Welcome to Cub Scout Pack 122!
The Raingutter Regatta is a racing event involving miniature sailboats. Instead of a gravity-fed track, we use two 10-foot rain gutters filled with water. Scouts race side-by-side using small battery-operated hand fans to propel their boats to the finish line.
It’s a fantastic lesson in aerodynamics and hydrodynamics, focusing on how a sail catches the "wind" to move a boat forward.
Every scout uses the BSA Raingutter Regatta Trimaran Kit. Unlike the Pinewood Derby car, these boats are designed for quick assembly, but there is plenty of room for creative paint and decals.
The Hull: The kit comes with two balsa wood outriggers and a main hull. They must be used as provided.
The Mast: The mast must be the one provided in the kit and cannot be higher than 7 inches from the deck.
The Sail: You can decorate your sail, but it must be the official size.
No Mechanical Power: No motors or propellers can be attached to the boat itself. It must be powered entirely by the external air from the fan.
Date and Location: See News & Events page for this year's details.
Standardized Air: To keep the race fair, the Pack provides the battery-operated hand fans for the scouts to use.
Hands-Off: Scouts cannot touch the boat with their hands or the fan once the race begins.
Course Correction: If a boat capsizes (tips over) or gets stuck against the gutter wall, the scout must use the "wind" from the fan to correct it. No manual "nudges" allowed!
Waterproof the Wood: Balsa wood is very porous. Use acrylic paint or a light clear coat to prevent the boat from becoming waterlogged, which makes it heavy and slow.
Sand for Speed: A smooth hull has less "drag" in the water. Sand the wood before painting for a professional finish.
Secure the Sail: Ensure the sail is centered and the mast is straight. If the sail is crooked, the fan's air will push the boat into the side of the gutter rather than straight down the line.
Fan Strategy: Teach your scout to aim the fan at the center of the sail. Waving the fan around wildly creates "turbulent air," while a steady stream of air creates a faster, smoother ride.
Your Boat: Fully assembled and dried.
Class B Uniform: It’s July and we’re playing with water! The Pack 122 T-shirt is the perfect uniform for the evening.
Team Spirit: Come ready to cheer for every sailor!