The annual Gibraltar Cardboard Boat Race is fast-becoming the highlight of Ocean Village’s calendar. This year’s event, on Saturday 28 August, is expected to draw bigger crowds than ever all intent on seeing brave mariners paddle their way across the 1,000 metre course – some sinking in a soggy paper heap along the way.

Organiser Lisa Kirby from Race sponsors Ocean Village explains, “The Cardboard Boat Race attracts competitors from across the spectrum in Gibraltar, adults and youngsters, businessmen and combined services, and is always a fun-filled affair.  With wood, plastic, fibreglass and any kind of flotation foam completely banned, it takes a lot of ingenuity and desperate racking of brains to recall those school Design Technology classes to create a vessel capable of lasting the course.  There’s always the ‘Best Titanic Sinking’ trophy to aim for!”

Gibraltar Boat Race 2009 Adult winners - Handbuilt Joinery

In previous years boat race, entrants have put considerable creative flair into both boats and costumes with dragon boats, cartoon ‘cars’ and pirate ships all appearing at the starting line.  Let your imagination run wild, just remember no metal or plastic staples, clamps, nails or screws, to hold the boat together, no wrapping of hulls in plastic or duct tape and no enclosed cockpits – crews may need to escape at short notice!  Full rules are available upon registration.

Registration forms, available from Lisa Kirby, are now being accepted for the boat race.  Fees are set at £25 for each adult team and £10 for child teams with competitors aged 14 and under.  Proceeds go to the William Tilley Lodge who will distribute to charities.  Special Ocean Village trophies are up for grabs for first, second and third placed teams in both the adult and children’s races with ‘Best Boat’ and ‘Best Titanic Sinking’ also attracting prizes.

For spectators entrance is free of charge and the action kicks off at 1.30pm.

For further information on the boat race or to register please contact Lisa Kirby at Ocean Village on telephone 00 350 200 40048, fax 00 350 200 40068 or email lisa.kirby@oceanvillage.gi