STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — It’s an annual tradition in Stafford County: The Rock Hill Ruitan Club’s Cardboard Boat Regatta on the Potomac River.
The regatta will be held this year on July 20 at 10 a.m., which is held each year at Aquia Landing Park at the confluence of Aquia Creek and the Potomac River.
The family-oriented event invites boaters to grab cardboard, build a boat that they hope will float, and then put it in the water for a series of races.
More from John Schumaker of the Rock Hill Ruitan Club:
The boats are made from cardboard. Usually large corrugated cardboard packing boxes used for moving household items.
Used boxes, appliance boxes, carpet tube, and mattress boxes have been used.
The cardboard is glued and taped together to something that resembles a boat or something that floats. At least three layers of cardboardare needed.
Then every area of the cardboard gets three or four coats of paint. It’s the ultimate recycling project.
At least 20 boats are expected to be entered in this year’s regatta. Several boat-making classes are held by the Ruitan Club each year in June to instruct would-be boaters on how to make the best, most seaworthy crafts.
We give ribbons and prizes for several categories of craftsmanship including best design, best crew costumes, most seaworthy, pride of the regatta, and the infamous Titanic Award (most likely to sink).
Past regattas had pirate ships, viking ships, race cars, paddle wheel boats, Gilligan’ Island, Scuffy the Tug Boat, a sea serpent, and a whale.
So, the boat does not need to win a race to win a prize. Then we have about six or seven races by age group and category followed by the Grand Finale race of everything still floating. Race winners receive a trophy and a prize package that usually includes dinners and coupons donated by local businesses. We have second place prizes also so everyone usually goes home a winner.
There’s a $10 advanced registration fee to compete in the regatta, or $15 if boaters register the day of the event. Those who didn’t build a boat can still participate for $5, said Schumaker. Those participants will be able to use pre-made boats.
All proceeds from the event go to scholarship funds for three Stafford County High School graduates who are headed for college.
View Aquia Landing Park in a larger map
