Cardboard Boat Race comes to the Onehunga Festival in 20211 min read

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Registrations are now open for 2021 boat race as part of the Onehunga Festival. This inaugural event will see handmade cardboard or corflute boats race across the Onehunga Bay Reserve lagoon.

Boats of any shape or design can be entered and a team can number 1 or 100. The primary rule is they can only be made of cardboard or corflute and held together with duct tape or glue.

The brainchild of Aotea Sea Scouts leader Stephen Lasham, the boat race is open now so that master builders can spend some time perfecting their design over the summer months in preparation for the festival on Saturday 27 February.

“There are a lot of these events held around the world, but I have never seen one in Auckland,” says Stephen. “You can create some pretty flash boats that look the part (but may sink immediately) or just a simple raft may turn out to be quite effective.

“I want people to be inspired and think big and beautiful for their designs.”

Stephen and others are currently in talks with some sponsors to have some wonderful prizes for the event which will include rewarding the fastest crossing, best sinking and best-looking boat.

There is a $20 registration charge for each boat and more information can be found at www.onehunga.net.nz/boat-race.

 

Photo credit: https://www.insidethegates.org/2016/07/19/cardboard-boat-regatta-races-big-canoe/