A dozen cardboard crafts, with crews, launch from Port's West End Beach!

By Sharon E. Siegel

PORT JERVIS, NY – West End Beach was the site of Port Jervis Tourism Board’s second annual  Delaware River Cardboard Boat Regatta this past weekend. Twelve hand-made crafts launched from West End’s sandy beach on Saturday afternoon, August 22 as party music filled the air and food vendors served a wide range of refreshments on shore. 

Six of the cardboard crafts and crews stayed afloat to complete a well-marked mid-river course.  Six others made it to various points, but did not fully complete their voyage. The crew of all 12, however, called the event a great August afternoon experience, a deserving benefit, and a learning opportunity for construction of next year’s boats.

Organizers believe the overall beach party competition will continue to grow annually.  They praised the support, laughter, fun, and overall enjoyment that everyone expressed about the event.

Laura Meyer, Tourism Board Chairperson, was one of the participants who launched for a second time this year.  She recalled “failing to launch” last year when her boat collapsed soon after taking to the water, but was glad to be back to try again this year.

“Last year was my first time in the Delaware River, even though I’ve lived here so long. I didn’t want to get my hair wet, but ended up head over heels into the Delaware right away last year. This year my goal was to get halfway, and I did get farther,” Meyer said.  “But the best part was that it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and it looked like everyone was having fun.”

Fellow Tourism Board member Nikki Jones agreed.  Jones engineered a white feathered boat named Swann’s Way for her daughter Stephanie Brynes to crew.  The duo then constructed it together.  While Jones admitted that it was built more with beauty in mind than water-readiness, the two were ready for whatever results it brought.

“It’s Stephanie’s first expedition, so we’ll see how it goes,” Jones said.  “I actually did this rather quickly, and I think I spent more time on the feathers than on the actual boat, so I’m not sure how it will float.  But we’re also here on a beautiful day, and can enjoy some food, drinks, music, and good old-fashioned fun.”

Stephanie, visiting from her Texas home, had no worries about crewing Swann’s Way.  She said she viewed the possibility of a flip (which was the result), sink, or boat collapse as simply another positive – a chance for a swim on a warm summer day.

On hand to oversee safety were members of Port Jervis Fire Department’s Water Operations Team. Co-hosted by Port Jervis Recreation Department and Tourism Board, funds raised through the event were used to benefit this PJFD Special Operations Squad.   

Four awards were presented to participating boats and crews.  They were: 

Fastest Time: Dad and Delilah Delaware Dingy (Dominic & Delilah  Lagudi)  

Most Creative:  Noah’s Ark (Matthew King & Chris Jones)

Best Sinker: Beach (Rob & Sophia Gaa)

Most Team Spirit: Visible Boat Mobile (Julie-Anne Striano & Annie Ortez)

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/IUlgYz-Wq90?si=R2QITlAn1gZp6AhQ

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