Raingutter Regatta Information

Racing Procedure
The boats are propelled by boys blowing into the sails. Start with the boat's stern touching the beginning end of the raingutter. The starter stands at the opposite end with hands raised. When he drops his hand, the boys begin to blow. Once the race is started, the boys may not touch the boats with their hands. The first boat to reach the end of the gutter is the winner. We're still deciding how to judge the winners of this regatta - more into to follow!

Construction Rules

The boat must be newly built for the current Cub Scouting year. As much as practical, the boat should be substantially built by the Scout with parental supervision.
The boat should use every part from the BSA Raingutter Regatta Kit. Additional parts, decals, paint, and glue are permitted.
Overall width shall not exceed 2 1/4 inches.
Overall length from bow to stern (including rudder) shall not exceed 7.00 inches, nor shorter than 6.50 inches.
The mast must be upright and can be no taller than 6.50 inches from the deck surface.
The boat must have a single hull. Although you might find designs for double hulled boats on the internet, our Pack rules mandate that all boats must be single hull.
The sail may be trimmed and shaped, but may not be larger than the material supplied.
The keel and rudder may be glued anywhere on the boat, but cannot cause the boat to exceed 7.00 inches in overall length.
Details such as figures, decals and paint are permissible as long as these details are securely glued or fastened to the boat. The scouts are encouraged to decorate their boat, as they will also be judged for design, and awards given to the top boats in each rank.

You can add material and items to the boats, but keep in mind that lighter boats will generally be faster.

Race Rules

Two boys will race against each other at a time. They will be called based on the number assigned at registration.
Each boat must start with the back of the boat touching the end of the rain gutter.
When the starter says go, the boys will propel the boats by blowing on the sail only.
The boys' hands must be behind their backs at all times, unless the boat turns over or is stuck on the gutter.
The boy may use his hand only to upright his boat or to remove an impediment (i.e. if the boat is stuck on the gutter). THE BOY MAY NOT ADVANCE THE BOAT WITH HIS HAND AT ANY TIME.
The race manager and race stager on each lane will judge violations.

Boat Specifications

HULL - No longer then 7" or shorter than 6 1/2"
MAST - 6 1/2" from deck to top
KEEL - Supplied in kit - no alterations allowed
RUDDER - Supplied in kit - no alterations allowed
SAIL - Supplied in kit - no alterations to size allowed

Scouting encourages good sportsmanship!!
Unsportsmanlike conduct by any participant or spectator will be grounds for expulsion from the competition and/or the race area.

Sportsmanship
Two things the Pinewood Derby requires each participant to learn are:

1. The craft skills necessary to build a car
2. The rules that must be followed.

Even more important, though, is how we act and behave while participating in the Pinewood Derby or any other group activity. This is called sportsmanship.

Three Important Things about Sportsmanship

The first thing to remember about sportsmanship is that everyone's skills are a little different. You may be good at something like singing or drawing, but not as good at something else like basketball or computers. Parents have different skill levels, too. This doesn't mean that you are a good person one time and not good another time. You can always be a good person, whether or not you have good car-building skills. Remember, you and your friends are individuals first and racers second. This idea is often called having respect for others.
The second thing to remember is to follow the rules. Without rules, there would be no Raingutter Regatta. You will never know if you are really good at doing something unless you follow the rules. This is often called being honest.
The third thing to remember about good sportsmanship is that there are winners and losers in every competition. You accept this when you choose to compete. There may be times when you win and feel happy, and times when you lose and feel unhappy. Being a winner is easy, and losing is sometimes hard. If you win, you shouldn't brag or gloat. If you lose, you shouldn't feel jealous or bitter. To be a good sportsman, you must be able to say "I did my best" and be satisfied with the results. You must also be able to appreciate and feel happy for someone else when they run a good race or build a neat car.