34th
Annual

Connecticut River

Raft
Race

July
26th, 2008  @  10:00 a.m.

Mailing   List

This Information Will Be Updated Weekly
Until Our Raft Race Booklet Is Ready For Distribution.  To Get On Our Mailing List Contact: [email-masked] And Provide
Your Mailing Address And We Will Send You One When They Are Ready.

Pre - Registration

Participants may
pre-register for the 34th Annual Connecticut River Raft Race by
submitting a notarized entry form; hold harmless agreement signed by all crew members,
and submit all registration fees prior to the Captains meeting on July 12th, 2008.
The entry fee is $16 per crew
member, with a minimum crew of 3 people per raft. Canoes & kayaks may enter
with a minimum crew size of one. Entry forms are provided in this booklet and
are also available from our website at www.ctriverraftrace.org.
All materials should be mailed to our Treasurer Richard Bartkus, 37 Cronin Drive, Waterbury,
CT 06708.  He can be contacted at 203-757-7063 if
you have questions.

Captains’ Meeting

July  12th,  2008  @
10:00  A.M.

A Captains’
meeting will be held at Riverside Marina, 37 Riverview Street, Portland,
CT.  Directions to the marina can be found on
their website at www.portlandriversidemarina.com.
This day marks the registration deadline for the event. Due to insurance
regulations all race entries must be received by this date. No late entries
will be accepted after this point in time.

Attendance is mandatory for all raft Captains,
canoeists, or kayakers who have not pre-registered. Crew members are also
encouraged to attend but their presence is optional. All participants at this
meeting must submit a notarized entry form, hold harmless agreement signed by
all crew members, and submit their registration fees on this day. A Notary
Public will be at the meeting to certify signatures on entry forms and requires
two forms of identification. Your form could also be notarized at any bank or
town hall prior to the meeting.

The Captains’ meeting is used to present
the specific details of the event and is very useful especially to new
participants. The items to be covered will include but are not limited to:  safety requirements & equipment,
race rules, raft inspection, launching procedures, parking arrangements, towing
to the mooring areas, the starting location & cannon, racecourse description,
finish line location, navigation, support boats, anticipated race duration,
competition classes, awards, amenities at the finish area, day’s end, and
any last minute developments and/or instructions. The race committee will also clarify
any concerns and respond to comments from the audience.

The race committee will
also hand out additional rafting information and materials as necessary. Event
T-shirts, beverage Koozies, and other items will also be on sale. Pets are not allowed to ensure the safety of all participants,
guests, spectators, and marina patrons at the Captains’ meeting or the Raft Race.

Social  Hour

Once all participants
are registered and event information has been presented; everyone is invited to
stick around for a social hour. Many participants bring rafting memorabilia and
make it available for people to browse through. These items include photo albums,
news articles, magazine stories, and all sorts of other stuff. Feel free to bring
along cold beverages and some snacks. There will also be light refreshments
& music provided by Otto.

Seasoned rafters will be exchanging stories about preevious races, discussing raft
improvements & ideas, and declaring how much fun or misery they endured at
last year’s event. Feel free to listen in on the discussions, introduce
yourself, and say hello. New participants will be able to learn a great deal
from these veteran racers. This is also a great time to explore the marina
grounds, inspect the launching areas, and visit the shoreline beach area adjacent
to the finish line.

A work detail will be
formed after the meeting to provide some manpower to clean the finish area. The
spring floods wash ashore a variety of debris that needs to be cleared out to
make the shoreline safe and secure. This labor is offered to the Portland
Riverside Marine for so graciously allowing the event to finish on their
grounds.

34th
Raft   Race   Registration   Form

Captain’s Name__________________________________________

E-Mail _________________________________________________

Mailing Address__________________________________________

Town __________________City ________________Zip
_________

Phone ____________________Work/Cell_____________________

Years in Race:  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9  10
11  12  13
14  15  16
18  19  20
21  22  23
24  25  26   27  28
29  30  31
32  33  34                                                  (Please Circle  year)

Raft Name: _____________________________________________

Size: _____________________Number
of Crew: _______________

Main Flotation:
__________________________________________

Method of Propulsion:
____________________________________

Please check box R  to indicate your racing category.

£ A - America
Raft

£ C - Cruising
Raft

£ S - Sweeper
Raft

£ SK – Single
Kayak

£ MK - Multiple
Kayak

£ SC - Single
Canoe

£ MC - Multiple
Canoe

Competition Number: ____________  --
_____________________

Class Letters
Number of Your Choosing

Entry Fee Paid:
__________________________________________

($16.00
per crew member)

By signing this registration form, I
hereby acknowledge the risks associated with this event. I agree to accept full
responsibility for the safety and welfare of my crew, and to hold harmless the
Connecticut River Raft Race, Inc. Organization, its Officers, Directors, and
Portland Marina jointly
or individually for any and all injuries and/or
property damage which may arise out of the operation and/or participation of my
entry in the Connecticut River Raft Race.

This   Form   Must   Be   Notarized

ENTRY FEES
MUST BE INCLUDED AND ALL CREW

MUST SIGN
RELEASE & HOLD HARMLESS FORM

Date
__________________________________________________

NAME:
_____________________ NOTARY: _________________

NOTE:
This form can be notarized at any local bank

Release
&  Hold  Harmless  Agreement

Each
Captain and their crew members must sign this release and hold harmless
agreement. All Captains are individually responsible for the actions and
welfare of their crew & their watercraft.

