Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Pass out the kits for the scouts to build their own sailboats approximately two months prior to the race. Standard kits ensure that certain specifications are followed in order to keep the race fair, especially if you decide to hold a competitive race, but encourage creativity in design.
Book the venue to hold the race. You need plenty of space on level ground. If outdoors, consider the weather conditions of the season in which you hold the event. If indoors, consider the precautions you will need to take to minimize any mess when you drain the rain gutters, which need to be almost completely full to avoid keels or hulls dragging during the race.
Set up an assignment sheet for the different duties needed prior to the event. Assign who will build or provide the rain gutters, as well as provide any saw horses or tables needed to keep the rain gutters stable.
Assign tasks and completion dates for volunteers who provide music, food, photography, and certificates or ribbons for winners. Distinguish a theme, such as pirates, or a designate a special treat, such as sundaes served in the cleaned, drained rain gutters after the race. This allows everyone to be creative and involved.
Set up the venue with the rain gutters secured on their platforms, a display stand for all the boats that are checked in, a repair table, and a snack table. Set the background music and allow time prior to the event for all the racers to check in. If a problem is spotted with a boat, this allows the captain to make necessary changes.
Check the boats the day of the race to ensure they follow specifications. Prizes or ribbons may be awarded for the best built boat or most creatively designed boat. Place checked-in boats on display prior to the event for judging.
Acclimate judges to the race rules and provide written rules to the participants. Once the regatta begins, scouts are generally prohibited from touching the boats again with their hands, using only their breath to propel the boats along. Judges may right a capsized boat or supervise the scout doing so.
Allow the racers to draw for position in the race. Assign a cheering section or buddies for each racer and start the festivities. Distribute ribbons and awards according to any predetermined categories, such as design, sportsmanship and competitive placement in the race.