Webbies Zachary Doerr ’24 and John Feleciano ’25 have solidified their status as exceptional sailors with back-to-back victories in prestigious races, sailing NEKA Sailing’s Groupe 5.
In May, the duo braved the high seas and emerged victorious in the ORC Double-Handed Division at the 2024 Block Island Race. They skillfully navigated 186 nautical miles of light, shifty winds, overcoming strategic challenges and numerous lead changes to secure a welldeserved win at 4 AM.
Continuing their winning streak, Doerr and Feleciano recently achieved a historic victory in the Newport Bermuda Race, securing first place in their class and an impressive second in the Double-Handed Division. They crossed the finish line, completing the grueling 636-mile racecourse at Saint David’s Lighthouse after 3 days, 13 hours, 33 minutes, and 8 seconds.
Despite being the youngest crew in the entire race, the pair demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, missing the top spot by a mere four minutes. Reflecting on the experience, they described it as “the hardest thing we’ve ever done.”
Their success follows one of the missions of NEKA, or the North East Keelboat Alliance: to promote shorthanded offshore sailing to college students who without the program would not have access to this sport. NEKA provides opportunities to Webb students and other college students alike, giving a framework to learn the skills required to succeed at offshore sailing.
Offshore sailing is highly technical, requiring not just sailing skills, but also electrical, computer, engine, and structural knowledge. In addition, the sport promotes leadership, organization, and teamwork, helping to form well-rounded individuals. The Webb community is immensely proud of John’s and Zach’s remarkable achievements. Their consecutive wins are a testament to their dedication and talent, and to the spirit of Webb Institute. Congratulations to these outstanding sailors!
Webb’s Social Committee | A Year in Review
By Phoebe Garrett ’25
Over the past two years, I have served as Co-Chair of the Social Committee, a role that has provided me with the meaningful opportunity to bring Webb’s student body together outside of the classroom. As I enter my senior year and reflect on the traditions and new experiences we are able to share as a community, I recognize how these united moments encourage personal growth as well as stronger connections with one another, both of which define the unique experience integral to a Webb education.
Students at the Pie-Baking Competition
My Co-Chair this past year, Annabel Bornebusch, and I shared a common goal to celebrate student life and foster a sense of community on campus. We loved working together to execute our vision.
The commencement of the year began with a joyful Welcome Back Social geared to introduce the freshman to their new home and family- including faculty, staff, and the returning student body. Subsequent fall-semester highlights included the Halloween Party hosted by the freshman class, a faculty-judged pumpkin carving contest, and Oktoberfest.
The senior class hosted Casino Night which included lots of games, a silent auction full of fun prizes, as well as live music from the talented Max Mah ’24. The Christmas Party, our final fall-semester celebration, was a cozy gathering where students donned their pajamas, decorated gingerbread houses, and gifted each other with creative presents.
In the spring semester, we held a pie-baking competition in honor of Pi Day. The junior and sophomore classes hosted festive parties in the pub on St. Patty’s Day and Cinco de Mayo.
Michael Coppi ’25 enjoying the slip and slide.
Our biggest event of the year, Webbstock, always takes place in early June, as it represents one of the last hurrahs before final exams. This year, the front lawn served as the event venue where alumni, students, faculty, and guests enjoyed performances by 10 different bands, a playground of large inflatables slides, obstacle courses, and lawn games, as well as a snow cone machine and BBQ feast.
Finally, Gatsby was a beautiful celebration marking the conclusion of a successful school year. Seeing my peers and their guests enjoy the sun setting over the Long Island Sound in formal attire is one of my favorite memories of the year. We all enjoyed a catered Italian meal, danced to live music by a local 1920s swing band, and took lots of pictures to commemorate the night. The event would not have been as special without the generous sponsorship offered again by the Class of 2008, in loving memory of their inspiring classmate, Johanna Lee Exner. Johanna was a passionate leader during her time at Webb committed to social experiences, and her legacy continues to live on at Webb today.
