Teams have five weeks to gather their cardboard, duct tape and paint before the annual Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta returns to Lake Anne Plaza in August.
Registration for the free-to-spectate event begins on August 8th. The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and pits teams of all ages against each other in human-powered cardboard boats. Teams can sign up and apply for sponsorship opportunities.
The Reston Association Board of Directors approved the regatta's lake use request at a meeting in June, clearing the way for another year of racing on the water.
A Growing Tradition
The regatta has run every summer since 2017. Last year's event drew approximately 30 teams, according to a recap in The Reston Letter. Local businesses, community organizations, friend groups and families all fielded boats.
Last year, the top finishers were Buoyancy Operated Aquatic Transport (BOAT) in first place, Reston Association's SS Reston in second and Restoration Church's Unsinkable Hope in third. The Titanic Award for most dramatic sinking went to 123 Junk. Starkist's boat Fin2Win took the People's Choice Award for best design.
Last year's regatta also featured live music, local vendors, a performance by Reston Community Players and a Super Soaker station where spectators could spray competitors mid-race.
How to Participate
Previously, boats could be up to 6 feet wide and 12 feet long, built using only cardboard, duct tape, paint and imagination. Crews raced in timed heats, rowing from the dock to a buoy and back.
All proceeds from registration fees and sponsorships benefit Reston Museum, which organizes the event alongside Reston Community Center and Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Unit Owners Association.
To register a team or become a sponsor, visit restonmuseum.org or call Reston Museum at 703-709-7700. The museum is located at 1639 Washington Plaza North.
Upcoming at Lake Anne
- Cardboard Boat Regatta — Saturday, August 8, 1–3 p.m., Lake Anne Plaza. Free to watch; registration at restonmuseum.org.
- Free Lake Anne Walking Tours — Guided tours exploring the history and architecture of Lake Anne's historic village center. RSVP required; check restonmuseum.org for dates.
