• Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Here's some sample ideas!
    Here's some sample ideas!

Ahoy! Get ready to build, paddle and laugh!

Do you think you can build a boat out of cardboard? 

Put your creativity to the test in our 1st Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at the Vinton Swimming Pool!

Divisions include:

Single Skipper & Dual Skippers

Division winners receive a free pool party or skate party. 

Prize for the most creative boat and costume. 

Don't have a boat? That's alright, come and watch anyway!

Join us on Sunday, August 9 to register your boat at 5:30 p.m. Races begin at 6:00 p.m.

There is NO COST to enter!

2026 Rules and Event Guidelines

1. Boat Design

    a. Boats and Paddles must be made prior to the race

    b. Boats must be made of only cardboard, duct tape, and hot glue

    c. Boats must be painted with water base paints and must be dry before the boat enters the water

    d. Boats may be a maximum of 3’ wide and maximum length of 7’

    e. Boats must be propelled using cardboard paddles

    i. Paddles must meet the same construction requirements as boats 

    f. NO wood, plastic, rubber, inflatable devices, Styrofoam, fiberglass or plastic

    g. NO electrical, gasoline, benzene, propane, or other chemical or electrical propulsion systems are permitted. 

    h. NO Surfboard style boat is allowed

    i. Boat must have completely enclosed side walls 

    j. If any illegal items used in construction are discovered during the pre- or post-race inspection the boat will be disqualified

    k. The crew compartment CANNOT be enclosed as to interfere with an escape

    l. Race must begin and end with the whole crew intact

    m. Boat design is left to the builders. Let your imagination take over; make your boat unique!!!

2. Participant Rules 

    a. We will have two divisions 

        i. Individual

        ii. Teams of two

        iii. Winners in each division will race against each other for the top prize

    b. During competition crew must be in the boat, not towing it or holding it between their legs, or allowing a life jacket to provide the flotation of the vessel

    c. Contestants are expected to maintain the decorum and dignity expected of a yachtsman

    d. Crew costumes are encouraged

3. Prizes

    a. Winners of each division will receive a traveling trophy

        i. Winner of the overall event will have their pick of a private skate rental for fall 2026 or a private pool party in the summer of 2027. Second place will receive the private party that the winner doesn’t pick

    b. Most creative design 

        i. Judges/crowd will vote on the boat that has the best design/costumes

Winners will receive a trophy and concession prize!