Raingutter Regatta Rules

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