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2nd annual Cardboard Boat Regatta drops anchor

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Throneberry
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Merriment ensued as cardboard boats, handcrafted by joint base community members, set sail at the second annual Cardboard Boat Regatta July 20, 2013, at Willow Pond here.

More than 20 crews entered the event, each with a unique cardboard boat built from scratch. The designs varied from a simple box with duct tape seals, to all out sea-faring vessels, meticulously crafted for speed and strength. Each craft had its own panache; one was a Viking warship, another was a Titanic and a few Navy battleships, some complete with functioning smokestacks also set sail.

"Last year's inaugural regatta was a success so we definitely had to do it again this year," said David Bertagnoli, 87th Force Support Squadron outdoor recreation manager. "We learned some lessons last time that we incorporated this year; I think this event is going to keep getting better as time goes on."

The race's course required the crews to paddle 50 yards into the pond, cross a set of buoys, then head back to shore in the quickest amount of time.

"I wasn't involved in the building process of our boat but I was asked to be part of the crew," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Gonzalez, VR-64 C-130 maintainer, before the race. "Our ship looks sea-worthy so I think we will do well."

Some vessels didn't make five yards without capsizing or taking on water. VR-64's craft quickly capsized but Gonzalez said this didn't hurt his resolve for next year.

"This was definitely a learning experience," said Gonzalez. "Hat's off to the other navy competitors but we will definitely bring home the trophy next year."

The crew of Seaman from the 305th Operations Support Squadron showed their Navy colors by constructing the USS New Jersey, a handmade cardboard boat that was as sturdy as it was seaworthy. The Sailors set a precedent last year by fitting 26 people on the USS Constitution after the race concluded. This year, they managed to fit 35.

"We were extremely happy with the outcome," said Petty Officer Blake Little, 305th OSS electronic technician. "The construction was a definite team building experience, with everyone bringing their unique talents and ideas. The participants at the Regatta really stepped up their game with very impressive designs. We plan to implement some of their designs into ours next year just as some used our ideas this year. This just means next year we will have something special for everyone to see."

The 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's Titanic took home the "Unique Theme" award during the closing ceremonies, with the 305th Maintenance Squadron Red Neck Canoe winning the fastest time award. The Navy Operational Support Center's USS Fort Dix won the "Crew Spirit" award and the Moshier family winning the "Titanic sink" in their Big Jellyfish.