Big Bend Woods Pool Regatta Rules and Information

BBW 1st Annual Regatta

July 19th, 10am-Noon

OFFICIAL RULES

Event Structure

9:30 AM: Check in Begins 

10:00 AM: Races Begin 

11:00 AM (or when all races conclude): Awards are announced 

Following conclusion of the event, participants of the Regatta are welcome to stay and swim until normal pool open time (Noon) Please note, the pool will not be open to the rest of the membership until normal opening (Noon) 

Event Premise and Rules

• Awards will be presented by age bracket in the following categories: Speed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, most spectacular sinking, best team theme (name and costuming encouraged), and most creative design. 

• For Ages 9+: Teams of two crew will paddle the length of the pool in their cardboard boats, grab the flag at one end and then return to the other end of the pool. 

 • For Ages 8 and under: Teams of two will paddle one length of the pool and will end their race when they retrieve the flag at the other end of the pool. 

 • Each age group will be held in heats until all boats have raced. Event is single elimination in each age bracket. 

 • Teams will be called to the pool deck and asked to board their boats. Teams will be given 20 seconds to get situated and then the buzzer will sound to start the race. 

 • Teams may not purposefully interfere with another team by grabbing, pushing, or touching another boat or participant with their paddles. 

 • Teams also may not wait until another boat sinks in order to try to win the race. They must be trying to advance their boat at all times or be disqualified. 

 • Race must begin and end with both crew members on board their boat. • If a team’s boat sinks, they will receive a DNF (did not finish).

Team Structure 

• Teams must consist of at least 2 people and 2 participants from each team MUST race in the team boat. • Teams can include non-members of the BBW Pool but at least one participant of each team MUST be a BBW Member. 

 • All ages are welcome to participate. Races will be separate by age in the following categories: 8 and under, 9-17, and 18+ adult. Teams, especially in the younger age brackets, can have assistance with construction from anyone but both boat riders (captains) must be within the designated age bracket.

Boat Design and General Instructions

• Boat must only consist of cardboard and duct tape. No Styrofoam, liners, tarps, coated cardboard, and no paint or other contaminants that could disintegrate in the pool. Boats not in compliance will be disqualified. 

• Cardboard cannot be sealed with any paint or other sealants. 

• Boat name must be displayed on both sides of the boat. 

• Boats may be a maximum size of 3 ft. wide X 7 ft. long. 

• Boats must hold crew inside or on top of the boat. Crew cannot swim next to or under boat to propel boat. 

• Boats may only be propelled by paddles. No motors, feet or hand paddling, etc. Paddles will be provided by the pool. 

• You must take your boat (and any pieces) with you at the end of the event.