The Basics

The goal of this event is to have fun.  The design of your boat is entirely up to you.  Pirate ships, houseboats, kayaks, canoes, cruise ships, if it’s made of cardboard it’s approved.  The race itself will be a sprint to the deep end of the pool, where you will grab your flag and turn your boat around, once you have turned you will sprint back to the finish line.

Pre Race Procedure

All boats must be built to the guidelines described in the “Build It” section.  Those that do not follow the guidelines may still race, however they will not be eligible for race related awards.

All boats must arrive for check-in no later than 11:00am on the day of the race.  Each group will receive their race schedule during check-in.

Each individual that will “captain” a boat in the water must sign a release waiver during check-in.  Captains 17 years of age or younger must have a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.  All boat captains age 10 and under must be swim tested prior to the race.  Personal floatation devices and life jackets are not allowed in the pool.

Boats will be judged in pre race catagories from 11:15am - 11:45am.  Races will begin at 12:00pm.   

BBQ will be served beginning at 11:00am.  Live music will begin at 11:30am.  

The Race

Once a race has been announced over the loudspeaker the teams will have two minutes to bring their boat to the starting area.  Once all four boats have entered the starting area the official will announce “Boats in the water”.  The teams will have 30 seconds to place their boat in the water and have the captain board the boat, prepared to race.  The nose of the boat must be behind the starting tape.  When the 30 seconds has elapsed the official will count down 3, 2, 1, and then sound the horn to signal the start of the race.  Those captains still not in their boat when the horn sounds may still attempt to board the boat and begin the race after the horn has sounded.

The race will begin in the shallow end of the pool.  Boats will race toward the deep end of the pool.  The captain must grab a flag which will be hanging 5 yards from the deep end wall.  Once the captain has grabbed the flag they will turn their boat around and race back toward the shallow end of the pool where the finish line tape will await them.  

Boats will not be disqualified if the captain falls out of the boat at any point in the race.  The captain may attempt to board the ship in the place where they fell out.  Swimming behind or propelling the boat with legs or arms will result in disqualification.  

Post Race

Awards will be given out on the main stage after the races.  

All teams must remove their boats from the pool complex and dispose of them in the designated areas.

Build It

Only corrugated cardboard may be used.  It may be of any thickness but may not be bonded to any other material such as vinyl or plastic.  Solid cardboard or cardboard tubes may not be used to aid the floatation of your boat.  The boats will be powered by oars.  Standard boat oars may be used or you may choose to make them out of cardboard.  Cardboard oars may be made out of solid cardboard and cardboard tubes.    

You may construct your boat using the following: corrugated cardboard, duct tape, clear packing tape, contact cement, rubber cement, liquid nail, and water sealer, such as Thompson’s.

Materials such as styrofoam, foam caulking, epoxy glues, fiberglass resins, or “multi-part” paints or varnishes, tar roof coatings, and similar sealing materials may not be used.  If painting your boat we suggest spray paint, acrylic paints, and permanent marker.  Please do not use washable water based paints such as Tempra paint, they’ll leave a colorful trail behind your boat and possibly damage the pool filtration system.

You may paint and decorate your boat.  Decorations may be made of any material but may not be used to aid in the structure or floatation of the boat.  You may remove the decorative elements of your boat after judging.

You may build your boat in any style that you choose.  The only styles not allowed are surfboards and flat rafts.  The captain of the boat must be sitting upright or kneeling in the boat during the race.

A few things to remember while building your boat... You will have to make a 180 degree turn in your boat, while longer boats can go faster and are more stable than shorter boats, they are also more difficult to turn.  You will have 30 seconds to place your boat in the water and get into your boat before the race begins, make sure you are able to easily get into your boat.  You will also have to reach up to grab a flag, an unstable boat may capsize if not properly balanced.    

Awards

Best Construction or Construction Technique  

Team Spirit Award - Best Costumes and Enthusiasm

Best Use of Theme        

Most Spectacular Sinking

Best Original Design        

Overall Fastest Boat

Best in Show - Best Looking Boat     

Each Race Winner will receive an award