The undersigned, participating
in the 34th Annual Connecticut River raft Race fully recognizes and
assumes all risks and hazards involved in such an activity. I accept the
responsibility of one designated driver for every three crew members. I agree
to incur all responsibility for claims and personal injury and/or property
damages to myself or fellow raft racers or spectators that might result from my
negligence. I waive all rights and claims against Connecticut
River Raft Race, Inc. Organization, its Officers, Directors, and Portland
Marina jointly or individually. Is subject to revocation of the
registration and forfeiture of the entry fee if, in the opinion of the Raft
Race Committee, there is misconduct, misuse, or nuisance on the undersigned's
(one or all) behalf. I relinquish all promotional rights before, during, and
after the Race event. Participates as a contestant in an organized raft race
and is thereby eligible for prizes or awards associated with the event.

Print Captain’s
Name___________________________________

Captain’s
Signature____________________________________

Crewmembers                             (check box R
as applicable)

Print
Name___________________________________________

Signature____________________________
Designated Driver

Print
Name___________________________________________

Signature____________________________
Designated Driver

Print
Name___________________________________________

Signature____________________________
Designated Driver

Print Name___________________________________________

Signature____________________________
Designated Driver

Print
Name___________________________________________

Signature____________________________
Designated Driver

Print
Name___________________________________________

Signature____________________________
Designated Driver

Print
Name___________________________________________

Signature____________________________
Designated Driver

(Attach separate
sheet for additional crew names)

Race
Rules   &   Safety   Advice

The Raft Race Committee promotes a
safe, family-oriented event. We encourage all participants to act in a
responsible sportsman-like manner, obey all safety requirements and raft race
rules, assist their fellow rafters when necessary, and above all, enjoy the
event. It is because of our exceptional safety record that we are able to hold
a raft race each year.  Remember,
safety comes first! Watch out for fellow rafters, lend assistance when needed,
and have fun.

1.       Animals are not allowed at Captains’
Meeting or Raft Race. Seeing-eye
dogs are permitted but clean-up materials are required.

2.
Racecourse
starts from the South end of Gildersleeve
Island to the West  end of Riverside Marina.

3.
Anticipated
race duration is from approx. 10:00 a.m.
– 2:00 p.m.

4.
All entries will be
required to accept a tow if found to be floundering mid-race and/or have not
finished by 2:00 p.m.

5.
All rafts must be of homemade construction.

6.
All raft entries have a
minimum crew size of 3.

7.
No commercially
manufactured hulls allowed on any raft.

8.
Inner tubes or inflatable
devices are not allowed.

9.
Minimum raft size is 4' x
8' and must be able to support the weight of the crew. Raft size to be measured
at the waterline.

10.
A raft’s deck must
be securely fastened to a frame and the frame securely fastened to the hulls
and or flotation devices.

11.
The use of nails below
the water line is prohibited.

12.
Rafts that have open
hulls with no bulkheads shall have Styrofoam flotation fastened to the
underside of the raft deck.

13.
Aftermarket marine
rigging such as cleats & rope are acceptable.

14.
All sheet metal raw edges to be turned over and
taped.

15.
Any protruding long bolts
to be sawed off, filed, and taped.

16.
All rafts should be
inspected prior to launching and may be subject to modification at the
discretion of the Committee.

17.
Contact a raft race
committee member if you are planning to put your raft in the water earlier than
Saturday, July 26th.

18.
Kayaks and canoes have no
construction restrictions and do not need to be inspected prior to launching.

19.
Single entries in the
kayak & canoe classes should use the buddy system during the race and/or
team up with other entries.

20.
All entries must be
solely human powered and self-propelled and make use of poles, oars, paddles,
paddlewheels, sails, propellers, flippers, etc. or any combination thereof.

21.
Sweeper rafts can be
power-driven but cannot pass a human powered entry unless performing official
duties or providing emergency assistance to a vessel in need of help.

22.
Sweepers must be state
registered & meet Coast Guard requirements.

23.
All minors must be
accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

24.
All rafts must be
equipped with a suitable anchor and line that is secured to the raft and anchor
at all times.

25.
Each entry must be
equipped with a suitable towline.

26.
Each participant must
have a Coast Guard approved life jacket in their possession that should be worn
at all times.

27.
Captains will inform
their crew of the whereabouts of stored (Coast Guard approved) life jackets
aboard their raft AND will also conduct “abandon ship” drills with
the crews donning life jackets before heading out.

28.
All crew members shall
wear sneakers or other appropriate footwear to prevent injuries from submerged
sharp objects.

29.
Sun-sensitive
participants should wear appropriate sunscreen.

30.
Participants
should wear an appropriate hat with a large enough visor to help reduce
exposure to the hot sun.

31.
All
entries must display their class designation and competition number in plain
sight and must be clearly visible to the finish line officials

32.
All Captains and their
crew must remain aboard their registered vessel for the entire duration of the
Race.

33.
All entries must run
entire course under their own power to be eligible for awards.

34.
No Glass Containers are allowed at anyy time!

35.
Each entry must have an
adequate supply of drinking water onboard for the entire crew so as to prevent
dehydration during the race.

36.
All race entries should be
outfitted with a first aid kit.

37.
All race entries must have garbage bags for their own trash.

38.
No mechanical devices or tubing shall be used to propel water balloons,
spaghetti, snowballs, or any other dangerous objects.

39.
Anyone exhibiting unsafe
behavior will be disqualified and could be permanently banned from the event.

40.  No diving off any vessel or jumping into the water at any time!  Sections of the racecourse
can be very shallow in spots and may include submerged sharp objects.

