Duct tape boat races leave crowd and participants with "That sinking feeling!"

By Bob McGreevy
Contributor

On Sunday afternoon, the seventh annual Cardboard Boat Races took place at Hannam Park. From the opening of the registration table at noon, it was evident that the number of crews vying for top honours was on pace for a record turnout. When the waves settled, a total of 21 teams had signed up and the board construction was fast and furious. This year’s entrants included several past competitors as well as many new teams.
Cardboard boat building demands a special blend of teamwork, creativity and engineering skill. As the boat building progressed, it was evident that there was no shortage of creativity.
Races got underway at 3:30 p.m. sharp. The course involved launching the boats in small groups on the ramp of the big dock, paddling about 40 metres out into the river, rounding a buoy, and returning to the starting line. Winners were determined by the time required to complete the course.
There were four competition categories: Children, two children between the ages of 8 ands 13; Adult, two adults 14 and over; Family, one adult and one child; and Theme (open) class. With the exception of the Theme class, all craft had to be built between noon and 3:30 p.m. using two sheets of cardboard, two rolls of duct tape, and two sticks. Entries in the Theme class were not time limited and could use a wider variety of building materials.
By race time a large and appreciative crowd was on site cheering for their favourite teams. The level of competition was fierce, and the occasional grudge match among seasoned rivals was evident. Prior to launch, there was some evidence of wagers being taken among several feverish spectators.
The children’s event had four teams. The winning team was crewed by Zach Tolen and Nick Teeple, with a time of 1 minute and 48 seconds.
In the Family Class, there were nine entries. The winning boat was crewed by Alyce and Kirby Ewald, with a time of one minute and 23 seconds.
There were four entries in the Adult Class. The winning team consisted of Jaycey Ewald and Natalie with a time of two minutes and 16 seconds.
In the Theme Class, as in past years, the Holmes family presented an armada of finely tuned sailing craft. When the mayhem subsided, this event was won by Kenny Holmes and Keith Richards with a record setting time of one minute and 11 seconds.
Two additional awards were presented at the conclusion of the races. The Best Theme Boat was won by Paul Holmes and Jackie Neufeld. The Most Spectacular Sinking was won in Titanic fashion by Ethan Swentik and Mark Singleton.
The organizers of the event wish to thank all participants and their supporters, as well as all of the spectators who were there to show their support. Thanks to volunteers: Ike Dyck, Rose and Ken Kreger, Gordon Proust, Doug Giles, Gerry Jolicoeur, and Topper.
Special thanks to 3M for donating the duct tape, and to NorAmPac for donating the cardboard.
Next year’s event is only a few short months away. It’s never too soon to get your team together and begin fine tuning your design and skills.