The Race

• To give everyone a fair chance, we will try to run as few boats in each heat as practical. Your craft must be propelled by crew either inside the hull or on top of the deck attached to the hull of the boat to qualify.
• Everything is based on finish position, not time.
• The Captain can remain in the boat for the start.  Navigating crews must start the race out of the boat.
• Any boat and/or crew not ready to race at the designated time will be disqualified.
• Participants must retrieve their boats – or their wreckage – from the water.
• The Captain must be in the boat at the time of finish and the crew must be in or on the boat at the time of finish to qualify.
• To qualify as a finalist, participants must correctly navigate the race course around the bobbers.
• Boats will advance to the semifinals and/or finals based on finish position.

The Race Course

• The adult course is approximately 100 yards long. Boats will sail toward a specified bobber, round the bobber and return to shore. 
•  Participants must correctly navigate the race course.
• Any boat and/or crew not ready to race at the designated time will be disqualified.
• Minor repairs are allowed following each heat, however all ships will need to be at the starting line when called or they will be disqualified.  Minor repairs should not do not include complete redesign.
• The kids’ course is a short, straight course in shallow water (ages 5 – 11).
• Children 11 and younger may have one adult (age 18 or over) in the boat.
• Adult Category is for one to 999 participants (ages 12 and over).
• All boats that survive the first go around are eligible to participate in the Soggy Bottom Battle race to determine who has the most resilient unsinkable ship!  This race may include some contact between boats as they battle for the finish line.  Victors walk away as Soggy Bottom Battle champions.

Clean Up

Make sure you have enough crew members to remove your boat from the water at the finish line. Wet cardboard is very heavy. Dumpsters are provided. 

If your boat comes apart at the seams, make sure to remove all boat materials from the lake before you leave and clean your boat display area. 

Safety comes first with no exceptions to this rule. Cardboard boat races are for recreational entertainment, creativity, and amusement for spectators and boaters alike. To remain safe and qualify for the races and prizes, participants must wear a proper life jacket, remain in the boat, and stay visible to judges throughout the duration of the race. No cover is permitted on the boat, as it blocks passengers from view. Strive for safety and creativity in designing and constructing your cardboard boat. Follow the competition rules and guidelines. Most importantly, have fun.