Cardboard Boat Regatta
Cardboard Boat Regatta
A competition where teams design and build cardboard boats to race
Sunday, June 28th 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Robbins Lake, Ellis Park: 2300 Ellis Trail 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!
NEW THIS YEAR! Set sail for fun with the Little Skippers Cardboard Boat Race! A kid-friendly twist on our classic Cardboard Boat Regatta! Designed especially for young builders and racers, this hands-on experience lets kids create their very own cardboard boat and put it to the test on race day. Each participant will receive cardboard to make their boat. Once their boats are built, it’s time to hit the water and see whose design can go the distance! Races will kick off at Robbins Lake on Sunday, June 28th at 1 PM.
Register for $10.00 or $20.00 to include a shirt!
*Disclaimer: Kids will not be racing in the lake. The Little Skippers Cardboard Boat Race participants will race their handmade boats down a track using only their breath to propel them to the finish line.
Guidelines
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On June 28, 2026, participants must attend the 1:30 PM pre-race meeting. Races will begin promptly at 2 PM. 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
Speed Boat Award - for the team that completes the course in the fastest amount of time.
Vogue Award - for the best design and theme
Titanic Award - for the most spectacular sinking
People’s Choice Award
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Only the items listed under “Boat Construction Materials” may be used to build boats. Cardboard tubes are permitted but cannot have wood or plastic used to cap the ends. No pre-treated or waxed cardboard is permitted. Boats found with banned materials will be automatically disqualified.
Paddles will be provided. The paddles may only be used to propel the boat. Boat paddles can be used or may be made of any material if the team is providing their own.
Boat design is the builder’s choice. Make your boat look like a race car, yacht, dragon, or any seaworthy thing or something from your imagination.
No wrapping in tape, however tape may be used to reinforce the bottom of your boat.
Each boat must carry at least two team members. No more than 8 team members per boat.
Each participant must wear a life jacket when in or on the water. Any team whose members are found without a life jacket will be disqualified.
Each participant must wear water shoes or appropriate footwear.
Boats must be built prior to race day. Boat Captains should check in at the beginning of the Regatta. All boats must pass a technical inspection prior to racing.
Team members in the boat must not be enclosed above the shoulders. Team members must be visible at all times while the boat is in the water.
When a boat is finished in the race, the team must remove the boat and any leftover cardboard debris from the water area. Boats may be kept or disposed of at the designated trash area. Any debris remaining at a team’s site will result in the imposition of fines.
Teams are not allowed to sabotage other boats.
No alcohol consumption. Any team suspected of being under the influence will be disqualified.
Team members supply their own towels.
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Approved materials:
Cardboard
Duct Tape
Packing Tape
Hot Glue
Rope or String
Banned Materials:
Styrofoam
Wood
Plastic
Pretreated or waxed cardboard
Sealants
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Materials
· Cardboard
· Straws or dowel rods
· Duct tape or packing tape
Banned Materials
· Styrofoam, wood, plastic
· Pretreated or waxed cardboard
· Sealants
Rules
1. Only the items listed above may be used to build boats.
2. Boat dimensions:
· Height: 14” or less
· Width: 5” or less (the boat itself, with the sail may not exceed 7”)
· Length: 10” or less
3. Design is the builder’s choice, except that all boats must have a mast and sail.
Skippers will use straws to blow and propel your boats down the watercourse. Make your boat look like a race car, yacht, dragon, or any seaworthy thing from your imagination.
4. No wrapping in tape, however tape may be used to reinforce the bottom of your boat.
5. Boats must be built prior to race day. All boats must pass inspection prior to racing.
6. When a boat is finished in the race, Skippers must remove the boat and any leftover cardboard debris from the water area and dispose of it at the designated trash area (or keep it as a souvenir!).
Awards
· Speed Sailor Award for the fastest boat
· Allure of the Sea Award for the best design
· Best Bedecked Award for the best looking
· SS Minnow for the best boat name
· People’s Choice Award
Thank You Cardboard Boat Regatta Sponsors!
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Thank You Cardboard Boat Regatta Sponsors! 🛶
Viewing Sponsor:
Cardboard Sponsor:
Food Truck Row Sponsor:
Kids Zone Sponsor:
