29th Annual America's Cardboard Cup Regatta

The crew of Baxter and Woodman's "Old No. 7" boat wasn't sure if its cardboard kayak had another win left in it.

Already a three-time winner in the Class A division at the America's Cardboard Cup Regatta over recent years, the boat was pushing its life expectancy.

Having undergone a little repair work, the Baxter and Woodman team was hoping for a "4-Peat" win at the 29th Annual America's Cardboard Cup Regatta, held Saturday, June 22, at Main Beach in Crystal Lake. 

"Every year, we have to do a complete overhaul," said Eric Murauskas, who is part of the two-man crew for Old No. 7. "Each boat lasts a couple years."

The overhaul appeared a success as Old No. 7 claimed the 2013 Class A title again  and the crew took home the grand prize championship cup made - of course- of cardboard, according to results on the America's Cardboard Cup Regatta Facebook page.

The Annual America's Cardboard Cup Regatta is a long-standing summer tradition in Crystal Lake where individuals, teams, businesses, and organizations build boats completely made of cardboard. 

The event benefits a long list of charities throughout McHenry County.

Because of the delicate nature of cardboard, it's difficult to give the vessels a test run. Participants must take a "sink or float" approach, and crewmen often find themselves swimming back to the shoreline pulling sunken boats behind them.

Seaworthy boats and their crews enjoy the thrill of staying afloat, crossing the finish line and possibly taking home a title - depending upon the race timing results.

A big appeal to the race is the variety of creative themes that appear each year. Past regattas have welcomed a giant dragon, a Harley Davidson, a red Solo cup, several pirate ships and one pink Cadillac filled with rowers dressed as Elvis.

This year's race was no exception, with a variety of creative boats competing and plenty of enthusiastic spectators to cheer them on.

Awards were given to winners in other categories, as well. Divisions included:

• Class A – Paddle/Oar powered (One to Ten people)
• Class B – Mechanical Powered (peddle, etc)
• Class C – Sail Powered
• Class – D – Kwiki Boat (Built with special kit provided day of event, Paddle/Oar powered)
• Class K - Kiddie Cup, Ages 5 to 10 (Paddle/Oar powered)
• Geezer Cup – Participants 50 years and older (Paddle/Oar powered)
• Participation Awards:
  Most Spectacular Sinking – sink and look good
  Most Enthusiastic Crew – this includes the sailing and land-based crews
  Stars & Stripes – the boat with the most patriotic theme
  Most Creative Theme – the boat that most creatively expresses a theme
  Most Attractive – looking good
  Ugliest Boat
  People’s Choice Award – Voted on by spectators the day of event