Over the past year, Annabel and I have been able to be more successful in our execution of events because of the support and mentorship offered by Alyssa Caliguri, Gailmarie Sujecki, Laurie Martecchini, and Kayla Green. We would like to thank them for their dedication to enriching the social opportunities at Webb and for inspiring us with their gracious approach and benevolence. Serving on the Social Committee has underscored how the experiences students share both inside and outside of the classroom contribute to our education during the four years spent at Webb. The traditions and social opportunities encourage the student body to foster friendships, develop support networks, be present and active within our community, and find positive outlets to reduce the pressures inherent in our academic lives. Collectively, these add dimension to our education, encourage us to build life skills and lifelong relationships, and prepare us for the obstacles and adventures that await us.
As my term on the Social Committee has come to an end, I know the 2024-2025 year will be full of fun and significant moments under new leadership. I also am excited to have taken on my new position as Honor Council Chair. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and uphold the honor code that embodies Webb and the character of its student body. As the first female student who has been elected to this role, I am excited for the opportunity and am committed to promoting a supportive and equitable environment in which Webbies continue to help each other succeed.
Thesis Spotlight | Harnessing Nature’s Dance: Vortex-Induced Vibrations and the Marine Energy Collegiate Competition
By William Calli ’24
In the relentless pursuit of sustainable energy sources, scientists and engineers have often turned their gaze toward the ocean for inspiration. One such naturally occurring process that has captured the imagination of researchers is vortex-induced vibration (VIV), a mesmerizing dance of fluid dynamics that occurs when a fluid flows past a cylindrical or streamlined structure, generating alternating vortices and causing the structure to oscillate.
In recent years, a series of Webb theses have explored utilizing this captivating natural occurrence for a noble cause: energy generation. The concept is elegantly simple yet profoundly effective. By placing structures engineered to exploit VIV in bodies of moving water, such as oceans or rivers, we can convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into electrical power.
Turning Flow into Power: Harnessing VortexInduced Vibrations with a Flutter-Foil.
The essence of VIV energy generation lies in its ability to capitalize on the Von Karman Vortex Street, a naturally occurring fluid-structure interaction. As water flows past a strategically positioned array of cylinders or flexible structures, the alternating vortices induce oscillations, which can be converted into electrical energy using various mechanisms such as piezoelectric materials, electromagnetic generators, scotch yokes, or in the case of this year’s thesis being carried out by Calli and Sanchez ’24, a rack and pinion.
The beauty of VIV-based systems lies not only in their potential to generate clean energy but also in their adaptability to diverse marine environments. Whether deployed deep below the tumultuous waves of the open ocean or immersed in the steady currents of a river, these systems can gracefully dance to the rhythm of nature, tirelessly generating power without emitting harmful greenhouse gases or depleting finite resources.
Enter the Marine Energy Collegiate Competition, a competition hosted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. For the third year in a row, this prestigious competition has invited Webb to compete among teams of students from around the country to design, build, test, and create a business case for their own marine energy devices. Webb’s entry into this competition is sure to stand out with an excellent technical design for a full-scale device, a business case centered around lowering the cost of energy for rural Alaskans, and model testing conducted as part of Calli and Sanchez’s thesis in Webb’s circulating water channel.
In the grand tapestry of our quest for sustainability, Webb thesis work on VIV-based energy generation stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Webb students and the powerful lessons to be learned from nature.
Webb Exchange | One Student’s Journey
I’m Lisandro Nicoletti, a Brazilian studying at the University of Southampton, UK. I chose to do a semester abroad so as to experience the excitement of my first day at university for a second time, and I chose to do this at Webb Intitule in order to become a part of its well-known alumni community.
As an exchange student, my journey has been full of new experiences. If I had to pick a favourite day at Webb, it would probably be when we hosted the Engineers Cup. We spent the whole day on the water sailing with other marine-engineering-related colleges and universities. And following the sailing, I organized a traditional Brazilian barbecue at the yacht club for everyone.
Lisandro with members of the Class of 2024 at a fellow classmate’s hockey game.
Beyond campus, Webb Institute sponsored me to attend many events, including the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston, and Broadway shows organized by Webb’s Culture Club.
Looking back, I got to experience many things for the first time, from carving through the slopes of Vermont during the annual ski trip, to seeing an eclipse from a classmate’s hometown, and even scuba diving in the Dominican Republic during spring break. More recently, we as a class had the opportunity to go watch a classmate’s hockey game.
