America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta
Rescheduled: Saturday, June 25, 2011
Crystal Lake, IL



The America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta is an annual event that is filled with fun for the entire family. No matter if you’re an avid sportsman or a novice, you are guaranteed to enjoy participation in the Cardboard Cup. Best of all proceeds from the event are given to local charities that support a variety of causes and services for those less fortunate.

The Regatta is held on the fourth Saturday of June at Main Beach in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Gates open at 9:00am with races starting at noon. It’s easy to participate and boats can be constructed in advance of race day. After May 1st of each year, 8’ x 8’ sheets of cardboard are available at the Crystal Lake Park District’s Maintenance Garage (located in the Main Beach Parking Lot) free of charge thanks to the generous donation from American Eagle Packaging.

Pre-constructed boats can be registered ahead of time or on race day. Registration and day of event boat inspection begin at 9:00am at the Main Beach Boat Launch located at the North end of the park.
There are a variety of competitions in which participants can compete in depending on the age of the participant and the method of propulsion. Trophies are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for each class and participation category below:

Trophies are awarded for the fastest boats in each class. If you are not a speed freak, there are several other trophies:

  • Class A – Paddle/Oar powered (One to Ten people)
  • Class B – Mechanical Powered (peddle, etc)
  • Class C – Sail Powered
  • Class – D – Kwiki Boat (Built with special kit provided day of event, Paddle/Oar powered)
  • Class K - Kiddie Cup, Ages 5 to 10 (Paddle/Oar powered)
  • Geezer Cup – Participants 50 years and older (Paddle/Oar powered)
  • Participation Awards:
    • Most Spectacular Sinking – sink and look good
    • Most Enthusiastic Crew – this includes the sailing and land-based crews
    • Stars & Stripes – the boat with the most patriotic theme
    • Most Creative Theme – the boat that most creatively expresses a theme
    • Most Attractive – looking good
    • People’s Choice Award – Voted on by spectators the day of event
    • Ugliest Boat – not looking good



The America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta began on Crystal Lake in 1985 when members of the Crystal Lake Yacht Club members Frank Ward, Chuck Ellison and Jim Hooker decided to see if they could bring the community together for some summer fun. The event was an immediate success enticing over 2,000 spectators.

Each year the Regatta hosts over 150 entries and hosts 2,000 to 4,000 spectators. Past entries have included the Star Wars Death Star, Lunar Landing on the Lake, Cardboard Knievel, the Flintstones, the Batmobile and a 700lb Cardboard Castle complete with a dragon. Participants have been hosted from all over the Chicago region and from as far away as Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Start building your boat today and take part in the fun, exciting and charitable community event!



   © 2007 America's Cardboard Cup Regatta. The America's Cardboard Cup Regatta is not affiliated in any way with the America's Cup.