East Georgia State College will host the annual Bobcat Duct Tape Regatta, where teams build boats out of cardboard and duct tape and see who can cross Ezra Pond the fastest or sink in the most spectacular fashion while trying to cross. The race will be part of EGSC’s Bobcat Appreciation Month.
Anyone is welcome to participate, but boats must be made of flat cardboard and duct tape—nothing else! The boat must have a bottom and sides (no paddleboards, etc.). Only four people are allowed on each team. Team members must be on both sides of the pond on race day to help with the launch of the boat and to pull the boat out again, and participants must use oars and life vests provided by EGSC.
Because of COVID-19 guidelines, the regatta will be organized differently this year. Face coverings must be worn by all team members and social distancing rules will apply. Teams must sign up for a time slot to compete in the competition. Sign up will end March 21, 2021. Heats will be held with three teams in each heat. The heat races are scheduled for March 22 and March 24 or March 29 and March 31. An award for the fastest and overall winner of the race will be calculated by timed heats. The boat that makes it across in the fastest time will be the winner. The Titanic Award for the boat which sinks most dramatically will be voted on by social media. Each heat will be recorded and posted on EGSC’s Facebook page for voting. The number of likes will determine the Titanic Award winner. The award for Most Creative Boat will be determined by social media voting as well. A photo will be taken of the team and their boat prior to their turn in heats and all will be posted in an album on EGSC’s Facebook page. The number of likes will determine the winner. Voting will take place April 19-27. All winners will be announced April 28, 2021.