As the semester came to an end, I found myself looking back at all the lifelong memories and friendships, and all the invaluable professional experience I gained over my time at Webb. I can proudly say that in just one semester I gained the title of a “Webbie” – thank you Class of 2024.
Webb Institute Celebrates Historic First National Championship | Daniel Escudero ’25 Clinches College Singlehanded Sailing Title
Webb Institute is proud to announce a historic first in our school’s history. Daniel Escudero ’25 has secured the national title at the 2024 ICSA Open Singlehanded National Championships, earning Webb its first-ever national championship. Competing against elite sailors from universities with legacy sailing programs, including Harvard, Yale, and Brown, Daniel emerged as the men’s champion, securing the Glen S. Foster Trophy on November 10 in St. Petersburg, FL.
Daniel Escudero ’25 wins the Glen S. Foster Trophy – pictured with fellow sailors and competitors, Guthrie Braun ’26 (Brown) and Mathias Reimer ’27 (Yale).
The two-day competition hosted the top 18 sailors out of the 103 in the nation that raced in qualifying stages. Beginning with light, shifty winds on day one on Tampa Bay, the conditions tested each competitor’s adaptability and skill, as they navigated through eight races. Despite the challenging environment, Daniel ended the first day in second place, closely trailing Brown University’s Martins Atilla by only seven points.
On day two, as the breeze and sea state picked up, Daniel surged to the top of the leaderboard, using a strong third-place finish early in the day to gain momentum. With three races left in the series, he extended his lead and ultimately clinched the championship title.
Webb Institute President Mark Martecchini expressed great pride in Daniel’s accomplishment, noting,
Daniel, who balances a rigorous course load in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, has demonstrated remarkable tenacity both in the classroom and on the water.
Reflecting on his achievement, Daniel shared,
The 2024 College Sailing Open and Women’s Singlehanded National Championships saw Sophia Montgomery ’25 of Harvard University win the Women’s title, with competitors in both fleets facing a mix of variable and demanding conditions. Daniel’s triumph also follows his earlier success this year when he captured the ILCA 7 North American Championship, highlighting his standing as one of the most skilled sailors in the collegiate circuit.
Glen S. Foster Trophy – Men’s Championship Final Standings:
- Daniel Escudero ’25, Webb Institute
- Guthrie Braun ’26, Brown University
- Mathias Reimer ’27, Yale University
Photo Credit: Lexi Pline / College Sailing
Class of 2026 Recreates Famous Artwork
Each year, Professor Richard Harris’s Western Culture II class participates in an art project that challenges students to recreate an illustration or painting.
This year, the Class of 2026 recreated artwork from the post-Impressionist period or later from artists such as Jeff Foster, Tim Layzell, and Charles Davis. The class is designed to help students develop their critical eye and appreciation for art and the sense of composition and color.
Students carefully study the original work, break them down and recreate them using their own techniques and understanding. They paid attention to details that might otherwise be overlooked – translating into their own creative process.
Upon completion, the students’ work was exhibited in the Visconti Reception Room during graduation week, June 10-17. The exhibit was a testament to their creativity and hard work.
(In no particular order)
The Ties that Bind: Si Cong Chen ’23 on Bridging Worlds
At Webb, we are reminded of the remarkable stories that individuals have carved out. One great journey is of our Webb alum, Si Cong Chen, and how his pursuit of education forged his destiny to engineering and at Webb.
As a first-generation Asian American, Si Cong unlocked a world of opportunities through his thirst for knowledge. He got into one of the most difficult high schools in New York State- Brooklyn Tech, and later to our competitive Webb Institute for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, where he received a full tuition scholarship allowing him to focus on #STEM and explore his passion in sustainable engineering.
Grateful for the opportunities that he was given, Si Cong wants to ensure that others have the same access to opportunities as he does. Read more about his story here:
What’s your name, and where are you from?
My name is Si Cong Chen, and I grew up in Brooklyn, New York. I am a first-generation Asian American.
How did you get to Webb?
