The Great Cardboard Boat Race

A Masthope favorite returns! Save the date for our cardboard boat race. Teams of 4-6 people are challenged to get creative and construct a boat made from corrugated cardboard and navigate it across our upper pool from one side to the other and back. Teams will consist of a captain, first mate, and up to a four person crew. Judging and awards will be for fastest finish time, most creative design and most dramatic sink. 20 teams may register on a first come first serve basis. The official rules for the race can be picked up at the office. $20 fee to register.

3pm-6:30pm build time / race at 7pm

Signup: https://masthope.square.site

Team/Racing Format:

• Teams consist of 4 – 6 members; ONLY 1 member 10 yrs + can be in the boat for the race (must be able to swim with no flotation devices).
• Each team must assign a team captain that is 16yrs + & have a team name.
• Team captain is responsible for bringing a sharp object to cut the cardboard.
• Race will begin at approximately 7:00p at the upper pool.

Boat Design/Construction:

• Boats must be made ONLY of corrugated cardboard & duct tape provided . NO reinforced cardboard tubes, no liners, tarps, or floating devices.
• Duct tape can ONLY be used to seal cut edges or seams of the boat & not to cover the entire bottom.
• Boats are made solely on-site & can not leave the building area of the lodge.
• Cardboard cannot be sealed with any paints or sealants.
• NO metal, wood, styrofoam or other types of foam or plastic may be used
• Teams may decorate their boats with crayons, markers, stickers, paint, glued on numbers/lettering
• Boats must be made BEFORE THE RACE & will be pre-race inspected, if any illegal items are discovered, the boat will be disqualified.
• Team members can pick up the cardboard & 1 roll of duct tape inside the lodge starting at 3pm.
• Teams have until 6:30pm to construct their boat.
• Boats may be a maximum width of 60” (5ft) & a maximum length of 84” (7ft).
• Boats must be completely enclosed, or permit the crew to remain fully on top of the vessel (no legs & feet can be used to propel your boat). No raft or surfboard styles.
• Boats must be propelled by the use of arms or cardboard paddles.
• Paddles must meet the same construction requirements as the boat. They may not be fully enclosed in duct tape just seams and edges
• The boat’s passenger area must not be enclosed above the occupant’s shoulders, so not to interfere with escaping, should the vessel begin to sink.
• Boat design is left to the builder’s imagination.
• Teams are not allowed to reinforce or adjust their boat in any way after the event has begun.
• Race must begin & end with the 1 person intact in the boat at end of the race down and back.
• To qualify as a finisher, team member must be in the boat at the end of the race.
• Swimming and/or pulling the boat will result in disqualification.
• No legs may be in the water to assist with stability or propulsion.
• Races will be timed to determine the winner with fastest speed across all heat races.
• If your boat sinks or falls apart, you are disqualified from the race & should exit the water as soon as possible.
• No participant may interfere with or harass another participant. Poor sportsmanship will result in disqualification.
• Time is called when the boat finishes the race by touching the side of the pool.
• Racers must be sitting or kneeling. Lying on your back or stomach is a no-no.