CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA RULES:

I. Registration/Crew

1. Registration must be received no later than May 21st.  Register on-line.  No more than two entries per department will be accepted. A team representative must check-in, with their boat, at the Natatorium Pool by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the Regatta.
2. All boat entries will be inspected on June 6th . A sticker will be placed on the starboard side of any boat that has been inspected and approved. Re-inspection dates will be scheduled, if necessary.
3. Each team must have at least 4 crewpersons to assist placing the boat in the water, of which THREE are required to ride in the boat for steering and propelling. The crewmembers in the boat must wear bathing suits; however, clothes (shorts, t-shirt) may be worn over the suit. Life jackets must be worn and will be provided by Campus Recreation Services. You will get wet!
4. Departments may combine with each other to submit and build a boat as a team.
   5. Each team is expected to adhere to the Regatta Boat Construction Honor Code which is, "We pledge on our honor to use only approved materials as defined in the Cardboard Boat Regatta Rules."

II. Construction

1. Corrugated cardboard, duct tape, plastic bottles (which have a volume of 1 gallon or less and are classified as #1 or #2 recyclables), string and rope (up to 1/2" in diameter) are the only approved materials to use to construct the boat. Corrugated cardboard is defined as paper on both sides and in the middle with no added waterproofing materials or chemicals (i.e., laminated/waxed/spray-on plastic or plastic coated cardboard). Corrugated cardboard can be found at the following locations on Campus: Adele's, 1150 South Campus Dining Hall, Ellicott Dining Hall (The Diner), and the School of Architecture.
2. Please keep in mind when building the boat, the Regatta consists of traveling the width of the pool three times (a total of 75 yards). Each boat must be completely self-propelled.
3. Hands and feet cannot be placed in the water to propel the boat.  Oars, 3 per team, will be provided by CRS. No substitutions are allowed, and oars may not be joined (must remain independent).
4. Below are the boat specifications:
   

1. Boat must have a solid hull (bottom of boat)
2. Maximum boat width is 6 feet
3. Maximum boat length is 10 feet
4. Minimum height of all boat sides is 6 inches (No surf board or raft type styles permitted)
5. There is no maximum height requirement. However, for safety reasons, the passenger area of the boat must not be permanently enclosed above the shoulders of the occupants. Each occupant must be visible while the boat is in the water.
6. Paint, sealants, glue, caulking, silicone, or anything toxic cannot be used to construct or decorate the boat.

III. Decoration

1. Decorations and props that are not part of the boat's hull or structure are allowed as long as they in no way affect the strength or buoyancy of the boat.
2. Care should be taken that construction does not include pointed objects or sharp edges that could injure anyone or cause damage to the pool.  Judges will require that decorations or props not in compliance with the specifications be removed prior to the race.

IV. Race Procedures:

The boat regatta will be run in a relay format.  On the command from the starter, Crew will assist a single “Pilot” into their vessel.  The Pilot, using only the oar, will maneuver the vessel across the pool and pick up a second/additional pilot and oar.  Both pilots must maneuver the vessel back to the starting side, using only oars to power the vessel, and pick up a third/additional pilot and oar. The three person crew must maneuver the boat back across the pool and touch the wall with the boat to finish.

V.Awards

1. The team/boat to complete the course in the fastest time will win the Regatta Trophy. In the event no teams complete the course the boat, which travels the farthest distance, regardless of time, will be designated the winner.
2. All decisions are final. Awards will be presented to the entire team and consist of the following:
   • Regatta Winner: Team/Boat to complete the course the fastest (or farthest distance. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in this category.

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     Best Environmental Design: Most spectacular boat constructed with an emphasis on being environmentally friendly.

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   • Best-Dressed Team: Team with the most creative costumes or theme. The costumes may be funny, spiffy, or elegant...but they must be creative.

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   • Titanic Award: Team with the most spectacular sinking;

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3. The Year End Celebration Planning Committee members will serve as judges for the competition and award selections. The judges shall make decisions on any points not specifically covered in the written rules.  All decisions are final.