Stony Brook University is hosting its annual Roth Pond Regatta today. The event has been a tradition since 1989 and features students in single, two and four-person homemade cardboard boats attempting to sail across the campus' 200-yard Roth Pond.

The race requires the construction and sailing of a “craft” built with nothing more than cardboard, duct tape, string and paint. This year’s theme is “A Fairy Tale Regatta: This is Our Swamp”.

The boats will be judged on design, appearance, apparent sea-worthiness, originality, spirit, environmental sustainability, endurance, and adherence to the rules.

The entire event will be broadcast live on YouTube, with a 12pm pregame opening. The race consists of cardboard boats attempting to cross the Roth Pond; with some students winding up overboard, while victorious students splash in celebration as they cross the finish line.

The event is hosted by the Undergraduate Student Government, and the competitors come from student organizations, administrative departments, and alumni.

The Roth Pond Regatta has won the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) “Your Best Campus Tradition” contest for schools with more than 5,000 students.

The race is expected to draw around 3,000 spectators.

 

Regatta Can Be Viewed Live on YouTube