7th edition of Ca cartonne in Douarnenez
The port of Douarnenez will host the 7th edition of its cardboard boat regatta on June 5, 2022. Called Ca Cartonne à Douarnenez, the event gathers since 2013 dozens of boats built from this simple packaging material, from the frailest skiff, to boats carrying more than 5-6 people. After several years of absence, the boats will be back in the Port-Rhu basin, in the middle of the Port Museum.
From the United States to Douarnenez
Cardboard boat racing originated at an American university. In 1962, a professor at Southern Illinois University proposed to his students to build a cardboard boat capable of transporting them before the weekend. The idea appealed and gradually spread to many universities and the cardboard boat regatta became an institution.
At the end of 2012, Douarnenist friends, around naval architect Bernard Ficatier, became interested in the subject and with the local support of Chasse-Marée, launched a first edition. "On the plans of the Cardboard Boat Book, we built a kayak in origami, with 4 reserves of buoyancy. The first test runs took place in the Nautic basin in Paris. Then in 2013, we had the 1st edition. The schools were interested. The best years, we had up to 100 boats on the water in Douarnenez. We were in the category of great nautical event!" says Paul Robert, one of the initiators.
The Douarnen idea has since spread to other events in France.
Practical rules for building cardboard boats
To participate, the rules are simple. Builders are allowed to use corrugated cardboard sheets or tubes, neoprene glue and acrylic paint. However, no plastic envelopes, tape, or plastic film is allowed.
"Before sailing, the first adventure is to build boats" says Paul Robert. "Pauline, the kayak that has become a series, is 15 kg, 15 euros and 150 kg capacity. The manufacturing time is variable, from 2 days for a Pauline to much more for some boats. But there is still time. Registrations are taken until Sunday morning!"
