Cardboard Classic Boat Races

Saturday, August 18 American Legion Park, St. Ignace 11:30 a.m. Registration Noon to 1 p.m. Boat building 1 p.m. Races begin

If you like competition, and you're creative with duct tape, the Cardboard Classic Boat Race in St. Ignace may be just for you.

The second annual Straits Area Watersports Weekend will be held in Moran Bay at American Legion Park Friday, August 17, and Saturday, August 18.

It will be the site of the final two rounds for professional racers from the Midwest Watercross Tour, who are attempting to qualify for the American Power Boat Association Watercross Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee, August 31 to September 2. Admission to view the race is free.

The Cardboard Classic Boat Race allows spectators to participate in their own race. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. during the watercraft races Saturday.

"We thought about holding these races last year during the Watercross event but, because it was our first year hosting the tour, we decided instead to wait until this year," said Marianne Huskey of St. Ignace, coordinator of the Straits Area Watersports Weekend.

She said she picked up the idea at the annual winter banquet for watercross racers and coordinators.

"It was a real hit at the other communities which host rounds from the watercraft tournament, and I'm sure we'll hit it off here, as well," said Mrs. Huskey.

St. Ignace Mayor Paul Grondin will team up with St. Ignace resident Rick Litzner to race in the Cardboard Classic.

Each two-person team will be given one hour to build a boat and a paddle, using only a specified amount of duct tape, cardboard, a knife, and a name tag and marker to name their boat.

Once the boats are built, one member of the team will be required to race other cardboard boats in a 50-foot long course. Racers will paddle to and around a buoy, and back to shore.

Racers must use only their selfmade paddles, not arms or legs, to maneuver the boat. If a boat tips over and the pilot falls out, that team is disqualified.

Racers will be required to wear a certified life jacket.

There will be three age divisions: 19 years and younger, 20 to 39, and 40 and older. Any participant younger than 18 must present a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Registration is $20 per team by Monday, August 13. After the deadline, registration will be $25 per team.

First, second, and third-place winners will be given awards by the PM Sports Marketing and Straits Building Center. A "Coolest Design" award will be handed out to the team with the most creative boat design.

Straits Building Center is donating the duct tape, Soffie's Clothing Store and Marlee's Bicycles are providing the cardboard, and the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce organizing registrations.

All proceeds of the races will go toward Chamber of Commerce operations.