Laughlin hosts 6th annual cardboard boat race

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Daniel Brand
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Competition was fierce as Laughlin hosted its 6th annual cardboard boat race Sept. 4, an event designed to bolster morale while rounding out the labor day weekend.

Units from civil engineers to flight support participated in the event, submitting 14 boats made entirely out of cardboard, duct tape, and other decorative materials. The ships were manned by two-person crews, and each crewmember was given a single oar to paddle the boat.

When the contestants began to carry their boats to the line-up area, spectators cheered. Taunts and predictions of victory filled the air as the teams boasted of their own ships' superior design features and performance capabilities.

"Our ship is unsinkable," said 2nd Lt. Chris Dyer of the R.M.S. Titanic. "But should the unthinkable occur, our ship is equipped with water-tight compartments and lifeboats for half the crew."

"Our boat actually has room for four people," said 2nd Lt. Alexis Laleman of a different boat. "That should allow us to take aboard the survivors of the Titanic if need be."

Civil Engineers explained that their cardboard boat had been through an extensive period of laboratory testing and was fully prepared to assume the mantle of victory.

"It's not even a fair contest," said 2nd Lt. Chris Logue, of the lab-tested boat's prospects for winning.

The crowds teemed with enthusiasm as the first three boats were placed into the water and their crews told to board the vessels.

"These are true nautical and engineering marvels," said one spectator.

On a count of three, the boats shoved off from the wall to begin their journeys. The crew of the Titanic, equipped with a portable speaker system, serenaded the crowd with a moving rendition of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On."

It wasn't long, though, before the first signs of distress emanated from decks of the Titanic. About half way across the pool, the vessel began to take on water as other ships sailed by. With the bow and the forward smoke stack completely submerged, 2nd Lt. Alex Kingsley, dressed in a white t-shirt and overalls, stood atop the sinking stern. Desperately clinging to 2nd Lt. Chris Dyer, Kingsley dramatically told Dyer to hold on to the wreckage without him.

"I'm just glad no one was pulled under by the currents during the sinking," said a competing boat's crew member.

Undeterred by the tragedy of the Titanic, the contest continued for three more rounds until all of the contestants had had an opportunity to cross the treacherous waters of Laughlin's Friendship Pool.

As some boats capsized, others steamed mercilessly past the wreckage towards the finish line. A few ships even went so far as to complete a "victory lap," seeking to bask in the admiration of the crowd for just a moment longer.

"This boat shall live forever or die in the attempt," proclaimed one crewmember in response to numerous taunts during his victory lap.

With the games concluded, Col. Tom Murphy, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, recognized the victors with a series of awards.

For having the "best sink," Murphy shook hands with the crew of the Titanic, providing each of them with a wooden plaque commemorating their achievement. Murphy also presented a plaque for "best design" to the crew of "The Fury," an impressive, double-hulled catamaran submitted by the 47th Medical Support Squadron. Finally, Murphy presented a plaque for "fastest time" to the crew of "The Mean Machine," a boat from the 47th Student Squadron.

"That was the best seven seconds of my day," said 2nd Lt. Morgan Anderson after accepting the "fastest time" award.

Murphy was extremely pleased with the turnout at this year's event, saying that "This year had the best turnout we've ever seen for the boat race. We doubled the number of entrants from last year from seven to fourteen. A lot of the boats even made it across the pool." Murphy later added that he would like to double the number of entrants again for next year's race.

"With the coming inspection, this was a great way to cap off the holiday weekend and a great season of swimming at the outdoor pool," said Michael Birriel, 47th Force Support Squadron's Community Services flight chief. "I look forward to seeing next year's contest."