Cardboard Boat Race at Buckeye Lake Yacht Club

Join in the fun and participate in the Cardboard Boat Race at Buckeye Lake Yacht Club on Saturday, August 8th! This race will benefit the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Program and the Harbor Community Center. The presentation and cardboard boat display will begin at 10 a.m. with the voting for best in show from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Next, the youth race will take place at 12 p.m. with the adult race to follow at 12:30 p.m.

2026 Rules:

• The entire boat must be built of cardboard.
• Cardboard may be as thick as you want and may be layered together.
• Cardboard carpet tubes or similar tubes may be used. Duct tape, masking tape, wood glue or contact cement may be used. Metal or plastic staples, clamps, nails, screws, etc, may NOT be used. “Sono-Tubes or any other type of pre-treated or coated cardboard that has been processed in such a way as to waterproof the cardboard may not be used.
• Boats may be painted with water-based paint or water sealer like Thompson’s Water Seal Stain. All paint and stain must be dry before the boat enters the water. Tar, wax, silicone, fiberglass resins, epoxy glues or Styrofoam are prohibited.
• Raft style designs may be used, but surfboard-style designs may NOT. The distinguishing features of the raft design over that of a surfboard is the use of connected cardboard logs.
• 100% of the crew members must be inside or on top of your boat. Where the crew sits may be enclosed. The boat crew must be able to get in and out of the boat easily.
• The propulsion system may not be a motor power or kick power. Any oars or paddles may be made out of any material.
• No electrical power sources will be allowed on any boat once in contact with the water.
• If there is any doubt about the construction, the judges reserve the right to use a probe, such as an ice pick to test and verify that only cardboard has been used. Construction violations discovered during any part of the day shall be cause for elimination.
• Life Jackets must be worn during the race.
• Each team is responsible for disposing of their boat after the race.
• Only the pilots and one crew member will be allowed on the dock prior to the start of the race.

For more information, please visit the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club’s website.