Get Ready for
The 19th Annual Cardboard Boat Races and Festival:
Boats and Beacons: Landmarks along the World’s Canals!
19th Annual Cardboard Boat Races Festival
Boats and Beacons: Landmarks Along the World’s Canals
Saturday, August 9, 2025
On-site boat building begins at 9am, first race kicks off at 1pm!
Get Ready for Boats and Barges…and Lots of Cardboard!
Get ready for a splashing good time at the 19th Annual Cardboard Boat Races Festival:
Boats and Barges: Landmarks Along the World’s Canals!
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of New York State’s very own Erie Canal…and in September canal enthusiasts from around the world will help celebrate during the World Canals Conference in Buffalo! Join us in getting a jump on the action with this year’s boat races and cardboard festival highlighting famous landmarks visible from canals around the world, like the leaning buildings of Amsterdam, bridges in Venice, or temples along Southeast Asian canals. Each boat could pay tribute to a notable building or structure that has defined canal communities…just like ours! Join us at Fort Hardy Park Beach in Schuylerville for a day filled with excitement and laughter as sailors of all ages compete in the ultimate cardboard challenges.
Witness the incredible ingenuity as participants construct boats entirely out of cardboard and race them across the Hudson River. It's a test of creativity, engineering skills, and sheer determination, and, back by popular demand, we’ll have an on land Cardboard Tower Building Contest! Recreate the Eiffel Tower, London’s Big Ben, or a Southeast Asian Temple out of - you guessed it - cardboard and duct tape and see who can get their structure the tallest!
Whether you're a participant or a spectator, this event promises fun for everyone. Cheer on your favorite boats as they navigate their cardboard vessels across the river, hoping to reach the finish line without sinking and choose your favorite cardboard architect as they work to make sure their building is structurally sound.
Bring your family and friends along for a day of adventure and discovery. Explore the park, enjoy delicious food from local vendors, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Don't forget to bring your sunscreen and a towel, as you just might get wet if you decide to challenge friends, family, co-workers - you name it! - to compete for one the coveted boat race awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for speed, the Titanic Award, Most Enthusiastic Crew, Judges Bribe Award (“Bribes” are considered donations to Hudson Crossing Park), People’s Choice, Overall Best in Show, and Most Sailors Left Afloat!
Save Time the Day of the Races! Download and fill out your paperwork to bring with you!!
〰️
Save Time the Day of the Races! Download and fill out your paperwork to bring with you!! 〰️
Registration fees will be collected “at the door” on race day,
but you can fill our your forms now!
(Please note that an additional $5/sailor fee will be due the day of
for insurance unless filled out online before the day of the races. )
*No need to bring proof of insurance the day of the races once you have filled out your insurance forms online! We will have a list of those who have completed this step.
*Print out copies of your registration and liability release and bring them the day of the races.
ALL COMPLETED PAPERWORK MUST BE HANDED IN AT THE REGISTRATION TABLE THE DAY OF THE RACES.
If you have questions don’t worry - volunteers will be on hand to help you through the process and/or register you in person if necessary.
Basic Rules for Racing
Be SAFE and have FUN!
Participants must be 7 years old or up to set sail alone.
All sailors MUST wear Coast-Guard approved personal floatation devices. PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR OWN!
Registration release forms must be signed by participant, parent, or legal guardian over the age of 18.
No sharp objects on board vessels.
Any boat deemed unsafe to others (or to the river) will be disqualified.
Paint, if used, must be dry before launching. Water based paint only - no oil based.
Boats may be pre-built or built on-site. All boats will compete within the appropriate class.
The “cabin” of the boat (where the crew sits) may not be enclosed above shoulder height.
Boats, boat parts, and debris must be completely removed from the river and park.
Crews must take recyclable boats with them. Cardboard boats may be left on-site for removal by Hudson Crossing Park volunteers. Please place in appropriate designated area.
Boat Classes
Pre-built
Kids Paddle (7-12 year old sailors only)
Built On-site on Race Day
Boat with the Most Sailors (min. of 3 to compete in this class
Registration Levels
Individual & Family: $35 per sailor ($100 Maximum Per Boat, plus additional insurance fees)
Small Business/Non-Profit: $100/Boat plus additional insurance fees
Corporate: $175/Boat plus insurance fees
Acceptable Materials for Boats Entered in the Cardboard Classes:
Cardboard Boat Okay Materials.
Plastic or wooden brooms.
Flat canoe paddles (no double/kayak or scoop paddles.
Only corrugated cardboard in any amount.
Caulk and or glue.
Duct or paper tape in any amount.
Latex based paint.
NOT Okay Materials.
No materials that will pollute the river.
No staples.
No sharp objects.
No laminated, waxed, oiled, or peeled surfaces.
No sono-tube.
No foam, plastic, or rubber.
No oil based paints
Where to Begin?
Believe it or not, there are lots of online resources for building a cardboard boat that will stay afloat!
We highly suggest you spend some time googling ideas to see what others have tried…and sometimes failed…to keep above water. Then you can:
1. Decide what class you’d like to enter. It can be one or more - you decide!
2. Gather your supplies - or, if you’re going to build the day of the races, show up early and snag the best cardboard! Appliance and “big box” stores (pun intended) are often more than willing to give you their scrap corrugated cardboard. We also suggest that you have plenty of duck/packing tape to seal your boat with. Check the Official Rules and Regulations packet (click the button below) or scroll down for what materials are acceptable in the Cardboard Boat Classes.
3. Unleash your inner designer! Draw up the best boat you can imagine and start building!
This event is made possible in part by the NYS Canal Corporation, Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor, the Fort Miller Group, Stewart’s Shops, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and Schuylerville Community Council.
