Rules

OBJECTIVES

  • 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. 

CREW CLASSES

  • Admiral (Commander of a fleet of vessels): Upper classmen high school students (11th & 12th grades) and young adult marine technical students interested in or pursuing careers in the marine industry.
  • Captain (Master of a vessel and his/her compliment of crew): High school under classmen students (9th & 10th grades) interested in the marine industry or participating in the Marine Magnet Program. 
  • Mate (Officer in charge of all work on deck): Middle school students participating in a marine magnet program or interested in the marine industry.

AWARDS

Overall Champion

The overall winning team of the final inter-division race

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, and have a boat that is well decorated and actually works!

Division Awards

For top three teams from each racing division (Admiral, Captain, & Mate)

Most Innovative Design

Most creative design, whether or not it functions!

Best Decorated Boat

The one that looks the coolest

Most Spirited Team

For the team that works together well and shows the most Plywood Regatta enthusiasm

Propeller Design Champion

This award goes to the competitor who creates the fastest propeller

Best Leader by Example

This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of a mentor leading his/her team during the event

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 …

SUPPLIED MATERIALS:

  • 3 sheets of 4’ x 8’ 1/4” plywood 
  • 2 pieces of 2” x 2” x 8’ wood 
  • 4 pieces of 1” x 2” x 10’ wood 
  • 120 tie wraps 
  • 12 cartridges of 3M 5200- Fast Cure caulk 
  • 2 life jackets 
  • Interlux paints of various colors

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS ALLOWED

  • Protective eyewear (i.e. goggles or glasses) is MANDATORY during use of power tools 
  • 1 electric jigsaw 
  • 1 electric/ battery drill 
  • NO OTHER POWER TOOLS ALLOWED! 
  • 1 extension cord/ power strip 
  • Caulking guns (manual or electric) 
  • Saw horses 
  • Clamps 
  • Decals for decorative purposes 
  • Drill bits 
  • Jigsaw blades 
  • Miscellaneous hand tools 
  • Hand files 
  • Sandpaper 
  • Foam cushions to be used for knee protection during race