Raingutter Regatta

  1. Each scout must have contributed to the making of his boat. The intent is to have the scout do most of the work on his boat. The boat must be assembled from the B.S.A. Raingutter Regatta Kit parts only. Additional decals, paint, and glue are permitted .

  2. Width:  Overall width shall not exceed 2 3/4 inches.

  3. Length:  Overall length from bow to stern (including rudder) shall not exceed 7.00 inches, nor shorter than 6.50 inches.

  4. Height:  The mast can be no taller than 6.50 inches from the deck surface. 

  5. The sail must be the one supplied with the B.S.A. Raingutter Regatta Kit. The sail may be trimmed and shaped, but may not be larger than the material supplied.

  6. The keel and rudder may be glued anywhere on the bottom of the boat, but cannot exceed 7.00 inches in overall length.

  7. Once the race is started, the boat may not be touched except by a judge. If a racer touches his boat before completion of that race, he will get a first warning and the race will continue. If he touches it again in the same race, he will forfeit that race. If the winner of a race has touched his boat during the race, there will be a re-race and he will be warned. If only the non-winner touches his boat, the race will count and the outcome stand. If any contestant touches his boat twice during the same race pairing, he will forfeit that race. If both contestants touch their boats twice there will be a re-race with the next infraction causing a forfeit of that race.

  8. Details:  Details such as decals and paint are permissible as long as these details are securely glued or fastened to the boat.

  9. Inspection:  Each boat must pass inspection by the Official Inspection Committee before it may compete. The inspectors have the right to disqualify anyinspection, the owner will be informed of the reason for failure, and will be given time within the official registration period to correct the problem. After final approval, boats will not be re-inspected unless the boat is damaged in handling or in a race. Boats can not be modified after inspection, unless the boat is damaged in handling or in a race. Exceptions can be made for sails coming loose or damage due to dropping.

  10. Adults will up right boats in a timely manner.

Building & Design Tips

Stability is the key. Metal keels and plastic rudders are provided with the kit to help stabilize boats. To test stability you can check the boat out in the bathtub or sink. After testing, weights can be added to level the boat as it goes in the water. However, REMEMBER THE MORE WEIGHT THE SLOWER THE BOAT. It's best to design the boat so it's stable without having to add weight.

Keep hull flat. Do not round the hull into a V as with a normal boat. The flatter and wider the hull the more stable the boat.

Catamarans are acceptable. Do a Google search to find all kinds of info.
Put sail as low on mast as possible, this promotes stability. Tie back the sail by tying thread to each of the lower corners of the sail and then securing the "lines" to each side of the boat (tying to a straight pin and then pushing the pins into the hulls is an easy way to do this.) Or, glue the sail to the mast. This will keep the sail from twisting when wind is blown on. The sail will stay at a 9O-degree angle to the hull and allow it to "catch" the most air possible thereby promoting speed.

Decorating Tips

One of the best places to decorate is on the sail. The sail provided in the BSA kit has a glossy side and a dull side. The dull side can be lightly spray painted to compliment the color of the boat. Use caution when painting a sail, too much paint will just peel and crack when the sail is placed on the mast.

Flags - A small flag can be made with a straight pin mast and attached to the deck or even on top of the mast. The Jolly Roger or American flags are some ideas, or just a wildly colored one.

Crew - Small figures make excellent decorating ideas and can be glued to the deck of the boat.

Use glitter with, or instead of, paint.