41.
All entries must have a
designated driver for their crew members whenever present at Raft Race
functions.

42.
All vessels must be
removed from the river at the end of the day unless other arrangements have
been made with the Marina.

43.
Derelict vessels are
subject to police action and/or fines from the D.E.P. and risk permanent
disqualification from the event.

Event
Safety

The racecourse may be
monitored & medical support provided by representatives from one or more of
the following groups depending on availability: The United States Coast Guard, Connecticut’s Department of Environmental
Protection Marine Patrol, Middletown and/or Portland local Police
& Fire Departments. Assistance will also be available from one or more of
the following groups depending on availability: The Connecticut River Raft Race Committee and
its Officers, Volunteers, and agents; Riverside Marina personnel, District 1
representatives from The United States Power Squadron, and all Sweeper Class
rafts entered in the race.

Participants
must obey all safety requirements & raft
race rules. If there is an emergency and/or you see someone in trouble it
is your obligation to make sure you or someone else gets to any raft and/or
participants as soon as possible. Lend a hand until a Sweeper Class raft
arrives. Elapsed race times will be adjusted for those providing emergency
assistance to fellow competitors. If your vessel is taking on water and is in
danger of sinking, immediately head towards the nearest shore and beach your
craft. All rafts are required to accept a tow by a Sweeper Class raft if found
floundering mid-race or if they have not finished the course by 2:00 p.m. Safety is the foremost
concern throughout the day so please act wisely and provide help if needed.
Anyone acting without regard for the safety of others, or themselves, will be
disqualified and risk permanent disqualification from the event.

Registration
Number   Format

Each
class has a letter prefix assigned to it. This represents the first letter or
letters of the class name. This is assigned based on what category you’re
entered in. This is followed by a one, two, or three-digit number of your
choice. Your registration number must be at least 3 inches high, in contrasting
colors to the background, and be in block form. It must be painted on or
attached to both sides of the vessel so it’s visible and legible from at
least 100 feet away. The registration number must read from left to right on
both sides of the vessel. Examples of correct registration numbers: A 57, C
756, S 68, SK 158, MK 123, SC 007, MC 999.

Competition
Classes

A
-- America
Class   Rafts

These are the most
competitive and fastest rafts, some of which are capable of running the racecourse
in approx ½ an hour.

C -- Cruising
Class   Rafts

These are the
semi-competitive rafts, which make up the majority of entries. These rafts
typically run the race course in a few hours.

S -- Sweeper   Class   Rafts

These are power-driven rafts that
cannot pass human powered entries unless they are performing official duties or
providing emergency assistance to a vessel in need of
help.

SK
-- Single   Kayak

These
are kayaks paddled by only one person through the entire race course.

MK -- Multiple
Kayak

These
are kayaks paddled by a minimum of two people through the entire race course.

SC
-- Single   Canoe

These
are canoes paddled by only one person through the entire race course.

MC -- Multiple   Canoe

These
are canoes paddled by a minimum of two people through the entire race course.

Inspection
of   Rafts

Rafts should be inspected prior to launching and may be
subject to modification or disqualification at the discretion of the Raft Race
Committee. The main focus of inspection is to ensure that rafts have no obvious
mechanical problems and the construction has been done in a safe manner.  Especially important is that all sheet metal raw edges are to be turned over and
taped and any protruding long bolts be sawed off, filed, and taped. Issues
discovered during inspection must be corrected before the raft can be launched.

If you plan to launch your raft earlier than Saturday, July
26th it is imperative that the raft’s Captain get in touch
with a Raft Race Committee Member to schedule an inspection. This is especially
important if this is your first race and/or your first attempt at building a
raft. The main concern here is the safety of you and your crew. A list of all
committee members is on the last page of the rulebook complete with phone and
Email contact information.

Be prepared & equipped to make changes to your raft
should any issues be found by the inspector. You will need to bring along some
hand tools, extra fasteners, rope, duct tape, etc.

Support
Boats

Participants who are launching their rafts at the
Yankee Boatyard or Riverside Marina will need a support boat to tow their raft upriver
to the starting area. Due to the presence of a wide variety of boats tied to
the marina docks & moorings extreme caution must be exercised. Floating
your raft upriver by hand is out of the question due to obstructions, river
currents, and the distance involved. The four mile trip upriver can take
upwards of an hour or two, so plan accordingly and leave plenty of time to get to
the starting area upriver.

Participants who do not have a support
boat should use the alternate launch site above the starting area. This
spot is described in more detail in the next section of this booklet. A Captain
of a Sweeper Class raft may agree to tow another participant’s raft up to
the start. This must be arranged at the Captain’s meeting if there is
someone willing to do this for you. The odds of convincing a Sweeper Captain to
haul you upriver are greatly increased with a generous application of high
praise, good food & beverage, or valuable treasures.

Launching
Facilities

Rafts can be launched on Saturday, July 26tth,2008
as early as possible. The primary launch site is located between Riverside Marina
& Yankee Boat Yard. This boat launch can be used by all raft race
participants. People planning to use this ramp must pay a fee of $15-20 at
Yankee Boatyard’s main office, which opens at 8:00 a.m. Contact them at 860-342-4735 or go to
their website at www.yankeeboatyard.com.
The cost of launching your raft is not included in your entry fee and is your
responsibility. Early arrivals are likely to avoid any traffic congestion at
the launching site. If you plan to get underway earlier than 8:00 a.m. please make arrangements to
purchase your pass during the week or pay up at the end of the day. Yankee Boat
Yard has parking across the street from the boat launch area so the parking lot
does not become too crowded with cars and boat trailers.

