Think you and a friend can build a boat/canoe/raft in under four hours from $90 in materials (supplied at no cost)?
Could you then paddle it around a special course, changing positions in the boat with your friend at the halfway mark, without sinking into Discovery Passage?
Oh yes, and you have to have a great time doing it.
If so, the folks organizing the sixth Annual Discovery Passage Boat Rodeo want to hear from you.
The popular Build, Bail and Paddle event will take place on Sunday, Aug. 21 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 sponsors (Home Hardware, Windsor Plywood, Windsor Mill Sales and The Home Depot) will supply the materials (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.
The event is limited to just eight teams and it’’s on a first come basis – so get together with your buddy, your co-worker, your spouse or significant other, and get yourselves entered. Complete rules and entry forms can be found on the Maritime Heritage Centre’s website (MaritimeHeritageCentre.ca - click on “Events”, then click on “August”) or call Trish at the MHC: 250-286-3161 or Fred Rose (Boat Rodeo Chair) at 250-287-3779.
The Discovery Passage Boat Rodeo provides a free day of family fun for all courtesy of the Maritime Heritage Centre.
Besides the Build Bail and Sail, you’ll see sanctioned Bathtub Races, the famous Blind Rowboat Race, a super kayak demonstration by some world renowned kayakers from Europe, the ever popular Boomboat Ballet, plus tours and demonstrations by boat modellers, rope makers, the RCMP, Coast Guard, Marine Harvest, Marine Link – and there’s sure to be a few surprises too!
The Mirror is a major sponsor of this community event.