Plywood cup brings out big crowds at Wascana

Competitors hit the waters of Wascana Lake on Canada Day as part of the 12 annual plywood cup.

The event which raises money for the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, sees teams given limited time and limited wood as well as tools to build a boat.  The teams then race that boat across the lake.

This year’s race brought out a number of first time teams.  One of those teams was from Virtus Group.  “We’re going to see if creative accountants can make good boats” said Cole Fornwald. 

Another team of first timers was from gasbuddy.com.  Levi Hamilton said the team would be using a very simple strategy.  “Grip it and rip it … no plans we’re just going to let it spontaneous come out.”

There were however more experienced teams on hand.  Yara Belle Plaine took part in 2014, where they won and in 2015 where they finished third. 

Daniel Molder said he was hoping for a top three finish this year.  Molder said the team would be using the same strategy as last year.  “We’re going to keep roughly the safe design, make it a little bit cooler and the strategy is not to tip.”

Yara was not only veteran team returning, Graham Construction also took part in the race last year.  Eben Hamilton said the team was looking to apply some of the lessons they learned last year.  “Last year we learned do not build the boat to narrow on the beam, give yourself a nice wide platform and we went with one crew member last year, this year we’re going with two crew members.”

The event brought out a big number of on lookers.    

One spectator said he was hoping to see some wet people, he added that seeing that would be ideal.

One watcher said when asked what he expected to see said “I think I am going to see a bunch of people sink.”

There were observers who were impressed with the boats, “Lots of different designs, really exciting.” One watcher remarked, he also said he appreciated the difference of the boats. “You don’t see all the same kind of boat, everyone has their own kind of take on it.”