It’s best to get everything ready before
backing down the ramp. Complete any preparations, assembly, and equipment
loading for your raft and/or support boat in the parking area. Back down the
ramp only after everything is in place. There will be less congestion and
waiting time for everyone involved by following this practice. It cannot be
over emphasized that there will be a lot of activity on race day. Besides there
being numerous rafts to launch, there will also be marina patrons trying to put
their own boats in as well. Be sure to arrive early and alternate between boat
& raft launches. If you have a support boat that will accompany you, launch
it first, then launch the raft. Use a towline to quickly move your raft away
from the launching point as soon as possible and make way for the other people
coming in behind you. There is a dock next to the ramp and this makes things a
bit easier. Please don’t hang around here too long. Keep everything
moving.

If your raft, canoe, or kayak is small and can be
carried to the water by hand please use our secondary launch site. This spot is located upriver beyond
the boat slips and mooring docks used by Riverside Marina. The sandy shore is
an excellent point to launch from. You will be allowed to drive in close to
unload equipment and launch your watercraft. Afterwards you will have to move
your vehicle & trailer and park it in a designated parking area.
Regardless of which location
you launch from you will need to tow your vessel to the start location four
miles upriver. This could take upwards of an hour or more depending on the size
of your support boat. If you do not have the means to tow your raft upriver we
advise participants to use a ramp up near the starting area.

The alternate launch site is about
¼ mile upriver from the start and very close to Gildersleeve Island.
This is a handy spot to launch from as it eliminates towing your watercraft up
to the start. All new participants are encouraged to make use of this ramp as
well as people with kayaks and canoes. Participants will have to
drift downriver a short distance to get to the starting area. All Captains will
need to examine the boat launch beforehand and appraise the conditions there
before attempting to use it. This boat ramp may not be suitable for launching
larger rafts due to the steep incline of the ramp, fast current, and deep
water. The parking here is limited and you will need to move your vehicle out
to a public road or to the finish area after launching.

Because this
is a private boat ramp the race committee is obliged to maintain the land
owner’s right to privacy. Therefore, the exact location of this launch
site will not be published in the rulebook or on our website. The location will
be announced at the Captain’s meeting only. Please be sure contact a
committee member for directions to the alternate launch site if you plan to use
it.  It can only be used for the
raft race and is off limits thereafter. Please show the land owner the utmost
respect and follow any instructions that are given.

Parking
Arrangements

The $15-20 charge to use the boat ramp at Yankee
Marina includes parking for your tow vehicle & trailer. There is additional
parking available next door at the Riverside Marina. Parking at Riverside
Marina is preferable since it will situate your crewmembers’ cars in
close proximity to the sandy beaches at the finish line, the band pavilion, and
the spectator areas. Both boat yards are located right next to each other so
this makes the walk between them pretty easy. Go through the main entrance into
Riverside Marina and drive past the main office and boat sheds. Continue until
you see a clearing near the edge of the woods. There should be someone there to
direct you to the designated parking area.

Do
not park near the band pavilion, spectator areas, or the shoreline. Finish line activities will take place here on
race day and there needs to be plenty of room for the participants and
spectators to mill about. Since this spot is where the race ends, it makes good
sense for participants to simply leave much of their party equipment, lawn
chairs, and coolers safely stored in their vehicles rather than load everything
on their race vessel. Once the racing is done people can simply retrieve what
they need from their cars. All participants are reminded that they are guests
of the marinas and should be on their best behavior and act courteously.

Mooring
Spots   at   Finish   Area

Rafts
launched earlier than Saturday, July 26th need to be moored in a
safe location. Captains are fully responsible for their own mooring
arrangements. A good spot to secure your raft is slightly upriver of the last
boat slip at Riverside Marina. This location makes heading to the start on race
day much easier. If you use this area, be sure to leave sufficient room for
your raft to drift around a little without contacting any other vessel. The
tides and current are constantly shifting so use two anchors to minimize drift.
Better yet, pull your raft up on the shore. Each year there are some rafts
moored here on Friday.

Pre
Race   Activities

There will be a grilling contest held the night before the
raft race at the Portland Marina campgrounds. Raft racers that are camping
overnight are welcome to submit their favorite grilled (homemade) food in the
contest. The rules are simple: the food must be cooked on a grill over an open
flame. The winner will be chosen based upon who receives the highest number of
votes. Voters will consist of all who submitted food in the contest and a
random ten other “tasters” in the campground. The winning grill
master will receive a trophy and bragging rights. Contest/tasting to take place
at 7:00 p.m. on Friday
evening before the raft race. Contest coordinators are Captain Gretchen Bartkus
and First Mate Shawna Bartkus of the “All Day Suckers” raft.

Start
at   Gildersleeve   Island

The
starting point can be found in the sheltered waters, out of the main channel,
on the Western side of Gildersleeve
Island. This spot flanks
the Southern end, or downriver tip, of the island. The main channel is on the
other side of the island. Directly across from the start area is
Petzold’s Marina.
In close proximity and slightly upriver is the Middlesex Marina. The riverfront
in front of these marinas and the starting point are in a no-wake zone. Boats
traveling in this vicinity go through very slowly and create no appreciable
wake. These conditions provide an inherently safe start location.

