The biannual International Submarine Races began June 25 and run through June 30 at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division in Bethesda, Maryland. This is the 14th time this event is taking place.

High-school and university student teams come together at Carderock’s model basin to put their human-powered subs to the test. Teams come from around the world.

Sea Technology visited the races Thursday afternoon and walked into a scene at the basin with a big crowd of spectators looking on and cheering as participants in scuba gear got ready with their subs in the water.

Awards will be given for overall performance (comes with $1,000), absolute speed, fastest speed by category, innovation and best design outline. A Smooth Operator Award and Best Spirit of the Races Award will also be given.

A full report on ISR 2017 will run in the September issue of ST.