Cardboard Boat Rules for LFA June 24, 2006
 

Teams:
> Make a team of friends or family or both (3 or more per team).
> All ages can participate.  All must be paid-up LFA members or accompanied guests.
> Each team must have an adult to assist with cardboard cutting.
> Choose a team name and a captain. 
> Register early to assure there will be sufficient materials.
 

Building the boat:
> The design process can begin before race day.
> Each team gets from the race officials the afternoon of the race: two or three large pieces of corrugated cardboard (like from an appliance box), two rolls of duct tape, and two foam “Noodles”.  Use all or as much of those materials as desired.  No other materials may be used, except that marking pens are OK for decoration if desired.  No paddles or sails unless made from the supplied materials. 
> The team has an hour after the judges say OK-to-proceed to create a boat that will transport a team member.  The boat is not to be put in the water until the judging of design is completed for all boats.
> Finished boat may not have sharp edges or anything that could hurt someone.  The passenger space must not be enclosed and the shoulders of anyone in the boat must be visible when seated.  Cardboard may be layered for more strength or stiffness.
> The team name must be marked on the outside of the boat two or more places.  Other decoration by marking pens is OK and encouraged as long as it is not obscene or derogatory.
> No tools will be supplied.  Any non-powered tools may be used in building the boat.  The team should consider bringing a straight edge, measuring tape, cutter, marking pens, and something such as a Crescent wrench handle to help in bending the cardboard.  Actual cutting is to be done only by adults.  Bring your PFDs.
 

Racing the boat:
> Only team members, one or more, may be in the boat.  Race will be a timed event on a designated route around pylons.  Judges will decide at the time how many boats in a heat – possibly only one, and may deem a boat too unseaworthy to go into the water.
> Propulsion is to be only by those in or on the boat, using only hands, arms, or items made from the supplied materials.  No use of feet or legs and no help from those not in the boat, except that other team members may help steady the boat while it is being loaded before the race.
> All in the boat must be visible, able to swim, and wear a properly fitted and Coast Guard approved PFD (personal flotation device/lifejacket) and appropriate clothing.
 

Other rules:
> No messing with boats of others (until all boats have raced), or derogatory talk.
> All cardboard and other boat materials must be removed from the lake and properly disposed.
 

Prizes:
 

Most Attractive Boat (in the opinion of the judges before the race).
 

Ugliest Boat (in the opinion of the judges before the race).  A team can not get a prize for both most attractive and ugliest.
 

Fastest boat, based on time to get around the designated route in the correct sequence.
 

Most Spectacular Sinking is awarded to the crew who, in the opinion of the judges, was the most spectacular in the way the ship and its crew go down during or after the race.  Boats must have raced past the first buoy marker in order to qualify for the trophy. (Note: as long as the boat or some portion of it is propelled by at least one crew member, the boat may continue along the course to the finish line.)