Staunton Parks & Recreation: "I'm On A BOAT!"

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STAUNTON, VA (08/11/2011)(readMedia)-- Staunton Parks & Recreation is hosting the 3rd Annual Gypsy Hill Plywood Boat Regatta on Saturday, August 27 at Gypsy Hill Park Pool. The Plywood Boat Regatta is exactly what it sounds like, lots of plywood boats getting together to race.

Participants build a water worthy life-size plywood boat-including the oars using limited materials- plywood, fasteners, duct tape and 2"x4"s. They then register the boat in one, two or all three of our age categories- Youth (ages 6-10), Teen (ages 11-14) and Adult (15+). They must register with Parks & Rec by Monday, August 22.

The day of the event, they'll brave the fierce waters of the Gypsy Hill Park Pool and race their boats against one another hoping they aren't the first to sink! It's ok if they do though, we have a prize for the fastest sinker- Davy Jones Locker.

Prizes are awarded in each age category for Fastest Boat 1st & 2nd place as well as overall Most Creative, Best Design and Fastest Sinker (Davy Jones Locker). We'll be getting prizes from Wilderness Adventures in downtown Staunton.

Earlier this year, Regatta veteran and past winner Thomas Verga held a Plywood Boat Workshop to offer knowledge and assistance to those who were interested in building a boat, but weren't sure where to start. A few boats were created and have already been registered for this year's event.

Folks can pick up a registration form at Staunton Parks and Recreation in Montgomery Hall Park or at Young's Hardware where they can also pick up all their needed supplies. For more information, call Claire at (540) 332-3945.

Get working on your boat today!

Gypsy Hill Plywood Boat Regatta

The supplies may be limited, but the creativity is endless! Build a water-worthy life-size boat prior to the event and race it across Gypsy Hill Park pool. There is a CATCH- the only materials you can use for the boat are plywood, fasteners, duct tape and 2" x 4"s. Up for the challenge? Prizes will be awarded for Fastest Boat, Most Creative Design, Davy Jones Locker, and more! There will be three races for different ages: Child, Youth & Adult. 9am Saturday, August 27, Gypsy Hill Park Pool

Boat inspection begins at 9am Boat registration fee: $10

Pre-Registration Required by Monday, August 22

MATERIALS & RULES FOR BOAT/OAR CONSTRUCTION:

(2) 8ft 2"x 4" (1) 8'x 4' Sheet of Plywood (1) lb of fasteners of your choice (screws, nails) (1) roll of duct tape -Paddle must also be constructed from the materials above -NOT ALLOWED: glue, epoxy, caulk, cone silicone, etc -A person must be in the boat navigating -Boat must be completed prior to the event -Boat decorations and themes are encouraged which can include paintings, flags & costumes

AGE GROUP ENTRY:

Child: 6-10

Youth: 11-14

Adult: 15+

The same boat can be entered and raced in all age groups

For more information contact: Claire Anderson at (540) 332-3945 or andersonca@ci.staunton.va.us