Rain Gutter Regatta

To: All Scouts Pack 672
Date: March 2, 2008                      

From: Rich Brandel 

What: Raingutter Regatta Event

Where: WPC

When: Saturday, April 5^th

Note that the marble tournament will immediately follow the Raingutter Regatta for each of the groups above. More information will be forthcoming from Don Chen.

Request: Anyone who would like to help at the Raingutter event, we have some roles for any of the time periods above. We will need impartial design judges (you could help judge for the time period just before or just after your scout races).

Rules for our Pack 672 Raingutter Regatta:

These Standard Construction rules apply:

The boat must be newly built for the current Cub Scouting year. As much as practical, the boat should be substantially built by the Scout with parental supervision. The boat should use every part from the BSA Raingutter Regatta Kit. Additional parts, decals, paint, and glue are permitted. Although the directions in the package say "no cutting, only sanding", you can use tools so long as no fingers are lost. For all scouts except Webelos, the boat must have a single hull so all catamarans will be disqualified. Note that Webelos as a group this year have decided to build and race catamarans, so this exception applies to Webelos only!

Overall width shall not exceed 1.875 inches.

Overall length from bow to stern (including rudder) shall not exceed 7.0 inches, nor be shorter than 6.5 inches.

The mast must be upright and can be no taller than 6.5 inches from the deck surface.

The sail may be trimmed and shaped, but may not be larger than the material supplied.

The keel and rudder must not be modified. They may be glued anywhere on the boat, but cannot cause the boat to exceed 7.0 inches in overall length.

The scouts are encouraged to decorate their boat, as they will also be judged for design. Details such as figures, decals and paint are permissible as long as these details are securely glued or fastened to the boat. You can use almost any kind of paint for the boats, however please don't use poster or water-based paints, as they will dissolve in the water. You can add material and items to the boats, but keep in mind that lighter boats will generally be faster.

Each boat must pass inspection by the Official Inspection Team before it may compete. Boat owners will be informed of the violations and given five minutes to modify the boat to meet these rules.

VERY IMPORTANT: Secure the sail to the mask so that it cannot spin/rotate, such as with glue. If the sail rotates during a race, it will slow down the boat.

Blowing is typically not a matter of how hard, but how straight. Consistent blowing is better than large puffs.

The Race:
The actual races will be divided into four rank categories: Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos. The race track consists of two sets of raingutters elevated on a table. Stress to your scout that, unlike the pinewood derby, he will play an integral part in determining the outcome of the races! Scouts will blow air on the boats to move them through the water. If anyone wishes to use a straw it is completely optional, so feel free to bring one if you wish. Hands may only be used to upright a turned over boat and may not be used to advance the boat. Boys may not use their faces, lips, hats, nose or other anything else to move the boat -- just their lung power! Scouts will be allowed a limited time to practice before the actual heats to test their boats and learn how they can best race their boat. We'll review these rules just before the race.

1. Two Boys will be called up when it is their turn to race.

2. Each boat must start with the back of the boat touching the "start" end of the rain gutter.

3. When the starter says go, the boys will propel the boats by blowing on the sail.

4. The boys' hands must be not interfere at any time, unless upright his boat or to remove an impediment (i.e. if the boat is stuck on the gutter). THE BOY MAY NOT ADVANCE THE BOAT WITH HIS HAND AT ANY TIME.

5. The winning boat will be the one judged to first hit the "finish" end of the rain gutter.

6. The race manager and race stager on each lane will judge violations. A race might be repeated if the judges find a reason that merits it.

7. If one of the boats gets broken during a race, the results stand. We will allow a 5 minute break for anyone to fix their boat as best as they can for the next race (parents can help).

8. The Raingutter Regatta is a chance to show our good Cub Scout Sportsmanship! Remember to do your best and be a good sport!"

A Double Elimination Bracket format will be used (once you lose twice you are eliminated) until we get to the final heat, where that one race shall determine the 1st and 2nd place finishers.

Questions? Please direct any questions to me. Also let me know if you’d like to volunteer to help. 

Rich Brandel rlbrandel@comcast.net (847) 548-9789