Race   Course

Start:&nnbsp; Southern End of Gildersleeve Island

Finish:  Portland’s
Riverside Marina

From Gildersleeve
Island the racecourse goes
downriver approximately 3.6 nautical miles or 4.1 statute miles to the
landlubbers. It is preferable to navigate the racecourse by hugging the eastern
shore as this will offer the shortest possible route. The voyage down the river
affords beautiful views of forest land, meadows, and a variety of wildlife. Wilcox Island
will come into view at the halfway point. To the east side is the legendary Brownstone
Quarries where early European settlers carved out the rock and used it to build
local homesteads. As vessels continue past the island they will pass beneath
the Arrigoni Bridge
which takes route 66 & 17 over the Connecticut River.
A very short distance further downriver is an old railroad swing bridge and Middletown’s Harbor Park
can be seen on the western shore. This sight indicates the final leg of the
race is at hand. At this point the river gradually changes direction as it starts
flowing in an easterly direction towards Riverside Marina.

A racecourse diagram
is included in this booklet. It provides points of reference and offers a
general overview of the entire course layout. A larger version of this diagram will
be available at the Captains’ Meeting. It will show more details and
provide both navigation information and water depths. A downloadable map &
chart will also be posted on the raft race website at www.ctriverraftrace.org.

Finish
at   Riverside   Marina

The racecourse ends on the northern side of the
river about half a mile downriver from Middletown’s
Harbor Park.  Contestants will see a boat anchored
just off shore that has a huge black & white checked flag raised above.
This designates the finish line location at Riverside Marina. As you
approach the finish make sure your registration number is not obstructed and it
is clearly visible. Pass close to
the finish line boat so that race officials can record your raft’s
registration number and elapsed race time. All vessels are to immediately head
ashore after going past the finish. The area adjacent to the finish location is
in a no-wake zone since it is close to the marina. These conditions provide an inherently safe
finish location.

Starting
Cannon

On the southern tip of Gildersleeve Island
is a sandy beach where our Cannoneer, Lord Gildersleeve, situates his starting
cannon. It’s best to leave plenty of breathing space between his field
gun and your raft as the sound can be quite deafening. There may be a slight
delay if rafts are still coming up the river after 10:00 a.m. Once all participants are positioned and
ready to go the National Anthem will be played and the start cannon will be
fired. Racing will commence as close to 10:00
a.m. on Saturday, July 26th as possible.

Staggered
Start

When the starting cannon is fired, the first wave
of vessels to head out will be the Cruising Class Rafts, Canoes, and Kayaks.
After 10 minutes there will be a second cannon blast that signals the start of
the America Class Rafts. The staggered start is engineered to keep all entrants
closer together during the race. The second wave of competitors will catch up
to, overcome, and pass the Cruiser Class rafts about midway through the race.
Sweeper Class rafts will depart last and shall not pass a human powered entry
unless performing official duties or providing emergency assistance to any
vessel that is in need of help. Elapsed race times will be adjusted to reflect
the staggered start to determine finisher positions.

Navigation
On   The   River

Navigation down The Connecticut River is not to
be taken lightly. Sections of the racecourse have water depths of only a few
feet while in other spots the water can run very deep. Composition of the
riverbed is just as varied and may include soft sand, mud, weeds, rocks, or
submerged sharp objects. Do not dive off any vessel or jump into the water at any
time. The Connecticut River’s
flow is affected by tidal influence and
in places there may be under currents or whirlpools. Other folks will
also be out on the river too, so be on the lookout for other boat traffic.
Listen carefully to the most recent navigation instructions provided at the
Captains’ meeting and take any handouts and navigation charts provided
and study them closely.

Anticipated
Race   Duration

The Raft Race runs from 10:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m. Participants have 4 hours to complete
the racecourse. All entries will be required to accept a tow by a Sweeper Class
raft if found to be floundering mid-race or if they have not finished the
racecourse by 2:00 p.m. Finish line activities at Riverside Marina will
commence after the racing in done and will proceed through most of the
afternoon with festivities beginning to wind down around 5:00 p.m.

Event
Schedule   &   River   Tides

Sunrise

5:40 a.m.

Moonrise

11:40 p.m.

Race Starts

10:00 a.m.

Low Tide

2:56 a.m.

Race Finish

2:00 p.m.

High Tide

7:39 a.m.

Awards

3:00 p.m.

Low Tide

2:46 p.m.

End of Day

5:00 p.m.

High Tide

8:20 p.m.

Sunset

8:14 p.m.

Moonset

2:48 p.m.

The Connecticut River is affected
by tidal influence and there is a substantial change in water levels between
high & low tides. The best time to launch and retrieve vessels is during
high tide. There is more water over the ramps and it is less likely that people
will back in so far that they’ll run off the ramp, hit mud, and get
stuck. Participants mooring their vessels must leave sufficient slack in ropes
to allow for the changing water levels. Watercraft put up on beaches must be placed
above the high water mark and also tied off to a tree or an anchor.

Spectator
Spots   Along   The   River

There is no one place for
spectators to view the entire race. The best way to see the event is in the
comfort of your own boat and traveling alongside the race competitors. Spectators
can catch a
glimpse of the rafts as they pass by any number of vantage points along the CT
River. Some places
to try include the marinas located along the race course. Boatyards are located
on private property, so please ask permission to walk around them before
trespassing. Other spots include the cliffs adjacent to the Brownstone
Quarries, the Arrigoni
Bridge, and anyplace else
where the riverbank is accessible and provides a clear view. Middletown’s
Harbor Park has public binoculars that are
mounted on pedestals and can be used for 25¢.

Public
Access   To   Finish   Area

Guests are invited to Riverside Marina to join
the post-race activities. People are encouraged to come see the finish area,
explore the shoreline, and view the various rafts. Spectators may also listen
to The Sonics at the band pavilion
and show off their dance moves and mill about with participants and enjoy the
camaraderie of the raft racers. This marks the third year that the public can come
to the raft race and participate in the activities at the finish line. The Race
Committee is hopeful that this exposure will enhance event awareness and
increase participation at subsequent raft race events. This finishing location also
offers participants the opportunity of invite their friends and family along to
enjoy the day and have some fun too.

