The Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck, located at 2780 7th Ave., prepares to host The Great Race on the Mighty Mullica, its fifth annual duct tape boat regatta. Presented by the Sweetwater Yacht Club, the River Deck will hold the event on Sunday, Aug. 3, bringing together creative minds and fearless paddlers for a day of fun on the Mullica River.
Contestants will compete with boats made entirely out of duct tape and cardboard to see who can survive the journey to the finish line without sinking. Jet skis and boats will be stationed throughout the course to ensure a safe recovery in the case that the soggy boats do sink.
Registration is posted online and will remain open until July 30 with a $10 entry fee per team. However, there is still hope for last-minute racers if they miss the deadline. According to Sweetwater Yacht Club member Ed McAllister, a few spots will remain open for registration on the day of the event.
“There will be a few spots left for walk-in registration, but it really is a festival of fun, so a lot of people just like to watch,” said McAllister. As of right now, there are about 10 boats getting ready for competition. However, that is subject to change as the date for the race approaches.
“A lot of people register near the end, so we really don’t have a headcount just yet,” McAllister said.
Contestants may sign up as single entrants, braving the journey on their cardboard vessels solo, or on teams. Single entrants must be over 18 years old. Teams may include families. All children competing must be over 6 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Check-in begins at 10 a.m., followed by boat check and safety inspection at 10:30 a.m. The race kicks off at 11:30 a.m., with prizes awarded to contestants at the end of the day. Judges will decide on first, second and third place, but there is also a People’s Choice Award and a “Titanic Award” for the best sinking ship. Spectators can look forward to a lively atmosphere and plenty of laughs as the duct tape boats fight to try and stay afloat.
The regatta has become a beloved summer tradition, challenging the creativity of its contestants to see who can design the sturdiest boat. The event promises entertainment, creativity and a splash of friendly competition. All information regarding the event and registration forms can be found at SweetwaterYachtClub.com.
Rebecca Oldham is an emerging journalist and writer located in South Jersey’s Pine Barrens. She enjoys writing about the arts and all things community.
