50th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta set for April 26 at SIU’s campus lake

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host its 50th annual Cardboard Boat Regatta on April 26 at Campus Lake. The event, which has become a global phenomenon, will feature various racing categories, including a new teen division.

The regatta, which began as a class project in 1974, has drawn national attention and attracted participants from around the world. This year’s event promises to be exciting, with a range of creative and innovative cardboard boats on display.

Racing categories include Class I (boats powered by canoe paddles, oars or kayak paddles), Class II (boats powered by paddle wheels, propellers or other novel forms of muscle-powered propulsion), Class III (instant boats created on the spot with provided materials), Class IV (kids’ boats for youngsters under 13) and Class V (teen boats for ages 13-17).

Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division, based on time. Special awards will also be given for the most spectacular sinking, best use of cardboard, best team boats, best team spirit and people’s choice.

Registration is now open, with a discount for pre-registering. Participants can register online or by calling Events and Outreach at 618-536-7751. The registration fee is $15 for pre-registration and $20 for same-day registration.

The event is free and open to the public, with food and drinks available for purchase.

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the racing action.

For more information, contact Mary Kinsel, director of the Mass Spectrometry Facility, at 618-453-6428 or mkinsel@siu.edu.