SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - There was a real show for the cheering crowds and competitors at the annual Lobster Carnival cardboard boat race at Spinnakers’ Landing in Summerside.
Paddle in hand and ready to race, two teams at a time dipped their creations into the water to see, for the first time, if they would sink or float before ferociously paddling in a battle to the finish line Saturday afternoon.
“We won the race last year, so I’m feeling confident and happy to be returning,” commented Kiley Kitts, who was representing the College of Piping (COP) in a carboard creation that was decorated in the style of a Viking long-boat.
“They never had any boating experience last year, so it was great when they won and we hope they can do well again,” added Rachel Kitts as she flashed a confident smile towards her daughter.
James MacHattie came with his bagpipes to give the COP team a grand send-off as they gathered their sea-legs and sailed successfully around the pool of water without sinking.
One boat couldn't be missed with its bright yellow décor.
“Craig Allison and I made the boat and the kids decorated it. It took about 15 hours to make from carboard, duct tape, wax, and wood for the oar handles,” motioned Barry MacNeill towards his ‘Banana Splash’ creation.
“I made a bucket to pour water out of the boat in case we start to sink,” remarked Brady Allison, who noted that he was the boat captain.
“Hopefully we don’t have to use it,” added MacNeill.
Banana Splash went head to head with several competitors, leaving them all in their wake, before a battle to the finish line against HMCS Summerside.
It was carnage.
Teams splashed each other with the cooling water that created a ripple of small waves. Banana Splash lost their balance and capsized, giving the advantage for HMCS Summerside to overtake, much to their amusement.
Crew members from the HMCS Summerside redeemed themselves taking the title, after their entry was the first to sink at the 2017 event.
The event in support of Generation XX got underway at Spinnakers’ Landing at 1:30 p.m.
