We're all in this to enjoy a great event, be with friends, and try out some ingenious inventions. The idea: to explore the characteristics of corrugate cardboard while being creative in meeting "TheChallenge."
In this regatta, there is only one class.
CLASS I boats are those made entirely of corrugated cardboard and porpelled only be canoe paddles, oars, or kayak padles. Swimming or padling with a surfboard made of corrugated cardboard is not permitte. There are four age group racing categories:
All entries will undergo a Technical Inspection that includes enclosed compartments for compliance with these rules. A boat must pass inspection to be eligible for any awards. Teams will have an opportunity to fix violations and be re-inspected.
If the cardboard is not corrugated, don’t use it.
APPEALS
Any appeal must be made promptly to the race coordinator. No other race official is authorized to resolve any appeal.
A. Technical Inspection. The skipper of an entry that does not pass inspection may appeal a decision of the Technical Inspectors. If an appeal is made, it must be made promptly after initial inspection; an appeal must be made and settled before the boat or craft enters the water for its first heat.
B. Other Infraction. The skipper of a boat charged with any other infraction may appeal the decision. If an appeal is made, it must be made promptly and settled before the Regatta ends so that the crew may still have the opportunity to participate.
THE AWARDS
Race Winners
1st-3rd place
Pride of the Regatta
Most creative design/construction; best use of corrugated cardboard
Vogue Award
Most attractive or spectacular-looking boat. The winner will be selected before heats begin.
Best-Dressed Team
May be funny, spiffy, or elegant , but they must be creative.
Team Spirit Award
Most spirited team – the one that has the most fun participating
Titanic Award
Most spectacular sinking. Teams must remove all boat remnants from water and dispose them properly to be eligible.
Peoples’ Choice Award
Determined by the voting spectators
High School Trophy
Trophy presented to the winning team that represents a high school
HOW TO ENTER
Building a cardboard boat
To build a cardboard boat large and strong enough to be paddled around the 200 yard course requires applying some principles of physics (this isn’t the lady that tells your fortune when you call the 1-800 number).
An ancient Greek guy (who may have been one of my relatives), named Archimedes, found that if an object is placed in water, and it displaces its weight in water, it will float.
So, how does that help us?
First of all, decide who will be the two people that will paddle the boat. Add their combined weights + clothing + pfd’s (lifejackets) + paddles + the weight of the boat = the minimum weight your boat must support.
For purposes of this illustration, we assume the bottom of the boat is a rectangle. Don’t worry about calculating the bow section (that’s the pointy front of the boat), unless you enjoy a challenge.
You will remember from plane and solid (analytic) geometry:
(A)rea = (L)ength X (W)idth
(V)olume = (A) X (H)eight (height of the side of the boat—the hull)
Water weighs 62.4lbs/ft3
Example: Suppose your proposed boat is 12’ long,3’wide, and has a 1’ high hull.
V = LWH = (12)(3)(1) = 36ft3
Water displaced in lbs = (36ft3)(62.4lbs/ft3) = 2246.4lbs
The proposed boat will float 2246.4 pounds before it becomes a submarine, which, in this regatta, will disqualify the vessel. Ideally, the water level should be at least 6” below the gunwale (the top edge of the hull side) to allow for roll and splashing. Consider the calculation with a 6” (0.5’) hull height:
V = (12’) (3’) (.05’) = 18ft3
Water displaced = (18ft3) (62.4lbs/ft3) = 1123.2lbs
What a difference 6” makes! At any rate, you get the idea. Consider the size of your boat. Double check the math. The boat must be sturdy enough to be carried from the parking lot to the beach. It must have sides (a hull). Rafts, surfboards and paddleboard-type vessels will be disqualified. Do some research on the internet. There is a wealth of information and ideas. You are encouraged to develop creative designs and decorate your boat to impress the thousands that will be present to cheer you on.
Keep in mind that wider, longer boats are more stable and may be faster, but they are more difficult to turn (maneuver). Shorter boats are more difficult to paddle in a straight line. The ideal length boat for a two-person crew is probably 10-12 feet. Good luck and have fun!!!
Bob Shipman
Card Board Race Chairman
Shaddai Shriners