Before Webb, I attended Brooklyn Tech, the largest high school in NY. I always had an interest in engineering, so I decided to study Mechatronics and Robotics there. Not long after, I realized I wanted a change of pace. I still enjoyed the technical aspects of engineering, but I also desired a career with more hands-on work. After my Prospective Freshmen (PF) visit to Webb, I learned about the different winter work periods students were exposed to at an early part of their careers. From there, I was convinced this was the place for my undergraduate studies.
What attracted you to Webb?
The sense of community at Webb really drew me in. I went tree climbing for the first time when I was visiting Webb. I became good friends with my host, Jonas who was a year above me at Webb. The bonding of classmates, the beach and the serenity of Webb made me feel at home.
What are some experiences that you remember at Webb?
For homecoming one year, the student body hosted a boat race. My classmates salvaged some parts from the Freshmen Boat Building Competition earlier that month and successfully assembled the remnants into a large wooden boat suitable for nine people. Though we did not win the race against the other classes, we managed to stay afloat for the entirety of the race—I think.
Why were you interested in the company you chose at Winter Work?
I was interested in surveying since I started at Webb but had little luck finding one during the peak of Covid. After contacting a few alumni, I was finally able to get a surveying internship with Sean Murphy, an alum from 2013. I worked at ABL Group / Offshore Wind Consultants located in New York City’s Financial District. The office was comprised of three different teams: maritime, engineering design, and offshore wind. With the maritime team, I had the privilege of crawling tanks, climbing my first pigeonhole ladder, and inspecting machinery equipment with a senior surveyor.
How do you feel your Asian heritage has influenced your decision to pursue a career in engineering?
Going to Brooklyn Tech, I noticed my classmates and friends were all studying STEM, and I decided to pursue it. Naturally, I found myself inclined to explore a career in STEM. While I cannot say my parents pushed me to get into engineering, they always encouraged me and my brothers to get a good education. The environment at Tech along with my parents’ support, sparked my passion for engineering.
What are some unique experiences or challenges you faced as an Asian American in life / school?
My cultural differences at Webb were most noticeable during mealtimes. One time I brought an aloe vera beverage which is a staple in the Asian community. My peers did not understand why I was drinking that; after all, aloe vera is used as an ointment for sunburns. Some tried it and liked it…others would not take their chances. It was a funny interaction for sure. I think the food choices are difficult to get accustomed to. I grew up on Asian food, and I love it.
What role do you think Asian American engineering students play in shaping Webb’s culture and contribute to promoting diversity here?
While at Webb, I was a member of the Minority Establishment of Webb (MEOW). We would occasionally cook different foods together including bubble tea, rice balls, and sushi. During one of the sushi events, I got experimental and created Si Cong special. I coated the sushi roll rice with crushed BBQ chips for an extra crunch. Although it was *allegedly* the crowd’s least favorite, I still look back on that event with fondness. I still laugh over countless events such as this one with my fellow Webbies.
How do you hope to give back using your engineering program to your communities?
My class donated a Senior Class gift of a scholarship for need-based incoming students, and I hope to continue to encourage people of different income levels to come to Webb without worrying about room and board costs.
I want to help others who are also like me and to be able to support need-based scholarships for incoming students, ensuring that Webb remains accessible to people from all walks of life. Webb prepared me for the corporate world, and I am very thankful for the opportunities it has given me—from the winter work internships to networking opportunities with the alumni association. I hope to one day become an alum that also generously gives others a helping hand.
New Student Journey: First Year at Webb
by Hank Wolfe ’26
Over the last year, I have received the honor of becoming a Webbie and learning what the title holds. It’s more than a nickname or label, being a Webbie is a way of life – one that includes the excessive wearing of flip-flops and late night burrito orders. Jokes aside, becoming a Webbie has shined a light for me on the power of community. I came into Webb excited and ready to work but with some hesitation-hesitation about figuring out how I would fit into the Webb family I had heard so much about. The idea of living with a hundred peers seemed daunting. My nerves would settle as I joined my new home.
