Cardboard boat competition headlines UYC Fourth of July celebration
I of the Tiger Team
What do fireworks, miles of duct tape, water slides and family fun have in common? They’re all part of the University Yacht Club’s annual Fourth of July Celebration. Starting with a barbecue dinner and the club’s traditional July 3 fireworks spectacular, the weekend unfolded with wall-to-wall activities.
“The July 4 celebration is one of UYC’s biggest family events of the summer,” said Commodore Butch Miller. “And this year we pulled out all the stops with a full day of activities on July 4 with lawn games, a dunk tank, waterslides, a DJ spinning dance tunes and a cookout for all ages. We had so many families, kids and grandkids participating; it was completely above and beyond anything we’ve ever done here.”
For the second year, the finale of the weekend was the Cardboard Boat Competition.
“We had six boats participate this year – two more teams than last year – and they all put in a tremendous amount of work to keep their crafts afloat,” said Shane McMahon, UYC member and captain of I of the Tiger boat. “From engineering their boats to be speedy and float to people dressing the part in keeping with their boat’s theme, the diversity and the fun was at an all-time high.”
Construction began weeks before the competition with teams gathering large pieces of cardboard, massive amounts of duct tape, paints and other supplies.
The teams that competed in 2024 made improvements on their boats. Some started with brand-new designs. Calculations for weight of the crew, water displacement, ease of propulsion – paddles were allowed – and placement of crew factored into construction of the final vessels.
“Our team – I of the Tiger, representing I dock – made special T-shirts and decorated our boat to match the theme,” McMahon said. “Newer club member Zane Stevenson and his daughter joined the competition this year in a patriotic vessel they built. Even UYC staff members raced boats. Adding to the fun and shenanigans of the race was an appearance of a pirate raft constructed and crewed by B Dock.”
The boats were scored in two heats; I of the Tiger won both. A third heat was staged but not scored. “The crowd cheered for a third heat to be done, just for entertainment factor,” McMahon said. “The competition was a huge success and a big shoutout to Commodore Butch for all the organization and support of the July 4th activities.”
A bit of mayhem during UYC’s cardboard boat race.
The event was the brainchild of past Commodore Steve Simpson who introduced the concept last year. He was again at the helm of the races to manage various operational details. “Commodore Simpson certainly took this year’s competition to the next level,” Miller said.
Sponsors for the weekend included Roland Stanley, Caroline’s, Peyton’s Pie Company, The Stag Steakhouse, Jeff at Marine Clean, Beth at Branch House and West Marine, providing door prizes and awards.
Miller was quick to recognize all the participants and organizers, including his wife Teresa. She was the heart and soul behind this year’s Independence Day celebration and we couldn’t have done it without her.”
Miller also paid tribute to the reason to celebrate America’s independence.
“I share my gratitude for our great nation and the men and women who have served and sacrificed for the freedoms we cherish today. Their courage paved the way for our prosperity, peace and liberty! May we never forget the legacy of those who have served our great nation, and may we strive to uphold the values that make the United States of America the greatest nation in the history of the world.”
Photos: by Laura McMahon
