A large crowd gathered on the Peconic riverfront on Saturday to witness this year’s Riverhead Cardboard Boat Races.
Teams of paddlers manned homemade ships crafted from cardboard and duct tape, attempting to propel their vessels up the river and back to the town dock. Crews that managed to stay afloat and place in the races won prizes donated by local businesses. Before the main event, spectators enjoyed a hula hoop contest and a hobby horse race.
First launched in 2010, the popular event — organized by the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce — draws hundreds to the riverfront each summer for games, competition and family fun.
Winners of the 2025 Riverhead Cardboard Boat Races:
Youth Division ( all crew under 12 y.o.)
1st – Salty Sea Dogs / Time – 1:52
2nd – Nacho Boat / Time – 2:25
3rd – Snoopy Express / Time – 2.48
Grand National Regatta (all crew over 12 y.o.)
1st – Going Merry / Time – 2:05
2nd – What’s Kracken / Time – 2:18
3rd – Raymond James / Time – 3:54
Yacht Club Regatta (Mixed age crew)
1st – * TIE* Lady Liberty & Onions / Time: 1.40
2nd – Orca / Time – 1:44
3rd – EEDA Leeper / Time – 1:50
Outlaw Race (Any boat still afloat can race again!)
1st – Lady Liberty
2nd – Onions
3rd – EEDA Leeper
SPECIAL CATEGORIES:
Best Spirit – Hulk Hogan
Best Constructed – Going Merry
Best Captain – Lady Liberty
Pickersgill Pick – OLA
Most Creative – Cousins Crew
Titanic Sinking – What’s Kracken
People’s Choice – Salty Sea Dogs
RiverheadLOCAL Photos by Alek Lewis
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