Residents and visitors of Port Colborne can once again put their creativity to the test when the city’s popular Cardboard Boat Race returns to Sugarloaf Marina on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Teams of two will race handmade boats built entirely from cardboard across the marina lagoon, with check-in starting at 9 a.m. and the race beginning at 10 a.m.
This is the second year for the event, which launched last August and far exceeded expectations. Organizers had hoped for five teams but instead saw nearly 100 initial online registrations and about 25 teams compete while hundreds of spectators watched from the shore. Blair Holinaty, Sugarloaf Marina manager, said at the time, “Honestly, this is one of the most fun events we’ve done to date. I think it’s a hit.”
Registration for this year’s race closes on Friday, July 3, 2026. As outlined on the city recreation page, teams must have exactly two members, and boats can only be made of cardboard held together with materials like duct tape or cling wrap. Motors, waterproof sealants, flotation devices, and plastic tubing are not allowed.
Prizes will be awarded for the fastest time, most team spirit, and other categories. Last year’s top prize went to Kelsy Slachta and Pelham resident John VanVliet, who built their boat in VanVliet’s shop and later joked about adding an electric motor after the race.
The Cardboard Boat Race kicks off a busy summer at Sugarloaf Marina, which has 700 boat slips and a public ramp at 3 Marina Road. The event also leads into Port Colborne’s Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival, scheduled for July 31 to August 3, 2026.
