For several years I’d had the idea of some sort of event as an alternative to Kub Kars using toy boats in water, but I never quite found the time to think through what it would look like, and there were always other Scouting tasks to do and so I never got it further than a notion. However, as I helped with the Kub Kar Rally in 2024 by acquiring and managing the race software, I came across a reference to “Raingutter Regatta” as one of the use cases for the race software. My ears grew points and when I had some time this past fall I started doing some online searching.
I discovered that the concept had been a part of the Cub program in the Boy Scouts of America for some time. The basic idea is pretty similar to Kub Kars. Cubs (or other sections) assemble, possibly modify, and decorate toy boats. The boats are then raced in a course traditionally made of 3m sections of eavestrough. I talked to Scouter Thom to see if he would be willing to take on making the race course and developing a prototype boat and making kits for the youth. I was thrilled when he agreed and approached the Cub team with the idea of making it a linking event that would end with the “Sail Up” ceremony from Cubs to Sea Scouts.
The Cubs and Sea Scouts each made their boats at the previous meetings and we gathered during the Cubs meeting time last Wednesday. The day of the Regatta had arrived. The Sea Scouts helped Scouter Thom set up the racecourse, which he had made of a half pipe section thinking it would be more durable than eavesthrough. It is, but we miscalculated volume and had to really fill the pipe to the brim to float the boats.
A few last minute boat modifications to cope with the shallow water and we were ready to race. The Cubs were first and went through a series of races, launching their boats and providing the wind to race to the finish. Every Cub got at least two races as the races continued to find the fastest Cub boat and skipper.
Then it was the Sea Scouts turn and the volume in the room started to rise. Once the fastest boat and skipper was settled for the Scouts, it was time for the fastest Cub boat and the fastest Sea Scout boat to face off in the final race…
Everyone had a great time and even our grumpiest Scouter had to admit it was fun and worthwhile. We will definitely do this again next year. We learned a few things that we’ll do differently, but only minor things like the size of the pipe we use and the size of the boats. I highly recommend it to any group, but especially Sea Scouts looking to put more water-based activities in their Cub or Scout program.