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Cardboard Boat Regatta coming to Beacon Falls

Beacon Falls’ first Cardboard Boat Regatta will be held July 6 on Carrington Pond at Matthies Park. –FILE PHOTO
Beacon Falls’ first Cardboard Boat Regatta will be held July 6 on Carrington Pond at Matthies Park. –FILE PHOTO

BEACON FALLS — The Parks and Recreation Commission wants to see if it can float a new kind of boat race.

On July 6 racers will try to stay afloat and navigate the waters of Carrington Pond at Matthies Park in cardboard boats of their own making. The commission is implementing the town’s first Cardboard Boat Regatta as part of Family Fun Day activities.

The race kicks off at 10 a.m. and will conclude when either the boats navigate the course or the last boat remains floating, said Dominick Sorrentino, a member of the commission.

Sorrentino said the course will depend on how many boats are taking part in the event.

Contestants can also win prizes in categories such as best design, best team spirit, largest crew, most outrageous, best boat name and the Andrea Doria award for the best sinking boat.

As of Tuesday there were four crews signed up for the race. Sorrentino hopes that number reaches at least six to kickoff the inaugural race.

Sorrentino said there are a few rules when it comes to building and sailing a cardboard boat.

“It has to be 99 percent cardboard,” Sorrentino said.

There is no metal allowed in the construction of the boats. Duct tape, packing tape and Gorilla Glue are allowed to hold the boats together. However, epoxy and tar are not allowed. Waxed cardboard is also prohibited.

Anyone interested must provide their own cardboard.

When sailing the boat all passengers must wear Coast Guard approved lifejackets and shoes or water shoes, Sorrentino said.
Other than those rules, Sorrentino said the design is completely up to the crew.

“It’s open to anyone who wants to participate or have fun and create something that will stick in the minds of those who see it,” Sorrentino said. “Let your imagination go wild and build a cardboard boat.”

Following the cardboard boat race will be the Fourth Annual Canoe and Kayak Event on Carrington Pond. Fireworks will take place at Pent Road Recreation Complex later that evening.

Anyone interested in taking part in the cardboard boat race can call Sorrentino at (203) 525-9886.

“It’ll probably be the only time someone will be the captain of their own cardboard boat,” Sorrentino said.