2025 Cardboard Boat Regatta Slated For July 27 In Bala Cynwyd

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — The 2025 Lower Merion Township Cardboard Regatta is nearly here, and residents who think they can create a pool-worthy vessel are invited to sign up.

This year's event will be held June 27 at the Belmont Hills Pool.

Check in begins at 3 p.m., with racing to follow.

The registration deadline is July 23, and participants will be split into three divisions: Guppies, Dolphins, and Whales.

For Guppies, parents can participate in the design and construction of the boat. They can also be in the boat or walking behind or next to it. Pushing and pulling are not permitted, unless the boat sinks.

In the Dolphin group, parents can participate in the design and construction of the boat, as well, but they're not allowed in the race. This division is for kids 17 and under. Crew cannot pull the boat, push it, propel with legs or swim next to it, unless it sinks.

Lastly, the Whale division is for kids only. Boat designs and construction must be done by participants 17 and under. Parents are not permitted to participate in any part. Crew cannot pull the boat, push it, propel with legs or swim next to it, unless it sinks.

All boats must be built before the event and made of cardboard and duct tape. Corrugated cardboard, carpet tubes, cardboard blocks can be found at recycling centers, appliance stores, department stores, discount clubs, and electronic stores.

Boats must be designed to race with a maximum of a two-person crew.

Races must begin and end with the crew intact.

Crew members can help push the boat away from the pool deck at the beginning of the race.

Each boat will travel 2 lengths of the pool, and heats will consist of a maximum of five boats.

Winners from heats will determine the placement for finals; the first place finishers from each heat will race for the Fastest Boat overall. Each division will run separately.

Full rules and regulations are available online here.

Awards will be give to first, second, and third place finishers for each division.

The Spirit Award will be awarded to the boat and crew by judges looking at design and creativity. And, the Titanic Award will be awarded to the team of the boat that sinks in the most spectacular fashion.

Register online here.

The Belmont Hills Pool is located at 122 Mary Waters Ford Road in Bala Cynwyd.