Glen Ellyn's Cardboard Regatta sets sail
More than a decade ago, Jim Craig of Glen Ellyn was taking leisurely stroll through Lake Ellyn Park with his wife when the pair came across quite a spectacle.
It was the Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta and Craig was enamored.
“Once we watched it, it was set in stone that I was going to do this next year,” said Craig, an artist whose day job is with the sales and marketing division of Advocate Health Care.
In an amateur boat, Craig and close friend Bill Bickhart managed to snag 15th place.
Since then Craig's entries have come a long way. He has competed in crafts resembling a Swiss army knife, an F-15 plane and even a dog sled.
And for the past two years his entries have taken prizes for the fastest speed as well as the best in show.
On Saturday, July 2, Craig and his team of seven once again will take to the lake in their latest contraption: a 19-foot-long, 8-foot-high Harley Davidson Road King.
“We've won it for speed and we've won it for looks,” Craig said. “Now we're just out there to have fun and encourage the kids.”
Brave crews partaking in the 18th annual Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta will shove off at noon Saturday, July 2, in Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn.
The rules are simple.
Groups may use only corrugated cardboard to construct their boat and all team members must cross the finish line inside the vessel.
“I think that if you haven't seen the event before you'll be absolutely amazed at what people are making out of cardboard,” said Mary Defiglia, assistant superintendent of recreation at the Glen Ellyn Park District.
While teams are allowed to use glue, duct tape and paint to secure the seams of their boat, other materials such as resins, varnishes and epoxies are prohibited.
It's sink or float for some participants though as more than 50 teams race around the 200-yard course and not all make it to the end afloat and dry.
“It's just a lot of fun,” said Master of Ceremonies and Captain of the Races Ed Klemm, a speech teacher at Wheaton North High School. “It's great to see parents, kids and families involved in it and really that's what any activity is all about, bringing families together.”
Klemm, nicknamed “the Skipper” of the regatta, will return for the second year as announcer of the race, an event he says he is “really fortunate to be involved in.”
After his turn announcing the 2010 regatta, Klemm made a verbal commitment to Defiglia and the organizers, he said.
“As long as I have a voice I would like to be the announcer,” he said.
Announcing affords Klemm the comfort of dry land. He won't be joining Craig and his crew on Lake Ellyn anytime soon.
“I think the best place for me is on the dock,” Klemm said. “I could possibly break a record with how quickly I would sink.”
Beginning at 11 a.m. the Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Committee in conjunction with the Glen Ellyn Fire Department will be selling burgers, hot dogs and sweet corn to landlubbers and seamen alike.
On average the unconventional race draws close to 5,000 spectators over the course of the afternoon.
To level the playing field, the event is divided into three principle categories: the Schooners, or first-timers; the Yachtsmen, with less than five years of experience under their belts; and the Legends, expert cardboard sailors.
Beyond the cardboard and the life jackets is an event that has become a long-standing community staple.
“There's some rivalries between different neighbors that have evolved over the years,” Defiglia said.
More than unique aquatic crafts, the boats are “really all pieces of artwork in a sense,” Defiglia said.
Judging by the time and dedication captains like Craig put into their entries, it is apparent Defiglia is not alone in her opinion.
After more than 14 gallons of glue and 300 hours of work, Craig's unnamed vessel is ready for its Saturday launch.
Everything that comes after the launch, though, will be a surprise.
“I have no idea what it's going to do, though I know it will float,” Craig said. “For how long is the question.”
If you go
What: Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta and Picnic
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 2
Where: Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn
Cost: Free admission, picnic foods for sale
Info: (630) 858-2462 or geparks.org
<b>Staying afloat<b>
For the second year, Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta legends Jim Craig and Jim Owens hosted a boatbuilding session for beginning competitors. Here are some of their essential tips for becoming seaworthy sailors:
Ÿ Start building two months before race day. Paint should dry for one to two weeks.
Ÿ Flat-bottomed boats are better than round-bottomed boats.
Ÿ Longer boats are faster than shorter boats.
Ÿ Don't skimp on the glue — it adds strength to your boat.
Ÿ Figure out your boat's dimensions. Kneel on your driveway or sidewalk with all of the people planning to row in your boat. Decide how close together you can be without bumping into each other and outline your boat's framework in chalk for a starting point.
Ÿ Go slow and use sharp utility blades.
Ÿ Have adult supervision.
Ÿ It's always a good idea to paint your boat for extra water protection.
Groups interested in participating in the 2011 Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta must apply by noon Friday, July 1. Registration is $50 for residents, $75 for others. Fee includes 10 sheets of corrugated cardboard.