One of the highlights of Nanaimo's summer events calendar, is a rocking good time at Maffeo Sutton Park for Silly Boats, held Sunday, July 20. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

whatever floats your boat

Bottles, balloons, buoyancy: Nanaimo Silly Boats ready to hit the water

Jul 18, 2025 | 5:25 AM

NANAIMO — The silliest weekend on the local events calendar is finally here.

The Nanaimo Child Development Centre will host the 39th annual Silly Boat Regatta at Maffeo Sutton Park and the Nanaimo Harbour on Sunday, July 20, raising money for their year-round programs and supports.

Organizer Michelle Kocourek said teams will have four hours to construct their boats in the park, with a wide berth given to design and materials used, provided they’re recyclable or recycled.

“A very wide variety, and recycled and recyclable means many things as well. You can recycle pop bottles and we have seen bottles of all sorts to build boats, but it could also be something like an air mattress that’s duct taped to cover holes, because it would go to the landfill otherwise.”

Some designs don’t work as well as first thought. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Kocourek said duct tape is probably the most used item across most boats, although some opt for more refined materials such as carved wooden logs, styrofoam coolers or balloons.

Boat building gets underway around 8 a.m. with judging around 11:15 a.m., before the carnage on the water commences after 1 p.m.

Thirty-six teams are registered for the event, as of Thursday, July 17.

Prizes are on offer for the fastest boat which makes it through their heat, then wins the Championship race around 2:30 p.m.

Other ‘honours’ are available for the first to sink, as well as best costume and team spirit.

Family activities at Maffeo Sutton Park are also on offer, opening at 10 a.m.

Races can get heated on the water with contact between vessels almost assured. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

While the event is decidedly ‘silly’, and a lot of fun for the community, it carries enormous significance for the CDC.

“It’s our largest fundraiser for the Child Development Centre,” Kocourek told NanaimoNewsNOW. “Our goal this year is to raise $125,000 for kids, and so definitely coming down to the event and taking part in some of the kid activities that are free, but there are some that are by donation as well, or you can donate directly online.”

While an exact number is tough to determine, Kocourek said they believe the event has contributed “well, well over $1 million” to the centre throughout its history.

The CDC helps, on average, 1,900 children, youth and families every year.

The event attracts massive crowds down to Maffeo Sutton Park. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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