Cardboard Boat Regatta
Cardboard Boat Regatta
A competition where teams design and build cardboard boats to race
Saturday June 27th 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Manhattan/Robbins Lake Park: 2300 Ellis Trail Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Set sail for fun at our annual Cardboard Boat Regatta! Competitors will navigate an “out and back” course starting and ending on the bank. The race format will see head-to-head heats of two boats, with each run timed to completion. The team with the fastest time to finish the route, will be the Cardboard Boat Regatta Winner! The Regatta is open to teams comprised of between two to eight participants (at least 16 years old) per boat. Teams are encouraged to get creative and have themed boats while adhering to design requirements.
Whether your boat floats or sinks, the excitement is guaranteed. Spectators can cheer on racers, enjoy the lively festival atmosphere, and marvel at the ingenuity (and sometimes hilarious results) of each team.
It’s the perfect way to challenge your imagination, show off your building skills, and make a splash with family, friends, and the community. Join us for laughter, friendly competition, and a boatload of fun at the Cardboard Boat Regatta!
Guidelines
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On June 28, 2025, participants must attend the 8:30 AM pre-race meeting. Races will begin promptly at 9 AM. All consent and waiver forms must be signed prior to racing. Ages 16+ are welcome to participate, ALL minors MUST have a parent or guardian there to sign a waiver.
Boat Classes:
Class I: boats that are made entirely out of corrugated cardboard and propelled by canoe paddles, oars, or kayak paddles
Competitor Classes:
Exhibition Races: (no fee - please contact info@freedomfestival.com)
General Competitions: ($40 registration fee)
Team: 2-8 people (16+)
The course will entail an “out and back” circuit from the marked starting bank, around the designated buoy in Robbins Lake near the community gardens, and back to the starting bank.
The race format will be head-to-head heats of two (2) boats. Each run will be timed to completion or to the point that the vessel is overcome.
Awards
The 3 fastest competitors - complete the course or longest times afloat if no competitors finish for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Vogue Award - (Most spectacular looking boat/best dressed team)
Titanic Award - (Most spectacular sinking)
Most Patriotic
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The safety of the participants, spectators, staff, and competitors is the number one priority and will be treated as such for all races. No consumption of alcoholic beverages before or during the race is permitted. Race officials reserve the right to disqualify any entries whose participants are suspected to be under the influence.
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Boats must be made of corrugated cardboard. No metal, wood, plastic, rubber, Styrofoam, fiberglass or inflatable devices allowed. No pre-treated cardboard or reinforced cardboard tubes are allowed.
