Great Carbondale Boat Regatta
51st Great Cardboard Boat Regatta
The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta originated at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1974.
This fun, family-friendly event continues to draw aspiring boat builders and spectators to Southern Illinois each spring to race cardboard creations (and watch them sink).
For general information about the regatta including information about building a boat and rules, please see our informational flyer.
Boat Registration - Class Types
For the full listing of rules and regulations, please review this informational flyer.
Class I, Paddle Powered
Class I - Boats powered by canoe paddles, oars or kayak paddles. Prone, or surfboard type paddling with your arms is not allowed.
Class II, Mechanical Powered
Class II - Boat powered by paddle wheels, propellers, plungers and other novel forms of muscle powered propulsion. No gas or electric power of any kind allowed.
Class III, Instant Boats
Class III (Instant Boats) - Boats powered by paddles and created on-the-spot from supplied materials. Instant boats must be made entirely from materials supplied at the lake and built within a two-hour time period during the afternoon of the race. Kits are available first come, first serve, until they run out.
Class IV, Youth Ages 12 & Under
Class IV (Kid's Class) - Boats built to the standards of the Race Rules. It will be raced on a shortened course. This race is for kids under thirteen years old.
Class V, Teens Ages 13-17
Class V (Teens Ages 13-17 yo) - Boats built to the standards of the Race Rules and will be raced on the full course.
