Cardboard Boat Regatta

Rotary’s annual Cardboard Boat Regatta will be held on Saturday, 22 November 2025 at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie.

Secondary schools from across the Port Macquarie-Hastings and Camden Haven will set sail on the Hastings River to battle it out in vessels made entirely of cardboard.

The international ship building company Birdon will judge the students on –

• Most creative design
• Most team character and best team spirit (costumes, team chant, teamwork)
• Most epic fail
• Winner overall

Last year we had 14 boats that hit the waves on the Hastings and we hope to exceed this number this year. The skillful designs are something to marvel over and everyone has a fun, enjoyable time.

Rotary’s Cardboard Boat Regatta focuses on problem-solving, ingenuity, resourcefulness and opportunities through recycling. Our goal with this project is to encourage these students in their education, potentially leading them towards careers in the marine or engineering industries but most importantly, it’s about showcasing that Rotary is about having fun as you help others.

Supporting Education is one of Rotary International’s core areas of focus.