Cardboard boats race — and sink — in Riverhead: photos and results

Can a seaworthy craft be constructed from only cardboard, duct tape and paint? When that question was first posed in Riverhead in 2010, lots of people scoffed and laughed. But determined and creative mariners proved them wrong.

That was the beginning of Riverhead’s Cardboard Boat Races, now a perennial summer favorite in downtown Riverhead. Each year, the event draws throngs of people to the Peconic Riverfront to cheer on competitors piloting their unlikely craft in a series of timed heats — hoping to win trophies and prizes.

Here are the results of the 2026 edition of Riverhead’s Cardboard Boat Races, which took place Saturday morning:

Youth Regatta – 12 & Under
1st: Salty Dogs, #1, 1:38
2nd: Cousin Crew, #4, 2:09
3rd: Tea Party, #3, 3:08

Yacht Club Regatta – 13 & Over
1st: Leeper, #12, 1:44
2nd: Justice League, #10, 1:55
3rd: Flower Power, #9, 1:56

Grand National Regatta – Mixed Ages
1st: Checkmate, #18, 1:43
2nd: Buccaneers, #22, 2:31
3rd: Ted the Toad, #20, 2:55

Outlaw Race – 2nd Chance
1st: Leeper, #12, 1:29
2nd: Checkmate, #18, 1:35
3rd: Buccaneer, #22, 2:09

Special Awards
Best Spirit: Ketchup n Mustard, #15 and #16
Best Sinker/Titanic Award: Bahama Mama, #23
People’s Choice: [blank]
Most Creative: Hippie, #9
Best Constructed: Checkmate, #18
Commander’s Choice/Ray Pickersgill Award: USS Jackie, #2
Best Captain: Buccaneer / Eric, #22

RiverheadLOCAL photos by Emil Breitenbach Jr.