Cub Scout Pack 350 2014 Rain Gutter Regatta Event Location & Date: Advance Firehouse, Saturday November 22nd 11:00am-1:00pm (racing as soon as everyone registers) 106 E Wall Street Advance, IN 46102-9407 map Event Details The Rain Gutter Regatta is similar to the Pinewood Derby except that the models are miniature sail boats. Although the seas are only 10-foot lengths of rain gutter filled with water, and the ships a mere 7 inches long, the race is a very exciting event. Each scout will build his own boat with supervision and help from parents and leaders. He also provides the wind for the sail with his own lung power. The regatta boat kit, available from the BSA Scout Shop, has a pre-shaped balsa hull, metal keel and plastic sail. The hulls are sanded and shaped and are colorfully painted by each individual scout. Hull and sail are then decorated with decal kits (also available at the Scout Shop). The boats race in pairs on rain gutter courses propelled by the boys blowing into the sails with a drink straw. The rain gutters are 10 foot lengths of standard aluminum rain gutters that are filled with water! Event Rules Construction Rules: Only materials from the official BSA Raingutter Regatta kits (Monohull or Trimaran) may be used. Each boat must be constructed new. Using a boat from a previous year is not allowed. Materials from the BSA kit may be modified, however, other sail, keel and rudder material may not be used. Maximum boat length is 7 inches. Minimum boat length is 6 inches. Mast height: no higher than 6 ½ from desk to top. Catamaran and Hydroplane conversions are allowed, as long as modifications are made from original BSA kit materials. Attach all parts, accessories and decals securely to the boat. Waxing boat bottom is authorized. There will be no min/max weight limit, however, heaver is not better (opposite from Pinewood Derby rules). Cup type sail modifications are allowed, but the original sail material must be used to make the cup sail.
Race Day Rules: Cub Scouts must register their boats with the Port Authority. We will be scoring 4 lanes simultaneously (1 st -4 th place). These are not head-to-head matches. All boats will be secured in the dock area after registration. Boats may not be touched or modified upon entering dry dock. Racers may not touch any part of the boat or water during the race, unless it is to right a capsized boat. If a boat becomes damaged, and upon the officials permission, the Scout may be allotted a short span of time to make (reasonable) repair to the boat before the next race. Time will be determined by the race official ONLY. Have Fun! Construction Guide
1. Parental help is not only allowed but encouraged. Remember that this is a team effort, the Scout should do as much meaningful work as possible. 2. If you wish to build a traditional BSA entry, use the provided instruction sheet to construct your boat. Please note that the washer used for the keel needs to be moved further aft than the directions indicate. Also, it is very important that the mast and the sail are securely glued in place. Otherwise, the sail rotates when in use resulting in a very slow boat and a very frustrated Scout. 3. Use a coping saw for making shaping cuts for the hull. Final shaping is best accomplished with medium or fine grit sandpaper. 4. A catamaran design can be easily made by laying out and cutting the traditional shape, then, cutting the boat evenly in two on a centerline from the bow to the stern. Join the two hull sections using dowels, craft sticks, or sheet balsa (available at hobby and craft stores). Remember to follow the length and width instructions in the Official Rules. Hint: Catamaran designs are more stable and faster than the traditional BSA design
5. Whatever hull shape you decide to build try to keep the bottom of your boat as flat as possible. A flat-bottomed boat tends to rise up out of the water. A rounded bottom and sides tend to cause the boat to dig into the water. 6. Any accessories placed on the deck, such as cannons, figures, or a deckhouse, will raise the center of gravity of your boat. This means you must add weight to the bottom of your hull or keel to keep your boat from capsizing. Remember, a lighter boat is generally faster than a heavier boat. 7. If you place the mast according to the BSA instruction sheet your boat will tend to dig its nose into the water. Move the mast towards the stern this will tend to cause the bow of your boat to rise out of the water when you blow against the sail. 8. Bring the sail as close to the deck as possible. You may even cut a groove into the deck and glue the sail in place. Try to curve the sides of the sail towards the stern to provide a space to trap your breath. The sail can be held in place by glue, staples, or by running strong thread from the corners to small nails at the stern. 9. Instead of a sail you may construct an open-ended cabin to catch your breath. The cabin can be made out of the sail material included in the BSA Raingutter Regatta Kit. 10. Use wood putty to fill any dents, gouges or holes 11. Use sanding sealer to provide a smooth surface. Follow the directions on the sanding sealer. Usually, several coats are required. 12. You may paint the sail as well as the hull. Use waterproof glue and paint. Nothing is more disheartening than watching a boat fall apart during a race. 13. Practice with your boat before the race. Use a bathtub or wading pool to check your boat's stability and seaworthiness. Practice blowing on your sail until you can keep your boat going in a straight line. Remember, if you blow on the right side of the sail the boat will turn to the left and if you blow on the left side of the sail the boat will turn to the right. Long, steady streams of air are the best. Don't hyperventilate and make yourself dizzy! 14. Let your imagination be your guide when designing, building and decorating your boat. 15. Have your parents check out Raingutter Regatta sites on the Internet for tips, ideas, and designs. The Cub Scout Motto is not "Win, Win, Win", it's DO YOUR BEST. If you "Do your best" designing, building, painting, and racing your boat, you are already a winner!