Dutchman Dinghy Dash (D3): Cardboard Boat Race

Next date: Saturday, August 01, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Dutchman-Dinghy-Dash.jpg

This "soapbox derby on the water" is back for its FIFTH year! Challenging boat builders to travel up to 400' in homemade cardboard boats (without sinking!) this event is always a FUN time that also benefits a GOOD CAUSE, as the only entry fee is a $10 donation of non-perishable goods! Come out to participate or just cheer on your favorite boat builders, it’s going to be Dash!

Click the tabs below for more details.

D3 Participant Rules

  1. Boats and oars must be made entirely of cardboard.
  2. Boat size limit: Max 6 feet wide by 12 feet long. No height limit.
  3. Boats are a 2-man vessel
  4. Surfboard and Raft style designs are NOT ALLOWED. Consider "staying dry" as part of the challenge.
  5. You can use thick or layered cardboard.
  6. Cardboard tubes (like carpet tubes) are NOT permitted.
    • But you can’t use waterproofed or coated cardboard like Sono-tubes.
  7. Allowed adhesives: duct tape, masking tape, strapping tape, wood glue, or contact cement.
    • Not allowed: You may NOT completely wrap the or encase the boat in duct tape.
    • Not allowed: metal or plastic fasteners (no staples, screws, nails, clamps, etc.).
  8. Paint/seal with water-based products only.
    • Paint must be dry before your boat hits the water.
    • Not allowed: tar, wax, silicone, fiberglass, epoxy, or Styrofoam.
  9. Paper Mache is allowed for decorations, but the main material must still be cardboard.
  10. Everyone in the boat must sit during the race. Sitting area can’t be enclosed, and you must be able to get in/out easily.
  11. No motors or kicking to move the boat.
  12. No electricity on the boat once it’s in the water.
  13. Judges may test boats with a probe to make sure they’re cardboard only. If a rule is broken at any time, the boat will be disqualified.
  14. All racers must wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Bring your own if possible (they fit better), but extras will be available.
  15. Helmets are required for kids 12 and under.
  16. Crew with both a child and adult goes in the adult division.
  17. Youth division is for teams where both members are under 12.
  18. Teams must clean up and take apart their boats after the race.

ALL RACE DAY ENTRIES WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN WAIVERS AT CHECK-IN.

ANYONE 17 AND UNDER MUST HAVE A PARENT PRESENT TO SIGN THEIR WAIVER AT THAT TIME.

(If you pre-register, parents must submit packets for all entries 17 and under, with signed waivers.)

Thank you for observing all the rules to make this event a safe and fun-filled afternoon!

Participants may PRE-REGISTER through the link provided in the next tab below.

CHECK-IN IS EASIER IF YOU ARE PRE-REGISTERED!

Registration

To Pre-register, visit OakIslandNC.gov/PROGRAMS or click the link below.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

When

  • Saturday, August 01, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Location

Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road, View Map

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