Registration open for LLCC’s cardboard boat regatta

2022 Lincoln Land Cardboard Boat Regatta. Abe Lincoln paddling a cardboard boat.Faculty, staff, students and alumni are invited to participate in LLCC’s first cardboard boat regatta on Sept. 2 at Lake Macoupin! Check in will be 9-10 a.m. with the race starting at 11 a.m. Register by Aug. 25 at the LLCC Police Department in Sangamon Hall South or by calling 217-786-2278.

The LLCCPD can provide cardboard, while supplies last. (Please note: duct tape is not provided.) A boat construction area is provided in the lower level of Sangamon South. Contact LLCCPD for more details.

The boats will be on display on the lawn west of the Helen Hamilton area prior to the race. Awards will be given in such categories as fastest boat, best design, LLCC spirit and Titanic!

Important event details

  • There is an entry fee of $20 per team. Money raised will be donated to a charity.
  • There should be at least two people per boat; there is no maximum.
  • Minimum age to participate is 16; minors will need parental consent.
  • Life preservers are required (if you cannot bring one, please make prior arrangements with the LLCCPD)
  • Each preliminary race, or “heat race,” of 3-4 boats will take place from the north end of Lake Macoupin to the Helen Hamilton area.
  • Winners of each preliminary race will be compete in a final race.
  • An opening ceremony prior to the first race and closing ceremony with awards will be held in the outdoor amphitheater.
  • Rain date: Sept. 9

Boat construction materials

Acceptable materials

Corrugated cardboard
Duct tape
Water-based paint

Not allowed

Oil-based paint
Wood
Styrofoam
Plastic sheathing
Fiberglass
Son0tubes, coated cardboard
Silicon, wax, tar
Caulking compounds
Metal
Staples, clamps, screws

Rules

  1. Life preservers/vests must always be worn while on/in the water.
  2. The ENTIRE boat including paddles must be made from cardboard and duct tape. Corrugated cardboard only!
  3. Duct tape may be used only to reinforce seams.
  4. Water-based paint is allowed (no oil-based paint) for decorating the boat.
  5. Decorations are allowed and encouraged, provided they are not used as structural or floatation elements.
  6. Crew costumes are encouraged.
  7. Design is left to builder(s). Let your creativity take over.
  8. NO surfboard style boat allowed.
  9. Team members who start the race must finish the race without leaving the interior of the boat. If a team member exits the boat for any reason during the race, the team will be disqualified.
  10. Please make sure all packing labels and staples are removed!
  11. Throwing water on another boat is reason for disqualification, unless said water comes from the incidental splash of a paddle or other propulsive device.
  12. Sunken or discarded boats must be disposed of in the designated trash receptacle.