Raingutter Regatta Rules
The rules for the Raingutter Regatta are fairly simple. The boys build boats from the Raingutter Regatta Trimaran Boat Kits handed out by their den leaders. Please follow the assembly directions on the package and allow the boys to decorate in any manner they choose.
The actual race will be divided into rank categories: Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos I & II. Each rank group will race each other. The race will involve raingutters on tables. We have three raingutters ready to speed the races. The boys blow air on the boats through a straw to move them through the water. 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 body parts to move the boat — just their lung power! Also, they may not use the straw to push the boat.
Each Scout will race on each lane 2 times. Points are awarded as follows: 1st place = 1 point, 2nd place = 2 points, 3rd place = 3 points. The points are totaled at the end and the low score wins. In the event of a tie for points, there will be a tie-breaker race(s) to determine first, second, and third places.
Awards will be given for speed for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places by rank (Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Webelos I & II). An award will also be given by rank for the most creative boat. Note: winners for speed are excluded from participating in the “most creative boat” category.
Construction rules
- 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 Raingutter Regatta Trimaran Boat Kit. Additional parts, decals, paint, and glue are permitted.
- Overall width shall not exceed 3 1/4 inches. The gutters are +/- 3 1/2 inches wide, so there https://pack134.net/raingutter-regatta-rules/is little or no tolerance for boats wider than 3 1/4 inches.
- Overall length from bow to stern (including rudder) shall not exceed 7.00 inches, nor shorter than 6.50 inches.
- The sail may be trimmed and shaped, but may not be larger than the material supplied. Sails can be glued to the mast to improve stability. Also the sail positioning may be changed. **Caution – improper sail placement may cause the boat to become unstable.
- The sail may not be folded, cupped, or used to make any shape other than that of a traditional sail. For example, no cone, cup, box, rectangle, cylinder, or other design may be used. If you have a question about your design, be sure to ask the Race Coordinator or Den Leader before constructing your boat. It is recommended that the sail be glued to the mast to avoid it from spinning.
- Details such as figures, decals and paint are permissible as long as these details are securely glued or fastened to the boat. The scouts are encouraged to decorate their boat. You can add material and items to the boats, but keep in mind that lighter boats will generally be faster.
Once checked in, no changes to the boats will be allowed – please test boats at home prior to race day to make sure the boat doesn’t tip over.
Race Rules
- At most, three boys will race against each other at a time. They will be called based on a random selection made by the race management software.
- Each boat must start with the back of the boat touching the end of the rain gutter.
- When the starter says go, the boys will propel the boats by blowing through the straw provided onto the sail.
- It is permissible to hold the straw in one or both hands. Otherwise the boys’ hands must be behind their backs at all times, unless the boat turns over or is stuck on the gutter.
- The boy may use his hand only to 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 OR PUSH IT WITH THE STRAW.
- The race will end when the boat crosses the finish line marked at the end of each raingutter. The race manager and race stagers on each lane will judge violations and declare the finishing place in each race. Race official’s decisions are final.
Most importantly the focus of this event should be on the skill building (including managing disappointments) and the quality time spent rather than the winning/losing aspect. It’s about doing your best, not about being the best.