Boats of cardboard, duct tape race in East Bay

BY

A fun and popular event, the Cardboard Boat Challenge, was moved from Fiesta Day to the Mermaid Festival this year. The rules were the same; all boats had to be constructed of cardboard and duct tape only and powered by an oar/paddle or hands. Although all ages were invited, the adults backed off and made it all about the kids.

The race began with boats named Pandy Candi and Dead Man’s Chest running nearly side by side to and around the turn. Silver Bullet, Cheerleaders Cheer and Siren Seeker got a late start but were still in the race. Meanwhile, the final two were having a bit of trouble staying afloat.

Gavin Dayton’s Silver Bullet won Judges Choice.

Around the turn, Pandy Candi and Dead Man’s Chest were in a battle for 1st and remained in a neck-and-neck race until they got nearer the shore, when Pandy Candi surged ahead for the win! Dead Man’s Chest was a close 2nd. Silver Bullet stayed consistent for a solid 3rd. Cheerleaders Cheer and Siren Seeker got in a bit of trouble but kept on pushing to finish the race. The final two boats had several sinking events until one got going (and eventually finished) and the other disintegrated, sinking to the bottom of the Indian Beach shore.

All the winners with their awards.

The judges winners were:

1st Place: Captain Nicole Allen with First Mate Kierra Kollack in their mermaid-themed boat “Pandy Candi.”

Best Dressed: Captain Gracelyn Robbins and First Mate Allison Robbins and their boat “Dead Man’s Chest.”

Judges’ Choice: Captain Gavin Dayton in his boat the “Silver Bullet.”

For more photos visit www.fridayflyer.com.