MacEwan University’s Makerspace hosted its first-ever cardboard boat race, Battle of the Boats, which brought teams together to design, build, and race homemade vessels across the pool.
Four rolls of duct tape and scrap cardboard were all the teams had to work with to design and build a boat with one purpose: to cross the pool first.
Of the six teams that participated, four successfully navigated their boats across the water, while two capsized shortly after entering the pool.
Teams took different approaches to their designs. Some prioritized layering and waterproofing, while others focused on aesthetics. The boats featured everything from cupholders and flags to a Viking-style dragon head mounted on the bow. One of the smallest boats appeared unlikely to make it across, but ultimately completed the trip. Another ship that looked built for speed capsized.
The race was divided into two heats of three boats. In each heat, one vessel sank shortly after entering the water while the other two made it across.
Approximately 20 supporting teammates and 50 spectators watched from the sidelines as the boats competed. In both heats, a winner emerged early, with designs focused on layering and preventive waterproofing proving most successful on the water.
The Makerspace staff were pleased with how the event turned out and are already looking ahead to next year. While organizers said there are a few things they would do differently, they considered the first event a success.
Organizers hope Battle of the Boats will become an annual event, giving students another chance to put their creativity to the test.
