Cardboard boat race returns

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Joe Rodorigo, right, and Domenick Sorrentino paddle their cardboard boat last July on Carrington Pond at Matthies Park during Beacon Falls’ first Cardboard Boat Regatta.  -FILE PHOTO
Joe Rodorigo, right, and Domenick Sorrentino paddle their cardboard boat last July on Carrington Pond at Matthies Park during Beacon Falls’ first Cardboard Boat Regatta. -FILE PHOTO

BEACON FALLS — Man the cardboard boats.

The Parks and Recreation Commission’s 2nd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta is July 12 on Carrington Pond at Matthies Park. The race begins at 10 a.m.

During its inaugural run last year the regatta drew two entrants and one of them sank. However, this year might make for a better race.

“I’m confident we’ll have a good showing,” Parks and Recreation Chairman Steve Ruhl said.

The guidelines for the race state all boats must be made entirely out of cardboard and carry a crew of at least two people. There is no size limit for the boats. Duct tape or packing tape may be used along the seams only. A full set of rules and an entry form can be found on the Parks and Recreation’s website, www.bfpr.org.

The regatta features award certificates in a variety of categories, including Best Design, Most Outrageous and Andrea Doria, which is given to the best sinking boat.

“It’s interesting to see what different designs people come up with,” Ruhl said.

People interested in participating are urged to fill out entry forms as soon as possible. However, Ruhl said, no one will be turned away that shows up the day of the race, as long as they’ve filled out the waiver.

In addition to the chance of winning the race, Ruhl said its fun to build and pilot a cardboard boat.

“Why wouldn’t you want to do it? It’s a lot of fun,” Ruhl said.