Cardboard Boat Regatta

When: June 6, 2009
Where: Camp Woodlands
Who: Any Girl Scout Troop/Group
(Must be 6 yrs old)
Cost: $2 /person attending (participants and spectators)
$20 per boat entered

Registration ends 1 week prior to event (May 25)

The Challenge
Teams will construct boats using corrugated cardboard and duct tape.* Boats should be built before coming to the event

The Goal
Stay afloat longer than your rivals, complete the course in the shortest time or sink gloriously!

New Leader divison this year!
Fun for Everyone!

For more information contact:
Billy Heinbuch bheinbuch@gscm.org
410-358-9711 x240

Rules and Regulations

Download a flyer of Cardboard Boat Regatta information here.

Construction

1. Any thickness of corrugated cardboard is permitted, but cardboard carpet tubes and barrels are not allowed.
   
   
2. Only clear packing tape or duct tape may be used. Tape may only be used on seams, joints or patches One or two layer thickness. DO NOT WRAP THE HULL IN TAPE, PLASTIC, SHRINK WRAP OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL.
   
   
3. Only water soluble paint may be used to paint/decorate your boat.
   
   
4. Styrofoam or any other flotation-type foam is a major "no-no." Violators will be branded "Pirates" and stripped of any trophies.
   
   
5. All boats must be one box. No multiple boxes taped together or raft type boats.
   
   
6. All boats may be propelled through the water by:
   
   • utilizing a standard canoe paddle or reasonable homemade equivalent (one per person)
     
   • constructing a device that will power the vessel, such as a paddle wheel.
     
   • using a sail
     
   • any combination of a, b, or c.
     
     
7. No arms or legs may be in the water to assist with stability or propulsion.
   
   
8. Youth boats must accommodate 2 passengers and no more than 4. Adult boats are 2 person.
   
   
9. No restriction is placed on decorative materials, as long as they do not aid in the flotation or propulsion of the boat and do not create a fire or safety hazard.

Safety

1. All boat occupants must wear appropriately sized, properly fastened U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
   
   
2. The passenger area of the boat must not be permanently enclosed above the shoulders of the occupants. Each occupant must be visible while the boat is in the water.
   
   
3. Boats must be free of sharp edges or anything that could pose a danger.
   
   
4. Children under 6 years of age will not be permitted to race.
   
   
5. All participants must be able to swim.
   
   
6. All cardboard, trash, etc. must be completely removed from the water and event area.

Race

1. Boats must be registered to participate 2 weeks prior to event.
   
   
2. Each boat must have a designated Captain. The Captain and accompanying adult, must check in at the Check-in Area on the day of the race during the designated time below.
   Check-in: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Race Start: 10:45a.m.
   
   
3. Participants must correctly navigate the race course around the buoy, and all crew members must be in the boat as it crosses the finish line. Each boat must pass technical inspection following their run.
   
   
4. Crew members must wear their boat numbers over their life jackets. The number must be at least 6-inches tall. (Numbers will be supplied at check in)
   
   
5. Any boat and/or crew not ready to race at the designated time will be disqualified.
   
   
6. Participants must retrieve their boat — or its remains — from the water.

Awards

Awards will be given for the following categories:

Best Theme
Honorable Mention
Fastest*
Best sinking

* In the event that no boat finishes the boat that gets closest to the finish line will win.

Check out photos from previous Cardboard Boat Regattas in our photo gallery.