Think you and a friend can build a boat/canoe/raft in under four hours from $90 in materials (supplied at no cost)?
Then paddle it around a special course, changing positions in the boat with your friend at the half way mark, without sinking into Discovery Passage?
Last year, eight teams took up the challenge, and seven of them even made it to the finish line. There was a father and son team, an all female team, a male and female team and several all male teams – with various skills and design abilities. All reported that they had a great time doing it, and the large crowd of spectators certainly had fun too.
If you think you are up to the challenge, the folks organizing the 6th Annual Discovery Passage Boat Rodeo want to hear from you. Brenna Platt, this year’s Build, Bail & Paddle chairperson, is hoping for 10-12 teams this year
The Build, Bail and Paddle event will take place on Sunday, Aug. 26 as part of the Boat Rodeo. There’s no cost to enter (you’ll have to put up $50 per person as a deposit that you get back when you complete the event). Event sponsor Seymour Pacific Developments Ltd. will cover the cost of the materials at a local building store (your choice of anything they have except for styrofoam or sheet metal), you supply the tools (hand tools only), design and building skills, and the paddling or rowing prowess to win the race.
There aren’t many rules, but here are a few of the more pertinent ones:
- Teams will consist of two people;
- Boats must carry both people at the same time;
- Halfway through the race, Team Members must switch positions;
- Both Team Members must supply their own CCG Approved Life Jackets.
Entry in the event is on a first come basis - so register soon. Information and Registration Forms can be had by calling Brenna Platt at 250-923-7469, Trish Whiteside at the Maritime Heritage Centre - 250-286-3161, or by visiting the MHC website: www.MaritimeHeritageCentre.ca - then click on “Events”, then on “August”.