Dennis shares this report from Sunday’s Cowes Carboard Boat Race. Our thanks to Richard Manser from Safe Site IOW for the aerial shots. Ed
After nearly a year of build up, including goodness knows how many meetings, and thousands of words sent in emails – the WightFibre Cowes Cardboard Boat Race is now over for another year.
This year’s race took place in glorious sunshine, overlooking the waters on Cowes Parade. The races were sectioned off into heats. Following this, the fun of the final race took place, as teams had the chance to battle it out against each other – with water pistols, flour bombs and coloured powder all on hand to be used as soft weapons.
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Richard also shared this aerial drone video
Inspirational boats
Once again, teams used were truly inspired, creating some wonderful vessels. There was a dragon boat, a Magikarp – inspired by Pokemon and even a pirate boat with a skeleton crew.
Overall glory was taken by The Apex Church, who built a wonderful barge, filled with sand and other nautical inspired items.
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Mention also has to go to WightFibre who stormed to victory in the first heat – once again proving themselves as FastestIW.
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The winners
This year’s winners were decided based on a number of requirements, made by our judges – including Jon Carter of Betapak. Judges were asked to award points to the best looking boat, the fastest boat and the most adventurous crew. With points also being awarded to those first, second and third past the post.
The order given by the judges was:
- First place: Apex Church 48 points.
- Second place: WightFibre 44 points.
- Third place: Sea Dragons on 35 points.
- Fourth place: Men In Sheds on 33 points and
- Fifth place went to Cardboard Conspiracy on 32 points.
Other prizes
Prizes were also awarded to PC Consultants, Isle of Wight Studio School, Willovy, See Ya, Nauti Maid and Roger That. Local businesses including Cineworld IOW, Cameo of Cowes, Taylors the Jewellers of Cowes, Southern Co-operative, WightFibre, BetaPak, Beth Taylor Events and DenjaMedia all donated prizes.
As well as all of the fun out on the water there was a pirate re-enactment on shore. Hands On History provided pre-race entertainment, as well as firing the starter pistol for the race.
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After the race, James Berry – a young ambassador for UKSA, gave a talk about how the charity helped him – and why it’s important to raise funds for UKSA during Cowes Week and beyond.
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James said:
“I have personally benefited from what UKSA do, they have given me a lift and a career.
“They do a lot of work helping young people, giving them the opportunity they otherwise would not have. They help those from disadvantaged backgrounds, people who have found themselves in difficult situations. It’s thanks to people like those here today who make that possible.”
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Organiser of the event, Tony Downs, said:
“I’d really like to thank WightFibre for all their hard work, because they have really helped this event grow. I’d also like to thank Betapak and Jon for all they have done this year, including the free starer-pack they offered to those who have registered.
“I’d also like to thank UKSA, because I know they are the charity for this event, but they have put in so many hours and so much help to make this possible – including providing safety crews for out on the water.
“And finally, thank you to all who registered, all who races and all who turned up to watch this today. Without you all it would not be possible.”
