Events

The Michigan City Port Authority in conjunction with The Summer Festival, presents the "CARDBOARD BOAT DASH"
Registration  From 10:30AM-11:30AM. Race begins at noon.

Race Day Instruction
All boats must be checked in and registered by 11:30AM on race day. This allows for judging and inspection. A captain's meeting will be held at 11:30AM by the launch ramp.

Cardboard is available for building your boat. Cardboard can be picked up at Captain Ed's 400 E. US Highway 20. Cardboard is $2.00 per sheet. If you have any questions contact Ed "Commodore of Corrugation" Beutner or Chad "Grand Master Splash" McClead.
Cardboard Boat Race Classes

The "Cracker Jack" Class
The family that sinks together, swims together. For contestants 13 years and under. Parents may also participate. (Limit of one adult male and one adult female per boat.)
The "Salty Dog" Class For racers of all ages.

Official Rules

Only corrugated cardboard may be used. Any thickness of corrugated cardboard is permitted.
The entire hull, superstructure and seating must be made entirely of corrugated cardboard.
Absolutely NO use of the following items will be permitted: tar-based substances, epoxy glue, fiberglass resin, two-part varnishes, any other two-part substances, non-corrugated cardboard (such as carpet tubes or barrels) or corrugated cardboard that is bonded to any other material.
The hull must not be wrapped in plastic, duct tapes, shrink wrap or anything else.
Only seams and joints may be taped, not the whole boat.
The oars or paddles you use for propulsion and items used as fasteners (nuts, bolts, washers, staples) may be made of materials other than corrugated cardboard. Use of canoe paddles, oars or kayak paddles is permitted.
Your boat must be free of sharp edges, pointy objects or anything else that could be a menace to another person. You will have to fix any problems before you enter the race.
No more than 8 occupants will be permitted in any boat in this race. All crews must wear a life jacket and shoes.
No person may ride in any enclosed area of the vessel where they could become trapped if the vessel sank.
Remember…be creative. Trophies will be awarded for design, creativity and team spirit.

If you have any questions regarding the rules contact Chad "Grand Master Splash" McClead at (219) 872-6294.
Trophy Categories

1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be awarded in each race plus the following special awards.

The Coolest Boat Award
For the judges pick of their favorite cardboard boat.

The Dream Team Award
For the judges pick of the team with the best team spirit, costume, attitude, etc.

The Master Of Disaster Award
For the boat that sinks, falls apart or fails to perform in the most entertaining way.

The Cracker Jack Award
For the best boat in the Cracker Jack Class.

The Corrugation Ovation Award
For the most creative use of cardboard.