Recyclers ready for regatta on Nanticoke River

Cardboard boats to race Aug. 6

By Glenn Rolfe
Posted 7/10/22

BLADES — Large boats and yachts will be upstaged by water-ready crafts made of cardboard Aug. 6.

Back after a two-year pandemic-related hiatus, the seventh annual Recycled Cardboard Boat Regatta will return to the Nanticoke River Marine Park.

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Recyclers ready for regatta on Nanticoke River

Cardboard boats to race Aug. 6

Posted

BLADES — Large boats and yachts will be upstaged by water-ready crafts made of cardboard Aug. 6.

Back after a two-year pandemic-related hiatus, the seventh annual Recycled Cardboard Boat Regatta will return to the Nanticoke River Marine Park.

The event is presented by the state’s Division of Watershed Stewardship and Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances, as well as the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center and the town of Blades, as part of Reclaim Our River’s Nanticoke Series.

The regatta is open to any person or group that can build a cardboard boat. Registration will open at 11 a.m., with judging of the vessels’ appearances at noon and races starting at 12:30. The rain date is Aug. 7.

The marina is located at 26 N. Market St. in Blades, just south of the bridge linking Blades and Seaford.

Boats may be any shape, size or design but must be made of recycled cardboard and painted with multiple coats of any indoor or outdoor latex house paint. Decorations may be removed after judging, before the race starts.

Participants who register by July 30 will receive early pricing of $20 per boat. After that, registration will increase to $30. Signups will also be available the day of the regatta.

Sailors should plan to paddle their boats from the starting point on the Nanticoke River approximately 100 yards for adults and 50 yards for children to the finish line.

Awards will be given for the winners in five categories: individual, youth, teens, family and organizations/businesses.

Other awards will be doled out for “Pride of the Fleet,” “Most Whimsical Boat” and “Team Spirit.” Also, spectators will be asked to pick a “People’s Choice” winner, while a “Titanic Award” will be given for the most dramatic sinking.

In addition, organizers encourage participants to challenge others for one-on-one bragging rights. After the planned races are over, skippers may ask another to race. For a challenge race, both pay $5.

Attendees can also learn about Reclaim Our River and how to help protect Delaware’s waterways. The Nanticoke Series is devoted to bringing workshops and recreational activities to the Nanticoke Watershed.

Sponsors are sought, with proceeds going toward event costs, projects to improve water quality and education. Sponsorships begin at $50.

For information, visit here.

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