Key to Glen Ellyn Cardboard Regatta — stay afloat
Cardboard boatbuilders are a calculating lot.
Before crafting a vessel that floats, supports the weight of its crew and can make it across the waters of Glen Ellyn's Lake Ellyn, there is math and measuring to be done, followed by gluing, painting and decorating.
Just ask Nile Woods, an 11-year-old Glen Ellyn boatbuilder who plans to take his newest watercraft for its maiden voyage Saturday, June 29, in the 26th annual Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta.
Last year, Woods, his 11-year-old buddy Luca Wisniewski and the boys' fathers, Tyler Woods and Roman Wisniewski, sailed to victory in the family category.
“It's really exciting for us,” Nile Woods said.
Dubbed “Ferocious Firecrackers,” the boat carried an Independence Day theme.
“It was an American flag boat, very patriotic — red, white and blue — and then they wore crazy red, white and blue hats,” said Susan Woods, Nile's mother.
That boat first hit the water in 2017 with Nile, his father and three of Nile's friends aboard. Still seaworthy, it was preserved for the 2018 regatta.
“We kept the boat in our garage all winter and spring,” Susan Woods said.
The boat made it around the lake three times before it started taking on water and was no longer salvageable, she said.
This year, the two boys will sail on their own in a new boat.
“(Nile) and his dad are building it together in the garage,” said Susan Woods.
Nile said he and his father haven't yet designed the boat's décor, but have decided it will reflect a patriotic sentiment.
Roughly 30 cardboard craft are expected to compete this year, said Mary Defiglia, the park district's assistant superintendent of special facilities.
“We have several awards for each of the categories: family, youth and adult. We have the fastest time, the Titanic award for most spectacular sinking, team spirit and then one award for the Queen of the Lake. That goes for the best-looking boat,” Defiglia said.
Because Glen Ellyn Park District is celebrating its 100th anniversary, there will be some extra giveaways and raffles, she said.
Defiglia said it costs $50 to enter a boat; the registration deadline is noon Friday.
Before the race begins, the Picnic in the Park presented by the Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Committee will begin at 11 a.m. with several food trucks. The event helps fund the Fourth of July parade and fireworks.
Live minnow races will be available Saturday for $1, with proceeds benefiting the Glen Ellyn Park District scholarship fund.
In each category, regatta racing teams are permitted up to eight team members. Nile Woods said he and his friend decided to go with a two-person team in the 17-and-under age category.
His advice for achieving that competitive edge?
“Row fast.”
26th annual Lake Ellyn Cardboard Regatta
<b>When:</b> Event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday; races begin at noon
<b>Where:</b> Lake Ellyn, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn
<b>Cost:</b> $50 per boat; registration ends at noon Friday
<b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.gepark.org">gepark.org</a> and (630) 858-2462