There don’t be anything like getting thee wet an stuck in the drink.

But fear not, me hearties, nobody ain’t gonna make thee walk yon plank… at least not officially. See, it’s the annual hilarity of the Cardboard Boat race we’re yakkin’ about and over the years it’s been one of the most anticipated parts of Cayman’s National Festival, Pirates Week.

Ye have to see it to believe it, with teams of scurvy dogs taking to Hog Sty Bay to race around a course… with vessels made only from cardboard. Ay, tis a rum ol’ deal when these rickety craft get their chops and try not to sink in yonder deep.

This year the fun and games presented by Build Cayman and sponsored by Caybrew/Digicel begins at 4pm sharp, lubbers, so no excuses for getting down there late. I’faith, there’s a Paddle Board contest happening too, the High School relay be startin at 1pm, most on a paddle board contest at 1.30pm and the main Paddle Board contest at 2.30pm.

More watery skills are promised in the WowBalls-sponsored Walking on Water competition, which is scheduled for 11am.

See these things, they’re the hilariousest things of the week of Pirates; massive crowds gather around the circuit to cheer on the crazy cats in their crazier vessels. If ye are interested in entering here be some rules:

For the construction of the hull only cardboard may be used. The cardboard may be any thickness but must be composed of cardboard only.

Other materials allowed for the construction of the hull include duct tape, packaging tape, masking tape, contact cement, rubber cement, paint, liquid nail, coloured pens, adhesive and imagination only. Note: No epoxy based paints or epoxy based adhesives are allowed.

Wrap ye not, ye curs

Hulls are not permitted to be wrapped in any approved tape but may be fully coated in approved paints. Above the hull any materials may be used so long as they do not assist in waterproofing, floatation or structural integrity to the hull. Any means of propulsion allowed except mechanical/electrical.

The design is the builder’s choice. Let your imagination reign supreme! At the judge’s discretion over 50 per cent of the boat’s volume must remain afloat and intact on completion in order to qualify for prizes.

The organisers recommend that all persons on board wear Personal Flotation Devices and waterproof shoes. Participants must provide their own safety gear. Indemnity forms must signed by each participant. All team members must wear like coloured shirts or similar fancy dress. Fancy Dress is encouraged.

Starting on the beach in George Town Harbour boats will make their way towards the north terminal around the marker, circumvent rock island and finish on the beach. Finishing flag posts will be provide and all team members with their craft must cross the line to complete the race.

Note: The first 18 teams registering will be allocated space on the beach on a first come first serve basis. Additional teams will be tied off the seawall between the beach and the North Terminal.

 Clean up crews will be provided but in the spirit of the event it is requested that all teams assist in removing their shipwreck debris from their watery graves. We also require that all teams personally remove their crafts from the beach after the race.

Any crafts remaining on the beach will be removed to the dump within one to one and a half hours after prize giving, and note ye well that all rules are subject to change at the judges’ discretion, ya dogs.

 
Additional information: 

• Sponsors banners must be canvass type only and supplied with string and fixing eyes. Banners will be erected along the sea walls and railings.
• Television and newspaper coverage is expected.
• Caybrew will provide Caybrew beer and food will also be provided before, during and after the race into the evening. We encourage all contestants, friends and family to remain at the South Pier after the race to enjoy refreshments, food and music.
• Soft drinks will also be on sale and free bottled water will be made available to contestants. No glass bottles or personal coolers allowed.
• The following materials are prohibited in the construction of the hull: Resin, wax coatings, tar based materials, epoxies, plastic, rubber, vinyl, wood, vanishings, sealers and foam or any other materials providing assistance to the waterproofing, floatation or structural integrity of the hull. This restriction applies to the keel, transom, ribs, hull, etc.
• Joints and seams may be joined using permitted adhesives and tapes. No fasteners, staples or nails are permitted on the Hull joints.
• Boat numbers must be clearly displayed on both sides of the boat. These will be provided by the organisers at the pre-race event at Breezes by the Bay.

Ye listenin or are ye two sheets to the wind on grog already ye cabin-crazed seabird?

Public viewing is available from the roadside, north and south terminals and Breeze by the Bay Restaurant. Get there early to reserve your space. This event be right popular, it be. Arrrrrrrr me lad! WH

For  more information visit
cardboardboatregatta.ky