Evan's 1st Cub Scout Raingutter Regatta

The Raingutter Regatta is a Cub Scout tradition where the boys all build little boats that they decorate and then race.  It is all just good fun, and it is fun to let the boys be creative with their boat designs. Some boys, of course, did a little more than others.  Evan wanted to make his boat look like a Navy ship so we painted it silver/gray and then he picked out some patriotic stickers to decorate it.  Since he undoubtedly had the most patriotic boat in the regatta, he was understandably awarded a ribbon for his efforts.  Although he didn't win the race, he had a great time, and he really caught on to the process of propelling his boat by blowing on it through a straw and won several races.  He also learned after his first race that as a right handed participant, he could win more easily standing on the left side of his boat.

The USS Evan is ready to sail.

The parts were all provided and had to be assembled and then painted and decorated.

We were proud of our little boat.

My little cub scout showing off his boat.

Evan with two of his best Cub Scout buddies.

The boys are ready to race.  Unfortunately, the older Webelos were scheduled to race first, and their races took over an hour to complete so the younger Cub Scouts were quite tired by then.  I thought this was poor judgment and planning.  Many of the youngest Tigers were almost falling asleep, and they had school the next day.  

Little brother was also a little difficult to entertain while we waited.

Trying to entertain these boys while waiting.

The Wolf pack are ready.

Evan actually lost his first race against a younger Tiger because he was on the right side of his boat and couldn't coordinate and hold his straw as easily with his left hand. 

Trying his best.

For his second race, he jumped into the left side position and refused to race on the other side again.  He easily won that race.  

Blow, Evan, Blow!

Yay! Although he didn't win overall, one of his Wolf buddies came in second place.  The older Cub Scout who won was actually left handed so he could do well on the right side while most of the others could not.  He used this to his advantage. 

My little "winner" showing off his ribbon for patriotism.