View the 2024 Team Information Package (PDF)

  • Have Fun!
  • Silly Boats can be constructed of any recycled material. They must be able to float (even momentarily), hold at least two people AND be assembled on site. Materials can be pre-cut but not preassembled. Boat Kits/prefabricated hulls will not be allowed. Silly Boats must be powered by people or wind – NO MOTORS.
  • Silly Boats must be built in four hours or less. Construction will start at 8:00 a.m. and must be completed by 12:00 p.m. Judging will take place between 11:15 – 12:45 pm in order to start the first race at 1:00 p.m.
  • Silly Boats can be constructed of any recycled material. They must be able to float (even momentarily), hold at least two people AND be assembled on site. Materials can be pre-cut but not preassembled. Boat Kits/prefabricated hulls will not be allowed. Silly Boats must be powered by people or wind – NO MOTORS.
  • Safety regulations must be observed; a minimum of two paddlers for each Silly Boat, bailers when applicable, and ALL members in the water must wear personal floatation devices. If safety regulations are not observed, the individual will be disqualified.
  • Proper footwear is required for boat launches on the beach. The Nanaimo Child Development Centre (NCDC) will not allow participants on the beach without proper footwear and will not be responsible for injuries due to inappropriate footwear.
  • The course will be from Swy-A-Lana Lagoon to the “BUOY” in Nanaimo Harbour and back to the starting point. Team member must ring bell to win heat.
  • No team vehicles will be allowed in the Park permanently. Upon arrival you must unload and exit your vehicle immediately, in compliance with “Parks and Recreation mandate.” At the conclusion of the event, no vehicles will be allowed back into/leave the park until the majority of the spectator crowds are disbursed.
  • No alcohol and no water balloons will be permitted.
  • Participants must clean up their building site before the race begins and must remove any floating debris from the water after the race. Please bring garbage bag(s) and take your garbage with you as all of the garbage bins on site are full.
  • Remember this day is about children, promoting family & community unity, increasing awareness of the NCDC and raising funds for NCDC programs and services. This is not a forum for personal or political agendas. As such, spectators and participants may not be solicited, propaganda materials may not be distributed, and activities may not be conducted if those activities are not consistent with the purpose of this event.
  • The NCDC reserves the right to disallow participation of any parties who do not comply with these regulations.
  • Be Silly!
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