Recycled Cardboard Boat Regatta signup discounted thru July 29

The Recycled Cardboard Boat Regatta will return to the Nanticoke River Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Nanticoke River Public Marine Park, 26 North Market St., Blades. Sign-in and registration begin at 11 a.m., with judging of boats’ appearances at noon, and races starting at 12:30 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, Aug. 6.

The 2023 Recycled Cardboard Boat Regatta is presented by the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, Town of Blades, Nanticoke River Yacht Club and Gallery 107. 

The regatta is open to anyone who’s willing to build a boat from recycled cardboard and paddle it approximately 100 yards to the regatta finish line, or half that for kids.

Cardboard boats of any size, shape or design may be entered in the regatta, but they must be made of used cardboard, and should be painted with multiple coats of latex house paint. Decorations may be removed after appearance judging, prior to the race start. Participants who preregister their boats by Saturday, July 29, will receive special early-bird pricing of $20 per vessel. After that date, registration will increase to $30. Participants can also register the day of the event.

Besides the fun of building a boat, it’s fun to compete and some would say even more fun to cheer on the competitors. There will be a Delmarva Model Boat Club demonstration, and food options include grilled Angus burgers and all-beef hot dogs.

First-place awards will be given for race winners in five different categories: individual, youth, teens, family and organizations or businesses. Special awards will be given for Pride of the Fleet, Most Whimsical Boat and Team Spirit. Also, spectators will be asked to pick a People’s Choice Award winner.

After all regular races are completed, crews are welcome to challenge each other to race one-on-one for bragging rights (for a nominal $5 fee/crew).

Attendees can learn about the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance’s Reclaim Our River partnership and how to help protect Delaware’s waterways. The Delaware Nature Society, and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Watershed Stewardship and Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances will have table displays as well.

Sponsorships begin at $50, and support event costs along with projects that improve water quality and water quality education.  

For more information and construction rules, and to register, go to nanticokeriver.org/rcbr.