Cardboard Boat Race

Subject to COVID-19 guidelines.

Register to enter on this link: TBC

Quoted in the Cornish Times as ‘the highlight of the day’, the Cardboard Boat Race of last year’s Regatta was a tremendous success. The challenge of this event is to create a boat made entirely out of cardboard, which can hold up to two people, and can be paddled from the slip way to a point on the Tamar and back.

This year the Regatta Committee have pledged with many other events to Festival Vision: 2025 to aim to achieve a 50% reduction in festival-related GHG emissions. In response to this, we would love to get onboard by making this year’s cardboard boat race something Saltash can be proud of. For the first time, the judges will be presenting a prize for the most creative eco-themed design. Designs could be anything that raises awareness of environmental issues from endangered marine life to sustainability or plastic pollution etc. The more creative the design the more chance of winning! To support entrants with this, we have teamed up with Saltash Scrap Store to stock what you need to make this happen.

The Aim
The aim of the event is to make and race an eco-themed boat (not rafts) made entirely out of
cardboard with up to two people on board. Fancy dress is advised! Competitors will attempt to
complete a pre-set circuit starting at from Ashtorre slip way and making it back to the finish line.

Prizes to be won this year are for the most impressive sinking, the fastest boat, the most eco-creative design and overall winner of the competition. The competition is open to individuals, local businesses, schools, clubs, organisations or anyone who would like to have a go. All you need is a cardboard boat, a team name and a good sense of humour!

Prizes to be won this year are for the most impressive sinking, the fastest boat, the most creative design and overall winner of the competition.

The competitors will need plenty of support so if you are not taking part, come along and give them a cheer and enjoy the spectacle on the Ashtorre slipway on Saltash Waterside.

The Cardboard Boat Race is organised by Redeemer Saltash Community Church Group on behalf of the Regatta Committee.

Information and Rules
In order to avoid disqualification and to make it as fair as possible for everyone, please follow these rules
  • Due to the amount of interest last year we will need to limit the entries, so if you want to compete, please register your details online here surveymonkey.com/r/BZHCW9B prior to the event.
  • Boats must be made of only cardboard. Any thickness of corrugated or sheet cardboard is permitted (no wax coating, or spray painting). Carpet rolls are permitted.
  • Joining seals: In order to reduce the amount of polyethylene duct tape used, each entry is limited to 1 small 30M roll duct tape per boat and up to 3 biodegradable eco-tapes (all available to purchase from Saltash Scrap Store (details below).
  • Anything used to decorate the boats to be marine friendly e.g. no plastic (Saltash Scrap Store have a variety of decorating materials you can use).
  • Paddles or other methods of propulsion must be homemade.
  • Boats to be built prior to the event.
  • A buoyancy aid must be worn by all competitors. Please bring your own if you have one, otherwise there will be some available to borrow on the day.
  • Minimum age 10. Under 14’s to be accompanied by an adult. Under 18’s require written parental/guardian consent.
  • Each team must remove their entire boat or salvage any remains and personal items from the estuary.
  • Each team must present their boat to the Admiral any time between 9.30 and 11.30am to gain his seal of approval! Entrants will need to meet outside JustBe at 12.00 for a safety briefing.
  • Race will commence at 12.30pm
  • The cardboard boat team will be located under the marquee next to Justbe on Sunday 23 June where you will be asked to sign in. Road marshals will help direct you in your car to the closest drop off point.

View these rules in PDF form here