Cardboard Boat Regatta
Design it, build it and see whether it floats.
About
Cardboard Boat Regatta asks a single, nerve-racking question: will it float? Teams choose a boat design, gather a selection of unusual building materials and pool their skills to construct a vessel that can genuinely take to the water.
Thoughtful planning pays dividends. Teams agree the design, divide the building work and make the most of every material, knowing that the moment of truth is not far away.
Then comes the launch. Boats take to a lake, a pool or the sea, and the finale can be a straight race, a full regatta, a playful sea battle or a search for sunken treasure.
It is lively, a little wet and thoroughly memorable, and it demonstrates that a task which looks impossible becomes achievable when people coordinate their efforts. It is a favourite for resort-based retreats and incentive trips.
Learning outcomes
Teams discover that the seemingly impossible becomes achievable when people combine their skills and commit to a single clear goal. It is a powerful reminder that ambitious goals are reachable together.
They also notice that leadership and good ideas often come from unexpected places. With unusual materials, the best solution can come from anyone, and teams that welcome every suggestion often build the cleverest boats.
Building against the clock sharpens time management and communication. Design and material decisions must be made quickly, and clear roles stop builders getting in each other's way.
The launch is the moment of truth. Whether a boat glides, wobbles or sinks, the shared experience brings people closer together and leaves them proud of what they built as a team.
Program flow
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Choose a design
Teams receive boat plans and unusual materials, and select their design.
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Plan the build
Teams agree a building strategy and assign each member a task.
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Construct
Teams build their boat against the clock, combining everyone's skills.
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The launch
Each boat takes to the water for its first float test, the moment every team has waited for.
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Race day
Teams compete on the water in a race, regatta, sea battle or treasure hunt.
What is included
Included
- Expert facilitators throughout
- Boat building materials and tools
- Boat design plans
- Water safety briefing and equipment
- Race judging and results
Not included
- Venue and water access fees
- Meals and refreshments
- Audio-visual equipment
- Transfers to and from the venue
- Towels and a change of clothes
Frequently asked questions
How big can the group be?
From 10 to 500 guests, organised into smaller teams.
How long is the programme?
The programme typically lasts about 1.5 hours.
Do we need boat-building experience?
No. Teams choose from design plans and receive all the materials and tools they need.
Indoors or outdoors?
It is designed for outdoor spaces, and we adapt the set-up to suit your venue.
What kind of water is needed?
A lake, a swimming pool or the sea, depending on your venue.
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Request a quote for Cardboard Boat Regatta
Tell us your group size, date and goals. We will reply with a tailored proposal.