Oak Island invites community to race homemade cardboard boats for a good cause

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Homemade boats, creative designs and plenty of splashes will take over Dutchman Creek Park as the fifth annual Dutchman Dinghy Dash returns on Saturday, Aug. 1.

Often described as a “soapbox derby on the water,” the family-friendly event challenges participants to build a boat made almost entirely of cardboard and race it up to 400 feet across the water without sinking.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road in Oak Island.

Instead of a traditional entry fee, participants are asked to donate $10 worth of non-perishable food items, with proceeds benefiting a local charitable cause.

Teams will compete in two-person boats built under a strict set of rules. Boats and paddles must be constructed entirely of cardboard, with limited approved adhesives and water-based paints. Materials such as fiberglass, epoxy, Styrofoam, plastic fasteners and waterproof coatings are prohibited.

Participants are also required to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets during the race, while children ages 12 and younger must wear helmets. Youth teams consist of two racers under age 12, while mixed adult-child teams compete in the adult division.

Organizers encourage participants to pre-register to speed up race-day check-in. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign a waiver.

Whether competing or simply cheering from shore, organizers say spectators can expect an afternoon filled with imaginative boat designs, friendly competition and plenty of laughs as teams attempt to stay afloat.

For registration information and complete race rules, visit the Town of Oak Island’s recreation programs page.