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The National Boatbuilding Challenge is returning to Belfast on Aug. 20, 2011during the Belfast Harbor Fest, sponsored by the Belfast Rotary Club. The competition was a huge success in Belfast in 2007, 2008 and 2010 and has been held in South Carolina for the past 22 years.
The challenge involves two-person teams building a 12-foot wooden skiff in under four hours and followed by a rowing race. Teams are judged on how quickly they complete construction, the quality of the craftsmanship and their speed on the water in the two-man relay rowing race.
The rules are simple:
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Teams of two compete to build a wooden boat in under 4 hours
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Power and hand tools may be used, but not pnuematic tools
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All materials are provided except for oars (which must be handmade, and the transom, which may be glued but not cut)
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All teams are provided with the plans ahead of time
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At the end of 4 hours the boats are judged on completness and quality of craftsmanship
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Then the builders must have enough faith in their work to get into the boat and compete in a relay race in the harbor
For the $150 entry fee, each team receives plans and building materials, a workspace and competes for a $300 first-place prize, $150 for second place and a $50 gift certificate for third place. Teams provide their own tools, worktables and oars, which can be made before hand.
This year, an inter-collegiate trophy competition is being added. In addition to competing for the overall prices, the Maine boat-building schools will compete with each other to see which school will take the trophy home with them.
In the past teams have been comprised of professional boatbuilders, amateur boatbuilders, and never-before boatbuilders. We have had brothers, brothers-in-law, and spouses compete. Some have finished, many have not.
The competition will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, at Steamboat Landing in Belfast.
For more information: For more information contact David Crabiel 207-322-5805 or belfastharborfest@gmail.com
To download an application and view official rules:
click here
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