'Special' watercraft to race this weekend
Three men stand on a hand crafted raft made out of road signs during last year's Sandcreek Regatta. Only human powered watercraft made from scratch are allowed to enter the race. No motors, kayaks, or traditional floatation devices are permitted.
(Photo Courtesy – Sandcreek Regatta Facebook)
Spectators observe as a raft falls into Sand Creek before last years Sandcreek Regatta last September.
Four handcrafted awards were given to participants in last year's Sandcreek Regatta. The vessels permitted to enter the race are must be handcrafted, no preexisting watercraft can enter the race.
Last year's Sandcreek Regatta saw four participants race from Bridge St. to Cedar St. and back. More rafts are expected to take part in Saturday's race.
The second annual Sandcreek Regatta will take place this Saturday beginning at Bridge St. The race is open to all ages, watercraft must be completely human powered without using any previously existing watercraft.
SANDPOINT — Calling all water skippers.
The second annual Sandcreek Regatta is taking place this Saturday with six rafts registered for this year’s event with room for more. Anyone interested in participating in the aquatic race can use anything but watercraft.
Last year’s race saw a raft made from a bicycle strapped to empty beer kegs, which won bragging rights for “best epic fail.”
“He didn’t make it off of the starting line, things basically blew apart,” said Jon Knepper, one of the regatta’s event coordinators.
The regatta is a modern revival of the Sandpoint Businessmen’s Raft Race from the ‘70s and ‘80s, said Knepper in an interview with the Daily Bee.
“Normal” floatation devices are barred from entering the competition. A list of banned equipment include any pre-existing aquatic device such as kayaks, pontoons, and store bought floatees — with the exception of life jackets worn by participants. No electronic equipment is allowed, rafts must be completely human-powered.
Awards for the fastest, most creative, and “best epic fail” categories will be handed out after the race, said Knepper.
Rafts will launch from the Sand Creek parking lot between 11 a.m. and noon on Saturday. The race route begins at Bridge Street and proceeds up Sand Creek until the Cedar Street Bridge, and then back to Bridge Street. There is no limit to raft size and the race is open to all ages. Competitors under 18 must have a responsible adult accompany them on the raft. Lifejackets are required for all participants.
Entry fee is $50 to cover the city permit fee. What’s left over after the permit fee will be invested in after-party beverages, according to Knepper.
Knepper participated in the old-school version of the event as a child and said that he wanted to bring it back to the community.
“It’s one of those things that if you want it to happen you have to tackle it yourself.”
This year’s “sink or swim” themed race should expect temperatures in the low 50s with a high chance of rain. For more details about the event, go to their Facebook page at The Sandcreek Regatta.
