Great Cardboard Boat Regatta

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SIU Cardboard Boat Regatta contestants

49th Annual 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 included informatin about building a boat and rules, please see our informational flyer. 

Details

Date: April 20, 2024
Time: Races begin at 1 p.m.
Location: Becker Pavilion (Boat Dock) on Campus Lake
1493 Douglas Drive, Carbondale, Illinois

Cost

Pre-registration: $15
On-site registration: $20

One commemorative Regatta t-shirt is included with each boat registration.

T-shirt size: Youth S/M/L, Adult S/M/L/XL

Additional t-shirts can be ordered for $12/each by emailing mkinsel@siu.edu.

Pre-Registration Options (available until April 12)

  • Online boat registration
  • Register by phone with VISA, Discover or Mastercard by calling Conference and Scheduling Services at 618/536-7751

PLEASE NOTE: A complete and signed consent form is required for each individual that will be in a boat. The consent form(s) may be presented to Regatta Staff upon check-in on race day. No one will be allowed to race without the completed/signed consent form.

On-site Registration

On-site registration: $20

For on-site registration, an on-site registration form can also be completed and brought to check-in the day of the event.

On-site Boat Registration & Boat Inspections begins at 10 am.

PLEASE NOTE: A complete and signed waiver is required for each individual that will be in a boat. The waivers (s) may be presented to Regatta Staff upon check-in on race day. No one will be allowed to race without the completed/signed consent waiver. This are at the bottom of this webpage.

RIsk Waiver

A complete and signed a risk waiver is required for each individual that will be in a boat. The risk waiver (s) may be presented to Regatta Staff upon check-in on race day. No one will be allowed to race without the completed/signed consent form.

Risk Waiver (age 18+)

Dependent Risk Waiver (under age 18)