ERRC Cardboard Boat Regatta Rules

Boat Design and Construction

  1. Boat must be made before the race.
  2. Boats must be made of only cardboard or corrugated cardboard and duct tape. Cardboard may not have any wax, resin or vinyl coating.
  3. Wood, plastic, or plastic wrap, fiberglass, metal, styrofoam, or other materials that would aid in flotation or make the boast more rigid are prohibited.
  4. Cardboard cannot be sealed with any paint or sealants. 
  5. Duct tape may be of varying colors for creativity but must have come manufactured in that color.
  6. Boats may be a maximum width of 5ft and maximum length of 6ft. There is no maximum height requirement. 
  7. Boats must be partially enclosed or permit the crew to remain fully on top of the vessel without dangling extremities. 
  8. Boats must be propelled by the use of hands and/or paddles. No artificial paddles are allowed. The paddles must meet the same requirement for the construction of the boats.
  9. Any team that violates the design and construction rules, will be disqualified.

RACING FORMAT

  1. Boats will be designed to race with a 2-person crew.
  2. The race must begin and end with the 2-person crew intact.
  3. Swimming and/or pulling the boat, or the use of lane lines will result in disqualifications. 
  4. Each boat will travel one length of the pool. 
  5. 5 heats / 5 boats per heat
  6. Time from heats will determine the fastest boat. 
  7. The best time from each heat will compete in the final.
  8. There will be an award for the final winner and best design.