense of innovation to the team. Together, they aim to build on last year’s success and continue their commitment to environmental stewardship through robotics.

This year’s competition theme revolves around sustainable practices and conservation efforts in marine environments. The Sea Circuits’ remotely operated vehicle, Abyss, is set to perform tasks that highlight the importance of protecting underwater ecosystems, showcasing the team’s dedication to using technology for environmental good.

In preparation for the championship, the Sea Circuits built multiple prototypes of their remotely operated vehicle, or ROV, before selecting a final design, constructing it and learning to fly it underwater.