Cardboard Boat Regatta

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The 3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at Carlton Landing is a beloved Labor Day weekend tradition that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and a splash of competitive spirit! Participants design and build their own boats using cardboard, putting their engineering skills to the test.

On the day of the event, these cardboard creations are launched onto the waters of Lake Eufaula from the Swim Beach below the Town Green. Teams of paddlers will navigate their way through a fun and challenging course. Spectators line the shore, cheering on their favorite teams and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

The Cardboard Boat Regatta is not just about racing—it’s also a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy of simple, handmade fun. Whether you’re participating or cheering from the shore, this event is sure to be a highlight of your Labor Day weekend in Carlton Landing!

Race is at 10:30 AM

Awards:

• 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Race
• Most Spectacular Sinking
• Sportmanship Award

Cardboard Boat Regatta – Rules & Guidelines

Participant Rules:

• Children 12 and under must be accompanied in the boat by an adult age 18 or older.
• Every participant must wear:
  • A properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD)
  • Foot protection (no bare feet)
• All participants must sign a consent and waiver form prior to racing.
• During the race:
  • All crew members must be inside the boat—not towing it, not holding it between their legs, not swimming alongside, and not using their personal flotation device to keep the boat afloat.
  • You must ride in the boat, not on the boat.
• Each team captain is responsible for:
  • Removing their boat and any debris from the water after their race.
  • Cleaning up all waste from their boat from the beach or surrounding area after the event. Leave no trace!

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Boat Construction Rules:

• Be creative! Boat decorations and crew costumes are encouraged and may be judged for spirit or creativity awards.
• Boats must be made entirely of cardboard.
  Prohibited materials include:
  • Metal
  • Wood
  • Plastic
  • Rubber
  • Flex Seal
  • Styrofoam
  • Fiberglass
  • Inflatable components
  • Pre-treated cardboard (waxed, coated, etc.)
• Duct tape may be used to reinforce seams only. Boats may not be fully wrapped in duct tape.
• Boats may be sealed with environmentally friendly varnish, paint, or polyurethane. All sealants must be fully dry before the race.
• No motors or sails are allowed. Participants must provide their own paddles.
• The crew compartment must be open, not enclosed in any way that could interfere with quick escape.
• Each boat must carry a sealed one-gallon plastic jug attached by 15 feet of rope, securely fastened to the boat.
  • This jug must remain inside the boat during the race and cannot be used for flotation.
  • It is intended to assist with locating or retrieving sunken boats.