1. Overview – “Just what is a Raingutter Regatta?”
The Raingutter Regatta is a boat race that is designed to be a Parent-Scout
project. Please feel free to give guidance and minimal assistance to your Scout
as they build their Raingutter Regatta boat, appropriate to their age. This is a
chance for your Scout to be part of a team and to enjoy the spirit of friendly
competition with his peers.
These “Official Raingutter Regatta Rules” are written to help you keep it simple
and fun for your Scout, and to know what to expect when it comes time to
race.
2. Ground Rules for Participation – “Who can race?”
Here are our participation guidelines:
a. The race is open to all Lion, Tiger, Bear, Wolves and Webelos Scouts
registered.
b. Each scout may enter only one boat in the competition. They should have
a significant level of participation in building their boat (designing, sanding,
gluing, painting, decorating, etc.)
c. The boat must have been built during the current program year. Boats that
have competed in a previous regatta are not permitted. Trimaran kits will be
the only boats allowed this year.
3. Boat Specifications – “Are there boat building rules?”
Raingutter Regatta Rules 2019
To ensure that the race is as fair as possible, all boats must be made from the
BSA Raingutter Regatta kits. However, the materials supplied in the kit can be
modified or added to somewhat. On every boat, all the materials provided in
the kit must be used in the boat construction. Also, no other form of propulsion
besides the sail is allowed.
Here are some additional boat construction details to be aware of:
a. Hull: Length between 6-1/2" and 7” (maximum); Beam of no more than 3
1/2”. Hull should be painted, stained, or otherwise finished to minimize waterlogging during the race.
b. Mast: The mast hole is molded into the top of the plastic hull and is the only
placement allowed for the mast. No deviations will be allowed and no
modifications to the hole are allowed. The mast MUST BE perpendicular (90
degrees) to the hull, angling the mast in any direction is not allowed. Mast:
Height limit is 6 1/2” (maximum) from deck to top. Masts may not be
extended, but may be decorated.
c. Sail: Must use the sail provided in the kit. It may be trimmed, but cannot
be enlarged or added to, but may be decorated. The sail may only be attached
to the mast by glue (this is highly recommended), no mechanical fasteners
will be allowed and the sail may not be in contact with any part of the boat
except the mast.
d. Decorations may not be placed in such a manner as to change the boat
dimensions as listed above. It is HIGHLY recommended that the boat be
painted or at the very least seal the outriggers to prevent them from retaining
water. · Once the race begins, the boat may not be altered, including applying
any materials to the bottom of the boat.
4. Event Format: · Races will be conducted in two rain gutters of equal length
filled with water. · Participants will race with other Scouts in their division ·
The competition will be run as a double elimination tournament (at a
minimum) Finalists from each division will have a race off to see the final
winner.
Competition: · The race begins once the official starter has placed the
competing boats against the back wall of the gutter and commands the Scouts
to "GO!"
· On the starter's command, the Scouts will blow into the sail of their boat in
order to advance them through the water. The boat can only be propelled by
blowing into the sail.
Raingutter Regatta Rules 2019
· If a boat capsizes or becomes stuck, the participant may only correct the
issue by blowing (they cannot touch the boat unless instructed by the race
official).
· Once the race is started, the boat may not be touched, unless instructed by
the race official. · The first boat to impact the end of the Raingutter with its
nose will be considered the winner of that heat. The finish line official will have
the final and ONLY say in determining the winner of that heat. If the finish line
official determines the race to have finished in a tie, that heat will be
immediately re-run.
· If a boat becomes damaged, and upon the official’s permission, the Scout
may be allotted a short span of time to make (reasonable) repair to the boat
before the next race. Time will be determined by the race official ONLY.
Un-gentlemanly or Un-Sportsman like conduct WILL NOT be tolerated from
any participant or SPECTATOR and will be grounds for expulsion from the
competition and/or race area.
· All decisions by race officials are FINAL. Remember this is a friendly sporting
competition.
5. SPORTSMANSHIP and FUN are the main objectives for the Scouts and all to
enjoy. The most important values in Raingutter Regatta competition are
parent/scout participation, good sportsmanship and learning how to follow
rules
· Awards will be given for the First, Second and Third place finishers