Build A Boat With Cardboard

Cardboard Cup Regatta sails into its 27th year

You never quite know what to expect at America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta in Crystal Lake.

In its 27th year, the event that challenges participants to build boats out of cardboard has developed quite a reputation over the years because of this very reason.

As race day approaches, event chair Nick Kachiroubas said, “You really don’t know what’s out there and what people are building. You get there the day of the event, and people show up with these fantastically crafted boats that you go, ‘Wow!’ ”

This year’s races start at noon Saturday at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive in Crystal Lake. Gates open at 9 a.m.

Once again, entrants will race cardboard boats along a 200-yard course for a variety of awards. A shorter, more simplified Kids’ Course gives children the chance to compete as well.

“Doing well is framed by what you want to get out of the race,” Kachiroubas said.

And that includes sinking.

Yep, the Most Spectacular Sinking award goes to those who can look good doing it.

Speed your thing? Awards go to those who get the best speeds of the day in various classes. These races typically draw kayak-like boats that move swiftly in the water, Kachiroubas said.

But often, it’s those boats built with imagination that draw the most attention. With Most Creative Theme, People’s Choice, Most Enthusiastic Crew and Ugliest Boat awards, there’s a category for everyone.

Previous regattas have drawn boats of just about every theme imaginable, from Star Wars Death Star to the Flintstones.

Once event expenses are paid, the money raised goes to area charities, which truly is “the heart” of the event, Kachiroubas said.

“Regatta was started to do something fun in the community, but also to give back to our local community,” he said.

The event’s unique history is part of its draw. It is believed to be one of the oldest cardboard boat regattas in the world.

The idea originated from a couple of college students at Southern Illinois University who built cardboard boats as part of class project.

In 1985, three members of the Crystal Lake Yacht Club brought the idea to Crystal Lake. Looking for a way to draw the community together for some summer fun, Frank Ward, Chuck Elison and Jim Hooker attracted more than 2,000 spectators to their first regatta.

VOA Park's Crazy Cardboard Regatta needs judges | WestChesterBuzz.com

After the success of last year’s inaugural Crazy Cardboard Regatta , MetroParks of Butler County will once again host the event at Voice of America Park. This year, the event is scheduled to take place July 22-23 (rain date is July 24).

“This event is important because it brings groups of people together to meet the challenge of building a boat from cardboard and then racing it together. This is a family and community-friendly event that I believe will take on a life of its own,” Susan Stretch, marketing coordinator of MetroParks of Butler County, said before last year’s event.

The event is open to businesses, schools, youth groups, groups of friends and non-profit organizations desiring to build a boat and participate.

Currently, the Arts Council of West Chester & Liberty is looking for judges for the event.

To volunteer as a judge, to be a sponsor, build a boat, help on a committee or get more information on attending this event, please visit www.butlercountymetroparks.org , www.artscouncilwcl.com or call 513-867-5835.

Voice of America Park is located at 7850 VOA Park Drive.

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