Boats constructed from thin plywood and duct tape may not sound very seaworthy, but they’re the only vessels allowed in Schooner Wharf’s Annual Minimal Regatta. This wacky Memorial Day Weekend regatta shoves off around 1:30pm on Sunday, May 29 from the Schooner Wharf Bar in Key West’s Historic Seaport.
Only the most minimal boat building materials are allowed. Entries must be crafted from a single sheet of 4’X8’ plywood, two 8’ long two-by-fours, a roll of duct tape and a pound of fasteners. Calking and adhesives are strictly forbidden but epoxy paint is permitted.
Sounds impossible, right? For some sailors, it is, but for the creative islanders who call the Florida Keys home, it’s a challenge that can’t be ignored.
The key to winning is to keep the crudely crafted “boats” afloat long enough to complete a short course in Key West’s Historic Seaport. Each team can have up to six members but at least one “designated passenger” must crew the vessel throughout the regatta.
Schooner Wharf Bar encourages contenders to wear costumes and enter themed-related vessels. This often results in entries being more scenic than seaworthy. Past regattas have included boats fashioned as alligators, spaceships, guitars, wine bottles and replicas of schooners, shrimp boats, pirate vessels and paddle boats.
Racers get to vie for prizes in multiple categories which makes the regatta all the more fun. Even the losers have a shot at winning the disheartening “Sinker” Award which is presented to the hapless teams unable to stay above water.
In addition to all of this regatta action, Schooner Wharf Bar is also hosting its traditional Memorial Day Weekend Barbecue. Enjoy live current and classic favorite tunes with Gary Hempsey & Friends, followed by the steel pan sound of the islands. Find out more at 305-292-9520; schoonerwharf.com.