In previous years the finish area was on Dart Island.
While this was a delightful finish location it isolated the event from the view
of the general public as it was only accessible by boat. The Race Committee
intends to expand the event, make it more accessible, and promote the race as a
family-oriented event. We’re hopeful that you’ll come join us and
see what raft racing is all about.

Amenities
At   The   Finish

The finish area
by Riverside Marina has plenty of neat stuff to do during the day. The riverfront
is especially inviting as it has many trees along the beach that provide shade and
a secure spot to tie off rafts. People in kayaks and canoes can pull their
boats up onto the sandy beach and relax in the shade with the other
participants. Many folks stake out a shady spot on the beach, set up a picnic
area, and relax by the water. Others break out their grills and cook up a tasty
meal to enjoy. Other beach activities include socializing, swimming, sunbathing,
and sand castle making.

On hand again this year will be The Sonics to provide live
music for all to enjoy and dance to. There will also be a volleyball court
& horseshoe pit where people can enjoy a friendly game or two with there
buddies. Tables will be set up where T-shirts and other raft race items
can be purchased. At 3:00 p.m.
an awards ceremony will take place and all winners will be announced and
honored.

A portable
outhouse will also be on hand as a convenience to folks needing bathroom
facilities. Garbage cans will also be distributed nearby for trash and debris. Since
community grills are not going to be available this year due to insurance restrictions
people may bring their own small grills to use. Do not leave your grill unattended
and please make sure they are extinguished when you’re done using them.

Swimming

There are no lifeguards
stationed at the finish line area. So if you or your children decide to go into
the water you are swimming at your own risk. Please use the buddy system and have
a responsible adult swimmer watch your youngsters. The water depth at the
shoreline drops off quickly and the water is very deep in places. Youngsters
should wear a floatation device while in the river. Feel free to bring water
wings, inflatable toys, and sandcastle bucket & scoop. Please wear old
sneakers or other appropriate footwear to prevent injuries from submerged sharp
objects. No diving or jumping from rafts at any time. Please be courteous to others,
keep a look out, and pick up any trash that gets misplaced.

Scoreboard

Raft Race
results will be posted on a large scoreboard located up near the band pavilion.
It will be complete with an illustration that participants may sign, mark, or
color in to leave their team’s endorsement. Markers are provided and
everyone is invited to participate.

Raft
Race   Awards

An
award ceremony will take place at 3:00
p.m. at the band pavilion. Engraved pewter mugs will be awarded to each
of the fastest Captains and their crew in each of the race classes. This is
determined by elapsed race times. Addition awards will be given in four special
categories.

Raft
Classes

Kayak
Classes

Canoe
Classes

America

Single Kayak

Single Canoe

Cruising

Multiple Kayak

Multiple Canoe

Sweeper

Special   Category   Awards

Howie Rauch - fastest
raft

Becky   Thatcher - all female crew

American   Heritage - most traditional raft

Committee’s   Choice - exceptional watercraft & crew

Non - Profit
Status

The
Connecticut River Raft Race, Inc. is an approved and recognized non-profit
corporation. Race profits are donated to a designated children’s charity,
usually located in the Portland and/or Middletown region. The
funds contributed are raised through entrance fees, T-shirt & beverage koozie
sales, and donations made by private parties.
For those who are interested, our books are open to anyone upon request. You
may contact our Treasurer Richard
Bartkus with these requests. If you would like to make a suggestion as to a
good charity to contribute to please touch base with a committee member and
pass along any pertinent information.

Calico
Broadcasting,   Inc.

Calico
Broadcasting usually video tapes the Raft Race for broadcast on public access
television. Please be courteous during the filming and be on your best
behavior. Demonstrate how much fun you’re having and be sure to smile for
the camera.

Day’s
End

At the
conclusion of the day’s activities, all race vessels must be removed from
the river. Derelict vessels are subject to police action and/or fines from the D.E.P.
and risk permanent disqualification from the event. When floating down to the boat
ramp please be very careful. Have your support boat help you along the way. Please
be patient once you have reached the boat ramp. There will be a lot of vessels
showing up all at once to disembark. There will also be marina patrons trying
to haul out their boats as well. Please keep everything moving and share the
ramp. Do not unload equipment at the boat ramp. Once your vessel has been
pulled out of the water pull it up to the parking lot. If your vessel is fairly
small, then consider pulling your craft up near the west end of the marina at
the finish area. This will reduce the congestion at the boat ramp and make for
an easier time for all.

Volunteers

There is always
lots of work involved to organize this Raft Race event and we welcome any and
all help we can get. There are Committee meetings on the second Wednesday of
each month where we iron out such issues as permits, insurance, advertising,
T-shirt design, Rulebook distribution, event logistics, etc.… On race day
we also appreciate any assistance that folks are kind enough to offer. Some
help out at the launch ramp, others man the finish line boat and record course
times, some help with towing duties, the cleanup of the finish area, or the
loading of equipment. If you are interested in contributing some time to help
us pull off this race, then please contact a Committee member. A list of all
committee members is on the last page of the rulebook complete with phone
number and Email contact information.

Raft
Race   History

The Connecticut
River Raft Race first ran in 1975 from Deep River Landing to Goat
Island. Next, it was run from Hurd State Park
to Haddam Meadows. After this, the race ran from the Arrigoni
Bridge to Dart Island
State Park. The present
racecourse goes from Gildersleeve
Island to Riverside
Marina.

