Registration underway for Glen Ellyn cardboard regatta
Boats made almost exclusively of cardboard set out upon Lake Ellyn every summer, each carrying intrepid sailors, seemingly defying the laws of physics as they glide across the lake's surface.
But laws of physics are confirmed by the occasional paper vessel's unceremonious failure as it sinks below the surface.
It's all in good fun. Along with an award for the fastest cardboard floating contraption, there's recognition for the Best Sinking at the Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta.
And, for safety's sake, all those aboard the creatively decorated watercraft are decked out in life preservers.
Preparations are in full swing for this year's cardboard boat race, set for noon Saturday, July 1, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn.
Each team may consist of up to eight participants and the entry fee is $50. Each boatbuilding team will receive 20 sheets of corrugated cardboard. Divisions are available for youths (ages 9 to 17) and adults (ages 18 and older). New this year, a division is also available for families.
The registration deadline for boat teams is noon Friday, June 30. Visit gepark.org/regatta for details. Registration is accepted from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave., Glen Ellyn.
Cardboard will be distributed at the Main Street Recreation Center. Boats must be made only of corrugated cardboard; extra cardboard may be added to the allotment provided by the park district. Boatbuilders may use glue, tape and paint on their boats, but epoxy glue or paint is not allowed.
Also, the hull may not be covered in duct tape. Construction details and compliance with rules will be checked by inspectors prior to the race. On race day, each boat captain will be given a pennant with a race number to attach to the front of the boat.
Paddles will be provided by the park district; kayak paddles are prohibited.
Participants may wear their own life vests or ones provided by the park district. All crew must be visible to the judges and dive team during the race.
Imaginative boat designs are encouraged. There's an award for the most creative boat, and an award for the boatbuilding group with the most team spirit.
"My favorite one years ago was somebody built a Lego boat that looked like it was made of Legos," said Jeannie Robinson, assistant superintendent of recreation services. "And everybody talks about the Energizer Bunny one. It was 15 feet tall."
"My favorite memory is the 100-foot boat. They were trying to break the world record," said Mary Defiglia, assistant superintendent of special facilities. "All was OK until they tried to pass the buoy. It split in half."
Robinson said sailors guide their vessels around two buoys, traveling about 75 feet out from the shoreline, 50 feet across the lake and 75 feet back to shore.
Race day starts at 9 a.m. with boat check-ins and inspections. The event opens to the public at 10 a.m. The Food Truck Picnic in the Park, where more than a dozen food trucks will be open for business, begins at 11 a.m. Food choices include the new Carnivale Food Truck, Toasty Cheese, Toasty Taco and Slide Ride.
The races begin at noon and are done in heats. Racing is usually done by 2:30 or 3 p.m.
First- and second-place finishers in each division will receive trophies during a post-race awards ceremony. The Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta is free for spectators to attend.
For information, visit gepark.org/regatta.
If you go
What: Glen Ellyn Cardboard Regatta
When: Noon Saturday, July 1; register by noon Friday, June 30
Where: Lake Ellyn, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn
Cost: $50 for team up to eight people; free for spectators
Info: gepark.org/regatta