by Tina McCloud for Northern Neck Wooden Boat School
NORTHUMBERLAND—Cardboard and duct tape: Does that float your boat?
Time to find out on September 6, when the inaugural Cardboard Regatta will be held on Cockrell Creek. The regatta is for all ages. The people-powered boats can be built ahead of time or on-site that day. Spectators and volunteers are urged to come cheer on the racers.
The regatta is sponsored by the Northern Neck Wooden Boat School.
“It’s about the kids having fun and being creative, with an element of competition,” said co-founder and regatta organizer David Clark.
There will be a special guest for this first event: Commander Cardboard. The commander is the alter ego of Don Boehl, a serious boatman from Maryland, who has attended dozens of cardboard boat regattas over the years and was vital in getting the first Reedville regatta organized.
All activities are near the foot of Main Street. Check-in will be at 8 a.m. On-site boat-building will start at 8:30 a.m. Racing will begin at 12:30 p.m. and probably will conclude around 4 p.m.
The entry fee is $125 per boat. Sponsorships are available at that level and at $250, $500 and $1,000. Some sponsors are building a boat; others are letting local youngsters build a boat at no charge, said Clark.
There are eight categories for the boats, with trophies for first and second places in each. At the end of the day there will be a free-for-all, where all class winners will race for the Reedville Cup, a perpetual trophy.
Trophies will be awarded for the most spectacular sinking, best designed boat, best theme and commander’s choice.
Registration is limited to 20 boats. Advance sign up is encouraged. Entrants should bring their own mastic sealant and any paint or decorations they want to use.
“Without sealing, you’ll be in the running for the ‘submarine’ or ‘Titanic’ award,” Clark said.
The starting line will be off the pier at Reedville Oyster Co. Boats will race around a buoy off the pier at The Gables, then back to the starting line.
If building a boat that day, construction will be on the lawn of the former bank building.
Required flotation devices will be provided. Closed-toe shoes are required in the boats; no sandals or flip-flops.
Event volunteers are from the Northern Neck Boat School, Northern Neck Sail & Power Squadron, Junior ROTC, Knights of Columbus and Smith Point Sea Rescue.
Food trucks have been invited to set up near the event and there are a few restaurants/cafes in or near Reedville. Or bring snacks and beverages.
If it’s raining, the regatta will be held as long as conditions are safe, Clark said.
For boat construction details and registration, contact Clark, at 453-8609, or info@NNKWoodenBoatSchool.org.
