Cardboard, duct tape boat races slated

The third-annual Great Beaver Cardboard & Duct Tape Boat Races are set to run Sunday, July 24 during “Railroad Daze” in Rainy River.
“Fun and Safety on Our Waterways” is the ongoing theme for this event.
Last year, during Rainy River’s centennial celebrations, this event proved to be a real crowd-pleaser with thousands lining the shores of Hannam Park to witness the engineering prowess, paddling, and piratical talents of 35 teams.
“Purist” boats are made entirely of duct tape and cardboard supplied by the organizers. Teams then construct their ships over a three-hour period.
(An “open class” encourages “ships” to be built in advance of competition day, with an award reflecting best theme, costuming, and piratical technique).
Two members from each team, at the appointed launch time, attempt to navigate their craft down the roughly 300-yard course on the Rainy River.
Once again this year, awards will be presented recognizing the best time in each class, as well as best design and most spectacular sinking.
Rules are being posted this week and the registration fee once again is $10 per team. In the “Purist” class, the number of entrants will be restricted to supplies available on site July 24.
All minors must have completed permission slips and all entrants must supply their own paddles and CSA-approved life jackets.
Entrants of any age, from anywhere in the world, are encouraged to participate.
Registration and supply pick-up gets under way at 11:30 a.m. on July 24 at the riverside pavilion in Hannam Park, with the heats commencing at 3 p.m. from the Second Street boat launch.
For more information and pre-registration, contact Jack Elliott at Box 742, Rainy River, Ont., P0W 1L0 or call 1-807-852-3790