Maritime knowledge, engineering expertise and technical eccentricity will be the key attributes for the leading contenders in this year’s ‘Low Wood, No Wood’ cardboard boat races held on Windermere.
Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel & Marina plays host to the unusual wacky racing on the water which takes place on Saturday 16 May, commencing at 10:00am.
Established in 2013, the annual fixture is now an inclusive family event held in aid of outdoor adventure charity Calvert Trust. It has once again been kindly sponsored by Progression Solicitors and Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel & Marina.
The rules for the racing teams are quite simple: all boats must be made of cardboard of any thickness, whether corrugated, waxed, tubed or barreled. Duct tape can be used to hold vessels together, but only applied to seams, joints or patches.
Organiser Ben Berry from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues says: “This is the third year we have run this increasingly popular event at Low Wood Bay and we expect about 20 vessels to enter the water for the initial time trial heats. Those that successfully stay afloat will qualify for the Armada race before an overall winner will emerge hopefully unscathed and home and dry.
“This is a fantastic family day out, whether you are spectating or taking part, and we have lots of prizes to give out for the fledgling sailors, including a progression prize for the best youth team and accolades for the best boat design and best dressed, themed team or paddler. There is also the Titanic award for the most dramatic sinking and the Armada prize for the final destruction derby.
“We hope lots of people will come out to watch the races and support the teams on what should be an exciting afternoon’s alternative sport – all in a most worthy cause.”
Over 20 teams took part in last year’s racing, which raised nearly £4000 for the Lake District Calvert Trust. Richie’s Jolly Rogers took first place in the time trial heats, whilst Grey Walls sinking landed them the Titanic award, SS Ginge picked up the Armada prize and Mario Kart the best dressed paddlers.
To find out more about the cardboard boat races or enter a team visit http://www.cardboardboatrace.co.uk/.
Each team’s £20 registration fee goes directly to the Lake District Calvert Trust, and they can seek to raise additional funds for the charity or another cause of their choice.
Entrants can be an individual or teams of unlimited size, with boats having at least one paddler aboard. Races involve each boat being paddled out around marker buoys and back along a set course, with safety coverage for any sinkers.
This year’s family friendly event includes a bouncy castle, face painting and a range of activities throughout the day. Drinks and food will be available with a sumptuous barbecue and a bar along the front.
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