Raingutter Regatta

Regatta® Checklist for Cub Scouts

Dream!

  1. Your official Regatta∆ sailboat kit has everything you need to make your boat ship-shape: pre-shaped balsa wood hull, metal keel, plastic rudder, wood dowel mast and assembly instructions (sanding pads, glue and paint not included).
  2. Take time to imagine how your boat will look once it’s designed and painted. Include themes that are special to you and let your creativity and personality shine through!
  3. Your adult assistant can help you with building your boat. Use the easy-to-follow assembly instructions found in your Regatta∆ kit and you’ll sail away to success!

Build!

  1. There are directions inside your Regatta® kit to help you find and learn all the parts of your boat and where they belong. Your adult assistant will help you sand the boat’s hull into the shape you want (be careful to stick to the rules listed on the plan, see below).
  2. Put two coats of fast-drying acrylic paint on the hull.
  3. With assistance from an adult, sand the mast to a taper, then glue the mast, rudder and keel in place.
  4. Attach numbers to the sail, and then fit the sail over the mast.
  5. To keep your boat from turning over when sailing, make sure the sail is at right angles to the hull. Secure it with a drop of glue or piece of tape.
  6. Special Regatta® decals add a cool touch!

Race!

  1. Race day is a blast! Cub Scouts and adults will cheer for you and your team. After all your hard work, there’s nothing like watching your creation race to the finish!
  2. Racing against other boats is an exciting part of every Sailboat Regatta®. But the real fun is the adventure itself – the whole process! Whether you take home first-place or not, you can be proud of how hard you worked and the memories you and your adult helper created.

Regatta® Checklist for Adults

Regatta® is a favorite Derby event because Cub Scouts are actively involved every step of the way, from envisioning and creating their sleek sailing machines to using their own breath to propel them!

It’s a great opportunity for you to spend time together building skills, confidence and memories. It is also a chance for both you and your Cub Scout to practice the three steps of self-leadership described in the Boy Scout Handbook:
If this is your first time, you might feel a little lost. But don’t worry. You’ll find a lot of support from Scout Leaders and from adults with previous Derby experience. Ask them for advice when you need it, and use the following steps to guide you and your Cub Scout through a successful Regatta® experience.

Dream!

  1. An official Regatta® sailboat kit will include: pre-shaped balsa wood hull, metal keel, plastic rudder, wood dowel mast and assembly instructions (sanding pads, glue and paint not included). Your Cub Scout’s Pack Leaders may provide the kit for you, or you can purchase one at your local Scout Shop. Kits can also be ordered online
  2. Help your Cub Scout be involved every step of the way. Start by encouraging him to imagine what his ultimate sailboat will look like.

Build!

  1. Your Regatta® kit provides instructions and a plan identifying the various parts. Sand the hull to the desired shape, adhering to the plan specifications
  2. Apply two coats of colored, fast-drying acrylic paint on the hull (do not use watercolor paint).
  3. Sand the mast to a taper, then glue the mast, rudder and keel in place.
  4. Attach numbers to the sail, and then fit the sail over the mast.
  5. To avoid capsizing the boat, secure the sail to the mast at right angles to the hull. Use a drop of glue or piece of tape.
  6. Special Regatta® decals add a cool touch!

Race!

On the day of the Regatta®, take pride in your Cub Scout’s success in completing his boat and being able to take part in the race. Celebrate with him and recognize the value of the time you’ve spent together. That’s how everybody wins.

Regatta® Checklist for Leaders

Dream!

  1. Present this program to your Den Leaders as an exciting, and fairly simple, month-long activity.
  2. Gather your resources. If you don’t have access to experienced leaders, borrow an adult or two from the older ranks to help ensure success.
  3. If done early in the year, this makes a great preparation activity for the Pinewood Derby®. Regatta® is an ideal way to help Cub Scouts build the confidence and skills they’ll need to compete at the Pack level during the Pinewood Derby®.

Build!

  1. With proper planning and preparation, boats can even be completed in two Den meetings! Complete instructions for assembly are included in the kits.
  2. Cub Scouts can be much more involved in the Regatta® set-up process; they’ll love being able to help set up the event venue and racecourse.

Race!

Two types of racecourses are recommended: the wading pool or the raingutter. The more popular course is the raingutter. This is made of two standard raingutters 10 feet long, set in grooves on two sawhorses. For details, see the Sailboat Regatta® section in the Cub Scout Grand Prix: Pinewood Derby® Guidebook.


Planning Your Regatta®

  1. Follow the guidelines for planning special Pack activities found in chapter 6 of the Cub Scout Leader How-To Book.
  2. Provide a list of easy-to-understand event rules to each family.
  3. Plan opening and closing ceremonies.
  4. Consider what types of awards you might offer. Will you have “category” awards (“Most Creative”, etc.) or participant ribbons in addition to first-, second- and third-place awards?
  5. Plan for the event day itself: venue location, food, trophies/ribbons and decorations.
  6. Decide what your method for judging will be.
  7. Line up volunteers.