Franklin Burton
was the first Chairman. He was replaced by Ken Fischberg who took over next. Some
years later Malcolm Chapman became the chief organizer. The current race
President is Bob Niland.

Only a handful
of America Class rafts have reached the highest pinnacle in raft race history
by winning the race. The most successful rafts are:  Lee Jet with 12 lifetime victories, Raft
America & Triceratops with 4 wins each, the
Wet Dream trilogy won the first three inaugural races, and Last Chance met
victory twice. Some of the other champions who made it to first place  status include: No Corporation,
EB Exterminator, USA/Coca-Cola, Millennium Buzzard, and the Drinkasaurus Becks.

America Class
Winners throughout the Years

1975    Wet Dream I                1992    Lee Jet

1976    Wet Dream II               1993    Lee Jet

1977    Wet Dream III              1994    Millennium Buzzard

1978    ?                                  1995    Lee Jet

1979    ?                                  1996    Triceratops

1980    Last Chance                 1997    Lee Jet

1981    Last Chance                 1998    Lee Jet

1982    No Corporation            1999    Triceratops

1983    Raft America                2000    Lee Jet

1984    Raft America                2001    Triceratops

1985    Raft America                2002    Lee Jet

1986    Raft America                2003    Lee Jet

1987    EB Exterminator           2004    Lee Jet

1988    USA/Coca-Cola          2005    Lee Jet

1989    Triceratops                   2006    Triceratops

1990    Lee Jet                         2007    Drinkasaurus Becks      1991    Lee Jet                         2008    ?

Basic   Raft   Construction

The six basic elements to join together
when building a raft are floatation, a deck, propulsion, steerage, teamwork,
and safety. The information that follows will explain each of these key principles
in more detail. This knowledge should give you a good idea on how to build a
raft. Rafts can be built from scrap wood, foam, plastic bottles, barrels, and
recycled materials of every kind. With a little creativity you can take
whatever is around you and recycle it into something that floats. Rafts are as
varied as the imagination is capable of conceiving them.

Floatation
Materials

First off rafts are not boats and
therefore don’t need watertight integrity. This is because they’re
almost always built from materials that are naturally buoyant. A typical raft
can be made out of some combination of foam, plastic barrels or bottles, wood,
and anything else that floats. These floating materials will continue to
provide lift even when they are damaged. Since a raft doesn’t require
watertight integrity, it can be built out of anything that is available. The
most common material used is foam.

Chunks and odd scraps of foam are often
found floating up on riverbanks and beaches. These can be stuffed into a frame
you construct out of wood. Expandable foam in a can (used for insulation jobs)
quickly spreads out to fill in gaps and cracks. It can be used as glue to hold
all your floating objects together inside your hull. The trick is to fill in as
much airspace as possible before using the expandable foam. Consider adding
things like packing peanuts, small soda bottles with lids, and anything else
that is small and will float. If you use a wooden frame to hold everything
together be sure to enclose it on all sides with wood to catch any loose pieces
of foam.

Sometimes foam scraps can be found at
construction sites, in dumpsters, or at the landfill. Always ask for permission
before taking any surplus materials being thrown out.  Sometimes you can find a marina that has
lots of old dock foam pieces piled up. If you ask nicely or offer to do some
work for the boatyard you may be able to get some second-hand foam pieces for
free.

Foam can also be bought at Home Depot or
Lowes if you can’t find any for free. The foam there is usually available
in sheets and can be cut to size and stacked to form your floats. If you want
to glue your foam sheets together try the adhesive on a scrape piece first to
make sure the glue won’t dissolve the foam.  Remember, a raft is much more rewarding to
build with free recycled materials and on a shoestring budget. One year a group
of guys built their raft out of a picnic table and some old foam scraps they
found laying around someplace. They named their raft $1.98 which reflected the
amount they spent on the materials used to construct their raft.

Plastic barrels of all types & sizes
can also be used as floatation. These can take a lot of abuse without
puncturing. These can usually be obtained at your local car wash, bulk juice
distributor, or landfill. Be sure to also get the round bungs that are used to cap
them and keep them watertight.  Don’t
use a barrel which had toxic chemicals in it as these have the potential to
leak harmful pollutants into the river. You could also get a good supply of
plastic 5 gallon buckets & lids from a painter or sheetrock worker. Their
bulk materials come in these large containers and are perfect for building
rafts. Be sure to clean out any residual soap, juice, paint, or plaster before
using plastic barrels and/or buckets.

One year a group of girls built a raft
called the Bucket Brigade. It was built out of a ladder and had a bunch of 5
gallon buckets duct taped to the rungs. They also attached some foam to the
sides. Then they added an outrigger for stability at the suggestion of the raft
inspectors. This raft worked flawlessly and they ended up winning the Becky
Thatcher Award.

If you want to use plastic soda bottles
you can get them for 5¢ from people returning them at a recycling center. Be sure you also get the lids so
they can be sealed up tight. Soda bottles can be configured in many ways and
allow for a lot of design flexibility. Another good plastic container easily
found in recycling boxes is milk jugs. A net can be used to hold all the
bottles & jugs together in a big mass or they can be duct taped end to end
onto a wooden frame. Be sure to glue and/or tape the caps on milk jugs as they
aren’t as secure as threaded soda lids are.

How   Much   Floatation   is   Needed?

A typical raft must use enough floatation
to hold up the raft in the water and support the weight of the crew and any
stuff onboard. This will vary for each raft and is dependant on your crew size,
the raft’s construction, and the materials being used. For each gallon of
water you displace with floatation materials you will gain a floating force of
about 8 pounds.

