Key West’s Minimal Regatta to Feature Plywood-and-Duct-Tape Vessels May 26

The popular minimalism movement is to take a seafaring spin Sunday, May 26, when fans of the trend can watch teams powering boats made of bare-bones supplies in Key West’s Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta.

Now in its 33rd year, the offbeat regatta is a Memorial Day weekend tradition in the Florida Keys. As well as minimally constructed vessels, it features plucky mariners displaying a “sink or swim” spirit that means maximum fun for spectators. 

The event is scheduled to begin at midday Sunday off the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., with spectators lining the dock to view the maritime merriment.

Each team of up to six members is allowed a single sheet of 4-by-8-foot plywood, two 8-foot-long 2-by-4s, a roll of duct tape and a pound of fasteners to build the boat.

Caulking and adhesives are forbidden, though epoxy paint is permitted to decorate the quirky craft. Themed entries and costumes are encouraged.

Many entrants each year demonstrate only minimal construction skills, but some are unexpectedly talented in design and fabrication — luckily for the team’s “designated passenger,” whose task is to keep the vessel afloat while navigating a short course in the Historic Key West Seaport.

Participants can compete in either the race’s kayak/canoe design or open design categories. Typically some hapless craft sink soon after leaving the dock, while others remain buoyant as they cruise around the course.

Standouts in recent years’ challenges have included a replica of Key West's iconic Southernmost Point marker, which quickly overturned and dunked its "captain," and a colorful rooster-themed vessel dubbed “Chick Magnet.”

Awards in the wacky regatta include prizes for the fastest entries, most creative designs, best paint jobs, best costumes and sportsmanship — as well as the dreaded “sinker” awards for the least seaworthy vessels.

The entry fee is $20 per team, with proceeds to benefit the local American Legion post.

Live music and a barbecue are planned to round out the afternoon’s action. 

Event information: schoonerwharf.com

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