Unleash Your Foolish Side at the Fools Rules Regatta

Build your own nontraditional boat and race for first place in this one-of-a-kind event in Jamestown next month.
Kat Sheridan,
Picture1

Courtesy of Jamestown Yacht Club

Everyone knows about making a paper boat out of an old newspaper and trying to make it float, whether it was because you saw a friend make one, saw it on TV, or you yourself were building a paper boat. Jamestown Yacht Club’s Fools Rules Regatta is the perfect way to experience that nostalgia, except this time the boats are way bigger, and you can be in the boat! On August 17, head down to East Ferry Beach in Jamestown to either participate or watch the chaos. This free event is fun for everyone in the family.

If you feel like building a boat, make sure to get there for 9 a.m. when the construction starts. If you just want to watch, the first race kicks off at 11 a.m. When the canon fires, contestants will race downwind five-hundred yards. There will be five races total, from one person on a boat in Class One to more than five per boat in the Unlimited Class.

Picture12

Courtesy of Jamestown Yacht Club

If you want to build a boat, any “nontraditional” materials are allowed. Beer cans, autobodies, trees, an old sofa, petticoats, anything you can dream up. No, you cannot use manufactured items or propellers — that would take away from the whimsy. You will also need to include lifesaving inflatables, and bailing equipment if your boat fills with water. You can build your boat ahead of time; Just make sure to deconstruct it so you can build it along with everyone else the morning of.

Picture13

Courtesy of Jamestown Yacht Club

There are many prizes to be won. First, second, and third place ribbons for each class will be awarded after the races are done. Worried about making a fool of yourself, and not in an intended way? Don’t worry, there still is a prize for you- the Worst Example of Naval Architecture award! If your design is especially eye-catching, you could win the Karl Smith Most Ingenious Design Award, in honor of the founder of this race. Or if you’re willing to dress up for the occasion, you could win the Frank Newman Judges’ Award, celebrating a historical theme (Jamestown’s 350thyear).

If you want to read through all the rules or get your entry form, visit the Jamestown Yacht Club website.