What would Canada Day in Sidney be without the Build a Boat Challenge?
It wouldn't be the same, say the many residents who expressed sadness when the challenge didn't happen last year due to lack of participation.
"There was a huge outcry from the community, wondering what happened to it," said Jason Balderson, general manager of Slegg Building Materials, which has put on the race since around the mid '90s.
But Balderson is thrilled to report that numbers are returning as the race recovers from pandemic shutdowns. Seven boats — eight including Slegg's own team — are signed up so far this year.
"Hopefully we can get a couple more, but eight's a very solid event," he said.
On July 1, teams of three will be racing to build a boat between 12-4 p.m. to launch from Glass Beach at 5 p.m. in what is meant to be a race of high excitement and hilarity.
The entry fee to participate is $30 and Slegg provides $250 of donated material per team from which they will construct their boats.
The competition is open to anyone. Balderson recalls a group of Girl Scouts taking on the challenge.
He also fondly remembers a group decked out as pirates and another team who stood out for their boat-building finesse.
"The search and rescue team, many years ago, made a boat out of waxed cardboard, pretty much, and some basic lumber. And man, they made a phenomenal boat. They went around the racecourse two or three times before any of the other boats ever got in. Which was amazing to see," Balderson said.
"That's what everyone loves to watch, the interesting crafts and if they make it. There's also a trophy for the first one to sink."
Buoyancy is key to winning, Balderson said, and using materials that can hold air, such as a rain barrel or PVC pipe. What makes the boat building additionally challenging is that power tools are not allowed and participants cannot bring their own materials.
Balderson said an average of 10 teams participate annually and around 20 boats raced in the biggest year.
While 2024 won't be the biggest year ever, Balderson said he is glad to see the event gaining traction again.
"It's a really fun, exciting team-building event," he said. "It's a beautiful day even if you're not in it, to come by the Sidney Waterfront."
For more information or to participate, people can email marketing@slegg.com.
