Fancy building a boat...out of cardboard? Rotary regatta at Stevenage’s Fairlands Valley Lakes will be UK first

A cardboard dragon boat at the North Carolina Cardboard Boat Championships. Picture: Whiteville Rotary Club (Image: Archant)

Inspired by Rotarians from North Carolina in the USA who host their own cardboard regatta event annually, Rotary Club of Stevenage’s Alex Lang has set a date for his own version this side of the pond.

The regatta – backed by the Comet – will take place at the town’s Fairlands Valley Lakes on Saturday, July 15, and interested parties are urged to sign up now to give them ample time to assemble their boat.

Alex said: “Each craft should be made entirely from cardboard, and part of the fun is you have to build your own boat.

“Some of the American craft are so robust, they are entered each year. They have to withstand being paddled over a set distance on the lake, so it’s all down to paddle-power – and being waterproof!

A company's effort for the North Carolina Cardboard Boat Championships. Picture: Whiteville Rotary Club (Image: Archant)

“If this fires your imagination then make contact and get yourself registered.

“It beats organising yet another auction event or a quiz night, and this will be our club’s major fundraising event for this year.

“Entries are being sought from schools, clubs, uniformed organisations, companies, apprentices, societies, youth groups or individuals, and all may apply.”

You can enter as an individual, pair, or a team of up to six – with prizes including ‘best construction’, ‘team spirit’ and ‘most spectacular sinking’.

Entry is £5 for juniors, £10 for seniors, and £50 for corporate teams of four or six. Each person involved will also be asked to raise sponsorship.

All proceeds will go to charitable organisations supported by the Rotary Club of Stevenage. To register or find out more, email Alex at alex6144@yahoo.co.uk.