Raingutter Regatta Racing Format and Rules

[Da Graphite Kid]

Below is a copy of the racing format and rules we used for the Raingutter Regatta we had for our Cub Scouts this last year. We use the official BSA Raingutter Regatta kits. I appreciate any comments and ask that you post those that your youth organization uses.

Da Graphite Kid


Raingutter Regatta Racing Format and Rules
Pack 6 Cub Scouts

1. The race will be double-elimination. Each racer will run at least two ‘heats’.
2. Each racer will race in each lane at least once per heat.
3. The winner of each heat will be the racer who wins first in both lanes.
4. The winner of the heat will advance to the next ‘bracket’ within the ‘primary bracket’ and continue to do so as long as he/she continues to win their individual heats.
5. The racer who does not win in the heat will advance to the ‘second chance bracket’. There they will get a second chance to win in a heat. Failing to win in two heats will eliminate that racer from the competition.
6. Racers cannot touch their boats in any way (except as noted below) once the race has begun. If a racer does so, that race will be re-run. A repeated offense will be an automatic win for the other racer.
NOTE: Racers may use their hands to right a boat that has turned over but may not advance the boat down the raingutter in doing so.
7. Racers need to make sure that they do not touch or have anything touching the water while racing. This includes but is not limited to: hair, ears, neckerchiefs, and necklaces.
8. Racers cannot interfere with one another in anyway. Doing so will be considered un-sportsman-like conduct and will cause the other racer to be declared winner of that race. A repeated offense will cause the offender to be disqualified from racing.
9. All propulsion for the boats will be from the Cub Scout blowing through a straw only. No other form of propulsion for the boats will be allowed. Straws will be provided.
10. Boats will be inspected to the following specifications:
- Hull Length: No longer than 7 inches, nor shorter than 6 ½ inches.
- Mast: 6 ½ inches as measured from the top to the deck.
- Keel: As supplied in kit. May be decorated but may not be altered in shape, size or weight. Must be located on the bottom of the hull.
- Rudder: As supplied in Kit: May be decorated. It may also be sanded but only to flatten it so as to guide the boat on a straight course. It may not be reduced in overall size. Must be located on the bottom of the hull.
- Sail: As supplied in kit. May be decorated but the size and shape may not be altered.
11. Only boats with dried paint, decorations and glue (adhesives) will be allowed to compete – so get an early start!
12. Only boats built during the current Scouting year are allowed to race.
13. Any needed repairs will be made on-site and should be done in a timely manner. The boat will still have to meet all rules specifications.
14. Boats must compete in a round of racing to be eligible for Best-of-Show prizes.
15. Scouts will race within their own ranks (Tigers, Wolfs, Bears and Webelos) to determine the three fastest boats in each rank.
16. All non-Cub Scouts will only compete against each other using the same rules format as the Cub Scouts. They may use a boat that they helped a Cub Scout build to do so or build one of their own.

[Guaca]

Just drafted these rules for our Regatta later this month. We use BSA kits. I'm thinking of reducing the required mast height by a couple of inches because they tend to be so top heavy. I'd appreciate comments/suggestions.

RULES:

1.0 Eligibility
1.1 All registered Cub Scouts of Pack XXX may enter the Cub Regatta.
1.2 All registered Pack XXX Cub Scouts, Parents/Guardians, Siblings, and Pack Committee members may enter the Open Regatta.
1.3 Each entrant may captain only one boat in each Regatta. Cub Scouts may enter both Regattas. Cubs may enter the same boat in both Regattas or may choose to enter a second boat in the Open Regatta.

2.0 Racing
2.1 The boats will start with the stern touching the end of the gutter.
2.2 The first boat to touch the far end of the gutter wins.
2.3 Each Captain will pilot his craft by blowing with his breath. Use of a straw is optional. Straws will be made available for those who wish to use them.
2.4 Once the race has started, the Captain may not touch his boat. However, a helper may right the ship if it capsizes or otherwise becomes immobile.
2.5 The Cub Regatta will include triple elimination heats for each rank group.
2.6 First and Second place finishers in each rank group will qualify for another triple elimination round to determine overall winners.

3.0 Awards
3.1 Awards will be presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each rank group and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places overall.
3.2 Regatta organizers reserve the right to combine rank groups as necessary to insure at least three entrants in each group.
3.3 Additional subjective awards may be awarded at the discretion of Regatta organizers.

4.0 Cub Regatta Construction
4.1 Boats must be new construction only. Boats must have been constructed following last year’s Pack Regatta.
4.2 Each Captain must participate in construction of their boat.
4.3 Boats must be made from an official BSA Raingutter Regatta Kit distributed during the December pack meeting. Replacement kits may be purchased from the Scout Shop.
4.4 Only the contents of one boat kit may be used and nothing may be added other than glue, paint and stickers. The paint finish may be sealed and polished as desired. See the construction tips provided with the kit.
4.5 Only single-hulled boats are allowed; catamarans are not allowed.
4.6 The total length of the hull and any projections may be no longer than 7 inches or shorter than 6½ inches.
4.7 The mast shall measure 6½ inches from deck to top.
4.8 The hull, mast, keel, rudder, & sail from the kit must be used.
4.8.1 The shape of the keel shall not be modified.
4.8.2 The shape of the rudder shall not be modified except it may be pressed and lightly sanded to assure it is flat and true. Rudders may be bent as desired to steer the boat. That’s what rudders do!
4.8.3 The sail may be trimmed and shaped as desired.
4.8.4 The mast may be trimmed to meet the mast height requirement per 4.7 of these rules.

5.0 Open Regatta Construction
5.1 Open Regatta craft shall meet the requirements of 4.1, 4.2, and 4.6.
5.2 All boats must be powered only by the breath of the Captain piloting the boat. Other means of propulsion are prohibited.
5.3 There are no restrictions on hull type for Open Regatta boats. However, each Captain is responsible for making sure their craft will fit within the available width and draft of the gutter.