A Cub Scout Recycled Rain Gutter Regatta is a fun and creative event that combines scouting, recycling, and friendly competition. The event encourages scouts to use their imagination, problem-solving skills, and teamwork to craft boats that can glide smoothly down the makeshift waterways. The regatta not only provides an exciting opportunity for friendly racing but also instills important lessons about sustainability and innovation in young scouts in a playful and engaging way.
Watch as our scouts put their marine ingenuity to the test by racing handcrafted boats through inflatable lanes. But there's a twist! These boats are to be made from recycled materials and powered by nothing but the scouts' own breath through straws. It's a fun, ecofriendly challenge that tests creativity, teamwork, and lung power. Don’t miss out on the excitement!
If you're unfamiliar with how the boat race works, during the Rain Gutter Regatta, sailboats are raced down a length of water-filled ‘rain gutters’, powered only by the scout blowing into the sail through a soda straw. Each scout will have the chance to race against other scouts in a double elimination bracket format.
When: October 15th
Where: AMR Chapel
Theme: Halloween
Timings:
Check-in: 1730 - 1800
Opening remarks: 1800
Races commence: 1810
Race order: Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Weblos/AOL
Awards and Halloween Dance Party: 1850
Rain Gutter Regatta Rules and Tips
1. Boats must be made from recycled materials found around your home - no premade boats or boat kits allowed.
Ideally, your boat should be made from items you are able to find and recycle from around your home. Some materials may be purchased to complete your boat, like paddle pop sticks for example. Boats must have a sail or air catching area - scouts will race the boat by blowing them down the track with a straw. Our tracks are plastic/inflatable: boats cannot have any sharp items on them. Boats are to be no longer than 7 inches in length and 3.25 inches wide.
2. Practice Blowing the Sails.
If it's your first time competing, or maybe you're looking to improve your sailboat's outcome in this year's event, the best way to make sure you're ready for the Rain Gutter Regatta is to practice blowing the sail. We know designing the boat can be fun, quick, and easy, but building a fast sailboat that finishes in the top three will require some degree of practice. After all, you wouldn't expect to get an A+ on a test you didn't study for, right?
The best technique for a fast boat is to practice blowing hard in a small, concentrated area. The last thing you'll want to do is make yourself lightheaded by blowing the sails too hard and too often without catching your breath! Practice testing your sailboat at a pond or pool before the race, concentrating on the airflow, or taking deep breaths to maximize air output.
3. Make Sure Your Boat Doesn't Break the Rules.
Although the rules can vary from event to event, nearly every race requires scouts to build sailboats. Therefore, each boat must look like a sailboat. Boats from previous years' races cannot be used. It's safe to assume that all boats will be inspected during the appointed check-in time to ensure they comply with the rules and specifications set by your local Race Committee.
4. Don't Use Water-Based Paints to decorate your boat.
Although water-based paint is versatile, dries quickly, and doesn't carry a strong, harsh smell, you should remember the race will take place in water, and the paint will start to come off your sailboat. Seriously, by the end of the event, the water will be a dark, murky mess, and your gorgeous sailboat won't look so pristine anymore! We can't stress this enough. It's best not to use water-based paints like acrylic or latex and instead use spray paint to decorate your boat.
5. Make Sure You Have Fun.
Scouting can teach us how to win with humility and accept defeat with grace, but regardless of your sailboat's outcome, the most important thing is to have fun! Not only is designing the sailboat an excellent way for parents to connect with their children, but also a fantastic opportunity for scouts to compete against and learn from other scouts their age. Eat a healthy meal before the race, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and have fun!
Want to Upgrade Your Boat Design?
Rain Gutter Regatta sticker decals may be available at the Boy Scouts of America, Aloha Council Shop at 42 Puiwa Road, Honolulu which is open from 9am – 5pm Monday through to Thursday and from 9am – 3pm Friday or online at scoutshop.org.
Decal sheet designs include shark, pirates ahoy matey, pirates, sea creatures and racing stripes. All decal sheets are printed with iridescent ink, and the peel-and-stick design is easy to apply to your Rain Gutter Regatta boat!
We need volunteers to help set up, assist with the races, and help clean and pack up!
Volunteer positions required are as follows:
MC, Boat Judge (x2), Timekeeper/Recorder (x4), Marshall (x2)
If you are interested in volunteering, please see Kim Mow.