What a great first year it was! My classmates and I meshed from the start. Laughter became a norm in the design studio. Even on the nights when the homework seemed endless, the optimism and humor of my friends got me through. Learning to have fun and acknowledging the work will inevitably get done is the key to success at Webb. Having fun consists of different things for different people. Sailing is a huge part of it for me. Thanks to the opportunities the Webb sailing team and NEKA have provided, I traveled the east coast to sail, going as far as Key West with Zach Doerr ‘24 for a weekend during our Winter Work term.
The Webb family extends far beyond the classroom. I had the privilege of working at Michael Rybovich and Sons Custom Boatworks under Dusty Rybovich ‘10, the talented foreman, “Flipper,” and the rest of the crew. They eagerly took me under their wing, teaching me all there is to know about constructing sportfishing yachts. The hands-on experience I gained at the shipyard will last me a lifetime. While working in Florida, numerous other Webbies invited me to join them for dinner, and even stay with them for a weekend. The endless generosity from the Webb network was a constant reminder of how lucky I am to be a part of this community.
Going into sophomore year I am looking forward to meeting the next round of freshmen. I hope to lead by example, showing them the responsibilities of being a Webbie. I am excited to dive further into the NAME world, make more memories, and share laughs – all from the comfort of a pair of flip-flops.
SOCO: A Year in Review
By Phoebe Garrett ’25 Annabel Bornebusch ’26
(Pictured Left to Right) Students Eliott Ocheltree ‘24, Ryan Krimper ‘26, Steven Katz ‘26, Max Mah ‘24, and Millay Metz ‘26 Performing Jazz Music at a Ruby Lounge Social
This year, students returned to campus in August of 2023 excited to begin a new school year! The first event of the year was a welcome back Community Social to celebrate faculty and students after the first week of classes was completed! Throughout the fall semester, the Social Committee continued to host Community Socials to bring together Webb students, faculty, and staff each month. The Yacht Club socials were especially fun for students and faculty to enjoy the warm weather, the beautiful yacht club and beach, and swimming and fishing in the Long Island Sound.
In October, the freshman class hosted their first Webb event: the annual Halloween party! The party took place in the Pub which was decorated with spooky decorations and had fun halloween-themed food, music, and activities! The costume contest was a highlight of the night where the students with the most creative costumes were recognized!
During the week of Halloween, the Social Committee also hosted a pumpkin carving contest where each class was able to carve a pumpkin for all Webb students to vote on a winner. The Junior Class pumpkin “Wear your PPE… or else” won and they had a pizza party celebration.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it was time for SoCo’s annual Casino Night. The senior class, led by class representatives, Victoria Kim and Erin Postma, planned a magical casino night full of poker, blackjack, roulette, horse racing, arm wrestling, and more! All Webb students were dressed up and had a wonderful night. One of the highlights was the silent auction where students used the Webb casino money they earned throughout the night to bet on the array of prizes displayed at the event.
Following Casino Night’s great success, SoCo had a holiday decorating social where all of Webb’s faculty and students came together to decorate the Visconti reception room with a beautiful winter village and a christmas tree! There was holiday music and many snacks as well.
The SoCo Christmas Party was the last big event of the year. Ugly Christmas sweaters were encouraged for the event and the Webb jazz band played holiday music for the students to dance and sing along. Each class had fun gifting each other with gifts and celebrating the end of the fall semester.
In the spring of 2023, the first event was the annual St. Patrick’s Day party hosted by the Junior class. Festivities included a potato bobbing and potato throwing.
For Pi Day, students participated in a school-wide pie baking competition for a SoCo sponsored froyo trip by baking a pie that was judged on its taste, difficulty, originality, and presentation. The winning submission this year was the beef and stout pie by Will Calli, Miguel Sanchez, and Emma Passariello.
At the beginning of May, students attended the annual Cinco De Mayo party hosted by the Sophomore class. Students packed into the Brocket Arms Pub for Cactus-Cafe catered appetizers, drinks, and dancing. Some sophomore students, including Tyler Zylinski, Luke Foye, and John Feleciano, took on the role of DJ for the fun evening. Events in the month of May also included numerous yacht club socials and a Founder’s Day Social.
