The wackiest of boat races will soon be hitting the waters near Maffeo Sutton Park for Nanaimo's Silly Boat Regatta.
During the event, teams construct their silliest designs on site using any kind of re-used material before hitting the water in a race around a buoy in the inner harbour and back to shore without capsizing.
Serving as the biggest annual fundraiser organized by the Nanaimo Child Development Centre, the regatta is entering its 38th year.
Thirty-five teams have signed on so far to compete, but Michelle Kocourek, CDC's resource development coordinator, said last-minute registration was still being accepted as of press time.
"Our boats range from very simple to very complicated, one year we had a tree company float in a log and they carved out a canoe," Kocourek said.
For the past three years, first place was claimed by Island Red Cedar Construction, which won the final in a striking one minute, 30 seconds last year. Sean Smith, the company's owner, said this year people won't be seeing them on the water. Instead, the company will be taking the role of an event sponsor.
"We had a little bit of an unfair advantage because we're a building company, so we're pretty good at building with wood. So we thought we would just remain a sponsor this year," Smith said. "It's a great event, the CDC does an excellent job and it's such a good cause that we wanted to still remain involved that way."
For tips for up-and-comers looking to make their own victory, Smith said they should think of a canoe when designing their craft. In their own crafts, they used tried-and-true wood.
"If it looks like a boat it will try to float, and then finding a way to plug those holes to help there a bit. I see a lot of people out there with kayak paddles, and that seems to work really well for keeping it moving and getting it in one direction."
To make up for the lack of silliness in their own past designs, Smith said Island Red Cedar Construction had to compensate with their outfits.
"We're big, hairy construction workers so we dressed up as raging grannies one year, and we've dressed up, because it was the CDC, as the Island of Misfit Toys – the teddy bear, Raggedy Andy, stuff like that."
Win or lose, Smith said it's just about supporting the kids at the CDC.
"Everyone seems to be doing that, and having a pretty good time. There are a lot of smiles and happy faces out there on the day."
The CDC's goal this year is to raise $125,000. The regatta takes place at Maffeo Sutton Park on Sunday, July 21. Boat building begins at 8 a.m. with the races beginning at 1 p.m.
