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WAVE Program

The Watercraft and Vessel Engineering (WAVE) program partners with industry to advance watercraft research, education, and vessel engineering innovation.

American Magic vessel in Pensacola Bay
"America", NYYC American Magic's AC40 sails for the first time in Pensacola Bay, FL

The WAVE program started in 2025 with a $3.2 million grant from Triumph Gulf Coast. The WAVE program has three major focus areas:

  1. Perform fundamental research in watercraft and related fields by connecting UWF faculty and students to research infrastructure.
  2. Support the emerging WAVE-related economic development on the Northwest Florida coastline through manufacturing, training, consulting, and applied research.
  3. Equip students for careers in water and vessel engineering through coursework, laboratories, and connections to industry.

The WAVE program is located at the Port of Pensacola, near the American Magic facility. WAVE has partnerships with American Magic and other companies at the Port of Pensacola.