Bideford Cardboard Boat Regatta 2024: A Viking Voyage to Remember

The Bideford Cardboard Boat Regatta has long been a highlight in the local event calendar, and the 2024 edition was no exception as the event celebrated its 50th anniversary.

This year, more than 50 boats gathered to showcase their creativity, engineering skills, and, most importantly, their ability to stay afloat using nothing but cardboard, paint and a bit of Viking spirit.

Sponsored by Atlas Packaging, the regatta embraced a Viking theme, turning the picturesque waters of the River Torridge into a Norse spectacle.

A Viking Invasion in Cardboard

From the start, the Viking theme was evident in every aspect of the regatta. Participants donned horned helmets, faux fur outfits, and brandished cardboard swords and shields.

 

The boats themselves were marvels of creativity, with intricate designs that mirrored Viking longships, complete with dragon-headed prows and shields lining the sides. Most teams had clearly put in hours of effort to ensure their vessel not only looked the part but could withstand the rigours of the race.

 

But for some, they were sunk by simply entering the water! Atlas Packaging’s head of design Dave King said:

“The ingenuity of some of these ships was stunning and well done to everyone who took part. Our Atlas vessel ‘Ivar Casemaker’ was a solid craft made from single walled cardboard and coated with our special barrier ink which helps to repel moisture and there was certainly a lot of moisture out there on the River Torridge! We came, we saw and we conquered....well until we capsized after accidentally damaging our boat getting it back into the water for the second time.”

A great day for Bideford

 

Spectators lined the banks of the river, cheering on the competitors from the Quay steps. The course, though not overly long, was challenging enough to test the durability and seaworthiness of each vessel. Some boats, despite their elaborate designs, quickly succumbed to the water, while others defied the odds, gliding smoothly towards the finish line.

Highlights and Hilarity

The regatta was filled with memorable moments and some great teams. From the determination of the solo craft from West Croft School to the Grecian Warrior kitted out in everything Exeter City Football Club to Witten Hooligans, Barf and Belch, Georgies Dragon and many more.

 

The event was organised by Bideford Rotary as part of the Bideford Water Festival and has raised more than £500,000 for charity over the past five decades.

Community Spirit and Sustainability

Beyond the excitement of the race, the Bideford Cardboard Boat Regatta highlighted the community spirit and the importance of sustainability.

Atlas Packaging, known for its commitment to eco-friendly products, was a fitting sponsor, reinforcing the message that creativity and fun can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. All the crafts were collected after the event and recycled.

 

The 2024 Bideford Cardboard Boat Regatta was a roaring success, blending tradition, creativity, and community.

The Viking theme added a unique twist, making this year’s event in its 50th year, particularly memorable. As boats sank, capsized, and occasionally triumphed, the spirit of adventure and camaraderie was palpable.

Here’s to the next voyage in 2025, where no doubt, even more daring designs and themes will set sail.