- This event has passed.
Annual Nanaimo Silly Boat Regatta
July 20 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm PDT
Free
Kick off midsummer with Nanaimo Silly Boat Regatta – where teams race homemade, cartoonish crafts through Maffeo Sutton Park’s waters for charity. It’s a spectacle of imagination, community spirit, and just enough playful chaos to keep you grinning (and maybe questioning your engineering skills). All funds benefit the Nanaimo Child Development Centre, so you can feel good cheering each splashy finish.
Event Schedule For Nanaimo Silly Boat Regatta
- Race heats begin at 9:00 AM; final championship race around 2:00 PM
- Awards ceremony and post-race festivities run until 4:00 PM
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Boat building begins throughout park |
| 9:00 AM | Community Exhibition Vendor Booths open in Pavilion area |
| 10:00 AM | Pavilion Stage Entertainment begins |
| 10:15 AM | Children’s Mini Regatta: build foam boats & race them in rain gutters |
| 11:00 AM | SBR Team/Boat Judging begins |
| 1:00 PM | Races Begin |
| Time | Entertainment Pavilion Stage |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Opening Ceremonies |
| 10:15 AM | Emcee Introduction to NCDC & Event |
| 10:30 AM | To Be Announced |
| 11:15 AM | To Be Announced |
| 12:00 PM | To Be Announced |
| 12:30 PM | To Be Announced |
| 1:00 PM | Races Begin |
* Schedule subject to change. Check the official event schedule before you attend.
Highlights
- Creative Watercraft Parade: From bathtub boats to pirate ships built from recycled materials
- Family Fun Zone: Face painting, balloon animals, and kiddie paddle races
- Charity Auction & Vendors: Snag quirky regatta swag and bid on local art and experiences
Enjoy some highlights from the past!
Silly Boat 2019
Silly Boats 2017 & 2018
Registration & Tickets
- Corporate Teams: Minimum donation of $500
- Community Teams: Minimum donation of $250
- Family Teams: Minimum donation of $100
- Join an Existing Team: No donation required
Charity & Community
All proceeds support the Nanaimo Child Development Centre’s programs – turning laughs and splashes into vital services for kids with developmental needs.
Official Website
Dive into details, team rules, and the latest race results at sillyboat.com.
