J&J McFinnie wins inaugural cardboard boat races in Kincardine

Engineering students Joseph Finnie of Kincardine and teammate Jeff McLean in their war canoe, the J&J McFinnie, raced ahead of the competition, winning the championship trophy at the inaugural cardboard boat races, held Saturday morning, at Station Beach, Kincardine.

Organized by the Kincardine Community Foundation, the fund-raising event drew a dozen entries, with some more seaworthy than others.

A huge crowd watched as crews took their cardboard creations into the lake to see if they would sink or swim. About half of the boats actually made it through the course and back in fairly good shape, while others capsized or fell apart in the water.

Jan and Jeff Nicholson of Pickering brought their Cardboard Catastrophe to the races. They were in the area, cottaging south of Port Elgin with their friends, Pat Whiteside and Sean Slough of Waterloo. Their boat had two boxes taped side-by-side, with carpet rolls on either side acting as pontoons. They painted it bright yellow so people could see it, especially if it submerged, they said, with a laugh. And the vessel came complete with a Happy Face mascot.

Their boat also came with instructions: "In the event of an emergency, dial: 1-800-what was I thinking?" And a warning: "Due to the nature of the construction material and the talent of the builder, no warranty is expressed or implied. However, eventual sinking is guaranteed. Use at your own risk!"

The Nicholsons made it to the finals, racing against the J&J McFinnie, to come in second place. They also won the Tuna Class. The Kincardine Independent won the media class, while Lauren Jackson, 9, of Kincardine won the Guppy Class.

The award for the Best Sinking went to Heather White of Kincardine in Doggy Paddle.

The Best Decorated boat award went to Lauren Jackson in Crazy Duck.

The Team Spirit award went to the S.S. Minnow.

And the Best Design award went to Joseph Finnie and Jeff McLean of the J&J McFinnie.

Stuart Reid of Community Foundation Grey Bruce, congratulated the Kincardine foundation for such a wonderful event.

"This demonstrates tremendous community spirit," he said, "and I see you've all stayed dry, except for a few soggy bottoms."

He encouraged people to help build up the foundation so it can provide matching funds for community projects.