ABOUT
A fun and friendly competition debuting this summer. There will be a corporate division and a public division. So you can gather a group of friends, family or co-workers and challenge other friends or businesses. This activity will be an enjoyable morning on the Bay for both participants and spectators . Come and show off your homemade floating creation at the Inch Arran Beach.
Any questions should be sent to bonamifestival@hotmail.com
POINTERS
There are six basic components to building a successful raft:
- Flotation
- Sturdy seat/deck,
- Propulsion (the act of pushing/moving forward)
- Steering,
- Teamwork
- Safety
Rafts can be built from scrap wood, pallets, foam, plastic barrels, plastic bucket, milk jugs, water bottles, and any recycled materials. With some creativity you can take whatever is around you and recycle it into something that floats. Rafts are not boats and therefore don’t need to be watertight. Use materials that are naturally buoyant that will continue to float event if they are damaged. Foam is the most common flotation material used on rafts and it is easy to obtain, comes in a variety of shapes & sizes, it’s lightweight, easy to cut and shape and works well with all kinds of raft designs. Join two foam pontoons with a wooden frame and lay plywood on top and there you go! Barrels are popular since they can support a lot of weight and are very durable and can be used as is with little if any preparation other than installing to the frame.
Here are some examples taken from Pinterest and internet searches
RULES
- Rules and Regulations
- Each racer must have his or her own approved Life jacket
- Rafts can only race once
- Rafts must be powered by means of oars or paddles (HUMAN POWER ONLY)
- NO engines or motors of any kind
- Rafts shall be no longer than 10 feet
- Each boat and participant will be inspected prior to the race for compliance with the rules and safety requirements.
- Race members will begin the race on their raft
- all raft should attempt to stay in their assigned lanes.
- Decisions and times of the race by officials are final
- Participants are responsible for the transport of their vessels to and from Inch Arran Beach on race day.
- All rafts must be removed from the beach by entrants after the event
Note: We reserve the right to cancel any race due to lack of particpants – DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN…
WAIVERS AND ENTRY FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED BEFORE ENTRY INTO THE COMPETITION
Entry form to be completed online at Raft Building competition – Bon Ami Festival
Fill out and return Waiver and Release Form to bonamifestival@hotmail.com or you can also drop it off at the Town Hall.