BELFAST — It’s not uncommon to see visitors and residents alike clustered in groups along the waterfront, taking in the view, or maybe boat-watching, and Sunday was no different. 

The 500-strong crowd that gathered at the beach adjacent to Belfast’s Boathouse Sunday was also there to watch boats, but not just any boats. 

The 5th Annual Cardboard Boat Challenge took place Aug. 21, bringing duct tape, cardboard and human ingenuity together for an unforgettable event. 

While it isn’t unusual for visitors to the area to participate in the event, this year’s race had entrants from Australia competing in two different heats. 

Before the race the boats were put on display for people to judge and vote for, though not everyone had faith about their seaworthiness.

Names of vessels included the People’s Choice winner, Fish Tales, the H.M. Mess, Neon Racer, Mistah Winston, Penobscot Expedition, and the Thing, which was built the night before the event. The Higgins family had two identical boats and competed in all three racing categories. 

“Holy smokes these things aren’t going to make it 10 feet,” one man said into a phone while surveying the fleet, “but luckily they’ve got a prize for most dramatic sinking.”

Fortunately the crafts all made it more than 10 feet, although the prize for most dramatic sinking would go unclaimed - not a single boat sunk during the race.

Event officials decided to move the marker buoy closer to shore on three separate occasions, ending with it being roughly 30 yards closer. The change in race length was made to address concerns over the intense winds and incoming tide. 

Much of the crowd were standing on an ever-diminishing beach throughout the competition, offering encouraging words or celebratory howls when appropriate. 

There were three racing categories including youth, adult and a family category. While not everyone won their category or individual heat, every single rower reigned victorious over a strong and constant wind. Every participant walked away with a medal, while winners also walked away with a miniature wooden paddle, to commemorate their victory. 

As the event neared its end the MC told the crowd, “there are over 500 people here this year; if 5% of you bring boats next year, we’ll have a heck of a regatta.”

While it remains to be seen if there will be more than the eight cardboard boats at next year’s event, there is no doubt there will be no shortage of people cheering them on. 

For additional pictures click here. 

 Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com