To continue a fun spring semester, on June 3, we had Webb’s Annual Webbstock! This year the festivities were fully revived after the pandemic and over 100 guests were in attendance. Everyone got to enjoy eating hot dogs and hamburgers while listening to live music performed by faculty and students as well as a band called “Yesterday’s News” which included Webb alumni Joe Cole (class of 1992). Students were also able to enjoy singing some karaoke, and rotating through the various lawn games, especially a new Webbstock Cornhole Tournament. Many students enjoyed racing through the inflatables, which included a 65-foot obstacle course and a double water slide. The class of 2008 sponsored the event in loving memory of their classmate, Johanna Lee Exner. During her time at Webb, Johanna was very involved in the Webb Social Committee and worked extremely hard to plan events such as Webbstock. It was extremely fitting for Webb’s largest event of the year to be held in her memory. A big thanks to the class of 2008, and we think that Johanna would have been very proud!
Group Photo of Webb Students, Faculty, and Guests at Webbstock 2023
On June 19, students dressed up in elegant evening attire to attend a fun-filled Great Gatsby-themed night. After a fancy dinner, students opened their bottles of champagne to a beautiful sunset. Students also played croquet and listened to music performed by a swing band, with a special feature by Max Mah ‘24.
Kasey Kennedy ‘23, Phoebe Garrett ‘25, & Annabel Bornebush ‘26
Senior Thesis: Development of a Method for Comparison of Shipboard Power Transmission Models
By Spencer Margosian ’23 and Tori Kim ’23
It is the beauty of research that in pursuit of solving even a seemingly simple problem, one will inevitably discover far more new problems to solve than they will answers to publish. Looking back on the past year, the best example of this was when our electrical engineering thesis was almost completely derailed for well over a month, by a problem fundamental to naval architecture. In this article, we would like to discuss how we came across this problem, how we solved it, and how this detour in our work taught us a fundamental principle of research. The minimum viable background for discussion of our thesis takes about four sentences. For large vessels, medium-voltage alternating current is usually used to transmit electrical power.
An emerging technology, medium-voltage direct current power transmission, is poised to be ready for commercial application approximately within the next decade. Because MVDC is a new technology, it is not well known to marine engineers and will likely be underutilized if it remains unknown.
Spencer Margosian ’23 accepting his award during SNAME’s Student Paper night.
Our thesis sets out to identify in simple terms whether MVAC or MVDC is the better system model for a given application so that a marine engineer does not need to do so from first principles. The first time we attempted to compare the two
system models directly, we created two calculation methods which modeled steady-state operation of a given vessel. When we tested the two methods with a computer script, the answers they returned looked like they made sense when considered one-at-a-time. Upon examining the entire set of cases, however, we realized that not a single case actually implied that DC was preferable to AC—not even those which we were positive would be.
The discovery of this fault effectively stopped us in our tracks, not knowing what we had done wrong or how we might fix our program to account for such error. To solve this problem, we would have to embrace a core principle of research: that setting out to solve a problem in one field will often result in encountering new problems in unrelated ones. Following the failure of the original analysis, we would come to realize that using a steady-state analysis failed to account for the biggest advantage of MVDC systems, which is their high efficiency in loads which vary over time. This meant that to properly compare the two system models, it would be necessary to model them as dynamic systems and not constant signals.
“We are immensely grateful to Webb for preparing us not only with the education in marine engineering necessary to understand marine electrical engineering, but also for providing us the naval architecture background that we needed to solve our resistance problem. Despite neither of us identifying as naval architects at heart, the Webb education prepared us to tackle every problem our research threw at us.”
We had found a new problem to solve—how does a ship’s electrical load change throughout a voyage?—and despite our original research being one of theoretical electrical engineering, the answer to our new question relied almost exclusively on our understanding of naval architecture.
The biggest load experienced by a ship at sea is naturally the energy required to propel the vessel through the water. As a ship sails through waves, the resistance imparted on the vessel varies constantly, changing the propulsion power. This phenomenon, called added wave resistance, cannot be easily predicted using statistics—in fact, it is not analytically possible to do so. However, by algebraically manipulating a well-documented standardized wave spectrum, we were able to closely approximate what the added wave resistance spectrum would look like and solve our original problem of characterizing how resistance varies over a voyage.
Watch Spencer and Tori’s Thesis Presentation below:
Click here to view the Class of 2023 Thesis Page