Event Objectives: To introduce young marine enthusiasts and the community to the craft of boat building and the excitement of recreational boating.
Crew Objectives: To design, build and race a sea-worthy vessel and paddles in two days using limited materials.
Event Beneficiaries: A portion of Plywood Regatta proceeds benefit South Florida Marine Industry Education Programs and the Plywood Regatta Scholarship Fund
Advanced/ College
Young adult marine technical and college students interested in or pursuing careers in the marine industry.
Intermediate
High school students interested in the marine industry or participating in the Marine Magnet Program.
Beginner
Middle school students participating in a marine magnet program or interested in the marine industry.
Lauderdale Marine Center Cup Overall Champion
The overall winning team of the final inter-division race
Division Awards
For top three teams from each racing division
Most Spirited Team
For the team that works together well and shows the most Plywood Regatta enthusiasm
Best Decorated Boat
The one that looks the coolest
Most Innovative Design
Most creative design, whether or not it functions!
Future Yacht Broker Award
This is for the one that sinks. “Those who can’t build, sell!”
Courage & Perseverance
For the kids that put their whole heart into it but their boat won’t quite do the same …
Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club Award (Best All Around)
This award goes to the best overall team. The winning team should demonstrate good teamwork, team spirit, a clean work site, have a pretty good boat design that is well decorated and actually works!
Propeller Design Champion (NEW!)
This new award goes to the team who creates the fastest propeller.
The following materials will be supplied:
Your team may supply & use the following:
ONE team captain must be chosen (no mentors or volunteers, students only).
This team captain will be responsible for overall team behavior, as well as be the responsible party for thank you card submission and supply pickup. Please list this Team Captain on the registration form PRIOR to Saturday, April 1st.
NO ADDITIONAL POWER TOOLS ALLOWED! (see materials list)
Glasses/ safety goggles MUST be worn during use of power tools
Only the allowed and supplied materials can be used
Only 6-8 participants per team
Mentors can only be involved on a limited basis
No patterns, templates, or full size drawings may be used
No motors, sails, or surfboards
Decoration of boats must be complete on Saturday
All tie wraps must be completely covered by caulk or removed prior to racing
(NO EXPOSED SHARP EDGES!)
Series of Qualifying Heats & Final Races
Fastest boat per class moves on to the next heat
Only two people from the building team per boat per race PLUS one pusher
No misuse of paddles, including intimidation, hitting, or pushing off of other boats or people
Life jackets MUST be worn during the race
The judges’ decisions are final
Judges have the authority to disqualify a team if they see necessary.
• DO NOT use the public restrooms. Port-A-Potties and a designated cleanup station will be available.
Please park ONLY in designated areas or face disqualification.
