Benny's Boat Race

Grab your life jackets and join us for the 4th Annual Benny's Boat race.

Participants will build boats from cardboard and duct tape and race them across the lap pool. 

• August 21st, 2024 6:30pm 

• $30.00 per Team/Boat

Teams may consist of two (2) to four (4) members

 Register Here

Benny’s Boat Race Rules

Boat Design & Construction:

• Boats must be made BEFORE THE RACE.
• Boat must ONLY be made of cardboard and duct tape. Use of any other materials, fasteners, or glue (i.e. Flex Seal, Flex Tape, Sonotube) will result in disqualification.
• Cardboard cannot be sealed with any paint or sealants.
• Duct tape may be of varying colors for creativity but must have come manufactured in said color.
• Boats may be a maximum width of 60” (5ft) and a maximum length of 84” (7ft).
• No alterations may be made to boats after check-in
• Boats must be completely enclosed or permit the crew to remain fully on top of the vessel. 
• The boat’s passenger area must not be enclosed above the occupant’s shoulders to not interfere with escape should the vessel begin to sink.
• Hand paddling or Cardboard/duct tape paddles only. Paddles must meet the same construction requirements as the boats (cardboard and duct tape only). Use of feet in the water to kick or any other means of propulsion will result in disqualification.
• Boat design is left to the builders. Let your imagination take over; make your boat look like a race car, flying saucer, dragon, etc. Crew costumes are permitted.
• If any illegal items used in construction are discovered during the pre- or post – race inspection, the boat will be disqualified.
• Decorations are allowed as long as it doesn’t contribute to the integrity of the boat.

Teams & Race Format:

• Teams may consist of two (2) to four (4) members; however only two (2) team members can be in the boat.
• Team members must be 6 years old and up. 
• Races will be done in age groups. Group will be determined depending on the oldest racer on the team. 
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD) must be worn by all participants who occupy the vessel. (Lifejackets are available at North Shore to use) 
• The race must begin and end with the two – person crew intact. (Both in vessel)
• Swimming and/or pulling the boat will result in disqualification.
• Teams will start from the end of the lap pool and may receive a push from two (2) team members.
• No using of the pool edges to pull your boat down the lane
• Teams will navigate to the opposite side of the lap pool.
• Person to person, or person to boat, contact is NOT allowed. (No trying to sink other boats, holding onto other boats, or pushing other boats)
• Judges reserve the right to divide entrants into heats, depending on the number of vessels. 
• Heats will be determined randomly and the winners will be determined using a bracket system. This means you may need to race your boat more than once.  
• Time from heats will determine placement for finals. The fastest four (4) times from heats will race for the Championship.
• Awards may be given for speed, creativity, and team spirit.
• Have fun

*Any rule not specifically covered above will be left to the discretion of the Judges.