(With Video and Photos) Hartland Rotary Cardboard Regatta Brings Summer Fun to Lake Walden

Nine cardboard ships of various sizes skimmed across Lake Walden to a myraid of cheers during Saturday's inaugural Cardboard Regatta at .

The boats first raced in heats and then squared off in pirate demolition derby where crews swamped in each other.

"It's a lot more difficult to paddle than you think. It wears you out. You need to be in shape," said Jim McGrain, who helped power Hartland Insurance's Trusty Choice to the fastest time of any boat Saturday.

Many were pleasantly surprised — especially those in them — that the boats would float let alone glide through the water, but a polyurethane coat and duct tape helps seal the hulls.

"It was held together better than we thought," said Eric Taylor who paddled in the Livingston Concrete boat that won its heat. "We were a little nervous. We hadn't put it in the water yet … But we rocked it."

The Butterfly Barge won the schooner class for boats with six or more. The Joy of Piracy captured the Unsinkable Molly Brown award for being the last to be swamped during the pirate derby. Princess Power took the Titanic award for the most spectacular sinking.

Scores filtered in and out during the day-long event that served as a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Hartland and included silent auctions, 50/50 drawings, face painting, a bounce house and a dozen classic cars on display.

Organizers say they were happy with the turnout and they plan to continue the event next year even looking to add Stand Up Paddle boating racing to the mix.

"We had a beautiful day and lovely people — everyone got in the spirit," said Karen Crouse, president of the Rotary Club.