Creativity is untamed and wild during the Silly Boat Regatta. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

silly in the sun

Silly Boat Regatta to fill Maffeo Sutton Park with fun and cheer

Jul 12, 2019 | 8:59 AM

NANAIMO — Dozens of Nanaimo sailors will take to the waters for a fierce, brutal and incredibly intense competition to see who has the fastest and silliest boat.

The 35th annual Silly Boat Regatta takes place at Maffeo Sutton Park on Sunday, July 14.

From 8 a.m. until the first race at 1 p.m., teams will craft their silly boats in the park for all to see.

Co-organizer Tracy Berg said while winning the race into the harbour and back in a big thrill, having fun and being creative is the real reward for boaters.

“The best boats are always the ones that are the most creative and goofy. But even the ones where they thought ‘Okay, we’re going to really use these recycled materials that have something to do with our company,’ are great to see.

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She said it’s a thrill to see yoga studios using their yoga balls, or paint and decorating companies using recycled paint containers.

This year, it’s advised teams stay away from having anything mechanical or electric on their boats after the McDonald’s silly boat caught fire on the water in last years race.

The Silly Boat Regatta isn’t just fun in the sun.

It’s also the major fundraising event for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre.

Berg said their goal of $125,000 will go towards theraputic equipment and workshops for parents and caregivers helped by the CDC.

“When we’re looking at a child, we’re not focusing just on that child and the therapies they need. It’s also focusing on the parents, if they need structure. Is it maybe they need help filling out forms to get a special piece of equipment? We’re there helping and supporting in all the ways.”

The Silly Boat Regatta is a free event but Berg said everything purchased at concessions and through the 50-50 draw will go to the CDC.

Last year they raised $112,000.

A sleek and capably built boat from NanaimoNewsNOW, 102.3 The Wave and 106.9 The Wolf will be in the water for the eighth heat of the day.

Parking is always an issue at Maffeo Sutton Park.

Here’s a list of the best places to park:

A list and map of the best places to park on Sunday.

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