1. A full 12 ounce can is slow.
Be sure to empty your cans before building your boat. Full cans are very slow sailing through the water.
2. Small holes are better than big one.
Although it is customary to open a can at the pull
tab to drain liquid out of a can, this leaves a big hole in the top of
the can. Because an empty is lighter than a full one, it is suggested
that the can be pierced with a small hole to get drain the liquid.
3. Holes in the tip are better than holes in the bottom.
Because the boat will be floating in water, make
sure that the holes you poke in your can are above water level to keep
the water out.
4. Seal your holes.
There are various materials in your bucket that can
be used to seal the holes in your can. A sealed hole is less likely to
allow water in.
5. Be creative with your materials.
There are a lot of different materials in your
bucket. Think outside of the bucket when looking at the materials. For
instance, a plate might also be a used as a sail, a crayon can be
melted, etc.
6. Being fast is desirable.
For those classes that are required to maintain a
12 Ounce can in its original shape as the hull, keep it mind that you
can add things to the shape of the can just as long as there is one can
for each hull in its original shape. Adding a bow or stern shape to the
can to make it move through the water is ok, i.e., cutting another can
to slide over the can in its original shape is okay. |
7. Some think two is better than one.
There are as many different theories about building
a 12 oz. boat as there are varieties of 12 oz. beverages. That being
said, two hulls have been customarily faster than one hull. Two hulled
boats are called catamarans. There are a variety of materials that can
be used to connect the hulls. Be creative.
8. Sails make sailboats move.
Because your race committee tries to controls the
wind for racing, the wind will always be coming from behind your boat.
As such, we suggest building a sail that will effectively catch the wind
from behind. Make sure that your boat can handle all of the sail you
put on it without flipping over. Using weights can help to add
stability.
9. Rudders help you steer your boat
Although the boats are on their own after they
start, a small rudder on the back of the boat will help to keep the boat
on track. Because the boat will respond to rudder, make sure that the
rudder can be firmly set so the boat will steer straight. Adjusting the
rudder during the race may be necessary.
10. Have fun with your boat!
Being fast may win you the race but there are also
prizes for creativity and best decorated boat. Most importantly, this
is a charity event with a purpose for everyone to have fun.
Don’t take this too seriously! If you have questions, feel free to e-mail president@chesapeakeoutdoor.org |
