This is the main event. Participants will enter a pirate crew into the Regatta Race prior to the date of the event. Each heat will have a maximum of 6 participating pirate crews. The crew that has the fastest time overall, will win the Great Golden Skull & Crossbones trophy. There are prizes for the top three placers. Entry to the race is free. The following rules must be met to qualify for The Regatta Race:
A waiver must be signed prior to entering the boat into the water. This waiver will be available at the check-in tent for the Regatta.
There are two classes of boats, Galleons and Frigates. Galleons are for members who are 14 and up. If your boat has a participant in it that is of this age, you are considered Galleon-Class. If your boat consist of crew members who are 13 and under, you are considered Frigate Class. (Example crews: Galleon: 30/9 – Frigate: 13/11)
The Boat must be made of cardboard, duct tape, and varnish. You can also use latex paint. Every pirate crew must consist of at least two people. The only paddles not permitted are dual bladed paddles. You CAN use two cardboard paddles wrapped around your hands so long as they are made from the same materials as the boat.
Your Pirate flag must be on display at all times during the race. You will need a flagpole of some kind. Both the flag, and flagpole can be made of the same material as the boat. This is an identifier of your boat for the purposes of the race. It will also automatically enter you into the Jolly Rodger Showdown. A competition that will decide who has the best Jolly Rodger. There is a trophy for this winner. (Please Note: Flags must not include any vulgarity.) The minimum size of the flags is 12×18 inches. Larger flags will be accepted however, they may de-stabilize your boat beyond this size.
Every boat is subject to inspection both before after its’ race. If there are any illegal materials found during either inspection, your boat will be disqualified from the competition.
Life-jackets will be worn at all times during the race. You can use your own, or one that is from the park. If you use your own it must be considered a Coast Guard approved life jacket. If you do not have one, The Shores of Asbury will supply your crew with life jackets.
Boats must be constructed before the day of the event. Only repairs can be made to the boat on-site. When the race is over, you can dispose of the boat on-site in the designated area.
How the Race works:
The Lost City Regatta is considered a “Time Attack” race. During each heat there will be six crews. The six crews will wait for the signal to start. Once the race begins, the crews will set sail into the water, go around the gator, and return to the shore. You will remove your pirate flag from the boat, and run to the finish circle where the Big Jolly Rodger is located on the beach. Once inside the circle, your time will stop. If your boat passes inspection after your victory, it will be kept with its’ time posted with the other heat winners. At the end of the event, the fastest three times overall for both the Galleon and Frigate classes will be the winners. The trophies will be presented to the captains of each respective ship at the awards ceremony.
Additional Competitions
The Jolly Rodger Showdown
You automatically qualify for this event upon entering your boat and crew into the competition. Entries will be permitted until 10:30AM. This prize will be awarded to the captain of the winning ship at the awards ceremony. Your Jolly Rodger (Flag) will be judged based on it’s piratey theme.
Davy’s Favorites
You automatically qualify for this event upon entering your boat and crew into the competition. Entries will be permitted until 10:30AM. This prize will be awarded to the captain of the winning ship at the awards ceremony. Your ship will be judged based on creativity, and structural integrity (whether or not it sinks). Your overall time, will have no effect on your potential to win this prize.Â
Armed Forces Competition
An additional heat will be held where the six branches of service will compete against one another in a singular heat. The winning branch will be presented with Admiral Wingnut. For the year 2024.
Admiral’s Choice
Anyone can enter this competition that is dressed in piratey attire. This award will be presented during the awards ceremony. You must register at least one hour prior to the judging, and you must be present to win your prize. The judging will begin at 2:30PM EST at the amphitheater. A prize will be presented to both an adult and a child.