For example, let’s assume you plan
to have three people on your raft and the crew’s combined weight is 480 lbs.
Add in another 200 lbs. to account for the weight of the raft. The total weight
would then be 680 pounds. Next, divide this total weight by 8. The answer
reveals that 85 gallons of water must be displaced. If you were using
five-gallon buckets for floatation, 17 would be needed to provide enough
buoyancy to float the crew and the raft.

The placement of buoyant materials should
be equally distributed in order to provide good stability. Most rafts typically
place their floatation materials on each side of the raft just like on a
pontoon boat. This is your best approach as it will provide good stability. Avoid
placing all your floatation materials in one centralized location as this
orientation will make your raft very unsteady and tipsy.
It is a good practice to have more buoyancy than what is necessary. This extra flotation
allows for a larger margin of safety throughout the day. Another trick to make
your raft more stable is to add an outrigger. This is especially effective on
longer rafts that aren’t very wide.

The   Deck

The deck of your raft is where
you’ll be sitting as you go down the river. It should be strong and be
able to support the weight of the crew and any gear you’ll have on board.
The most common deck material used on rafts is plywood that is attached to some
sort of wood framing underneath. Don’t use old pieces of wood full of
splinters as this isn’t too comfortable or safe to sit on. Use newer
pieces of wood that are strong and robust. Placing a piece of old carpeting on
top of the deck will provide a nice surface to sit on.

The deck should have attachment points on
the underside of the framing to secure the flotation materials. By drilling small
holes in the wood you will create spots where ropes can be passed thru. You can
then tie the floatation materials to the bottom of the raft. A few eyebolts or
cleats should also be attached to the deck or framing so that anchor ropes and
tow lines can be secured someplace on the raft as well. Screws should be used
to connect the deck and framework, don’t use nails. Once the raft is wet
and starts striking waves it will flex and nails will tend to pull out, get
loose, and eventually fall out. Screws stay put much longer. A nice addition to
a deck is some sort of canopy to provide shade. A large umbrella will work just
fine as will a small tarp and some sort of framework to hang it on.

Propulsion
Options

Rafts will need some way to move through the water. Most
participants use paddles and oars. If you can build some oarlocks this makes
the rowing much easier. Another popular choice is to also try using a sail made
out of a plastic tarpaulin or bed sheet.  Sails are great on windy days but can be
unreliable. Sometimes the wind will be blowing the wrong way and other times
the wind will blow fast and furious in the intended direction. There is no way
to know for sure if you’ll catch a favorable breeze.  Be sure to support the mast holding up
the sail on three sides with a sturdy rope. This triangulation is necessary to
safely hold everything together in a strong breeze.

A few raft teams have attempted to build a homemade paddlewheel using an assortment of bicycle parts.
These can work quite well if put together properly. A key design element is to have
a height adjustment built into the paddlewheel assembly. This is necessary so
that the depth of the paddle’s engagement in the water can be fine-tuned
for optimal performance. Weight distribution on a paddle wheeler must remain stabile
to ensure good performance. The Lin Lee raft is an excellent example of a well
designed paddlewheel for those wishing to scope out some design ideas at this
year’s race.

Another propulsion device that can be built is a homemade
propeller. These can be more complicated to design and may require more than
just a few odds and ends from a bicycle. The easiest way to make one is to find
an old stationary exercise bike and weld a pipe underneath the sprocket. This
pipe should have a T pipe on the opposite end where a sprocket, shaft,
bearings, and propeller can be mounted.

The long length of chain needed to run between the two
sprockets can be pieced together from two or three separate bike chains. A
garage door opener chain can also be used as it is much longer than a bike chain
and continuous in length. A chain guide made out of an old cutting board or
wood will help keep the chain on the sprockets. This long length of chain will
get pushed off the sprockets if it is not supported in some way. You will not
need to oil the chain as water is a pretty good lubricant, plus you don’t
want to be putting oil in the water. Cut a hole in the deck so the propeller
can be put in the water while the frame tubes will rest firmly on the deck.

A homemade propeller blade can be made by attaching a strong
piece of metal to a pulley. The pulley can then be mounted on a shaft. Boat
& trolling motor props will work but are not optimal for pedal power
speeds. A better choice is a larger diameter blade with lots of surface area.
You will have to experiment with different shapes to get something that works.
Bicycle driven propulsion systems will take a while to refine. The key is to
test them out, see how they work, and then make changes until they work right.
The extra work can yield a very competitive raft. To see a first class
propeller system have a look at the one used on the Little Willie. It has four
pedal stations that run two submerged propellers. Whatever you end up using for
propulsion it is good practice to carry extra paddles with you. They are handy
to have if something breaks and stops working.

Steering

Paddles allow for propulsion and steerage around
obstructions. But, if you use a paddlewheel, a propeller, or a sail, you will
need some other means to steer your raft.  In these cases a rudder is absolutely
essential. One can be made by simply tying an oar, at its midpoint, to the back
of the raft. Some folks use a door hinge and attach a piece of plywood to it. A
handle can be attached to turn the rudder. Being able to navigate straight on
the racecourse and steer clear of obstacles makes rafts safer and easier to
control.

Teamwork

Teamwork is one of the key ingredients to raft racing.
You want to join forces and ideas with as many people as you can. The benefits
of this joint effort become evident when looking for building materials, coming
up with ideas, and constructing your raft. One of the best parts of the race is
the preparation stage. You’ll all have fun together and get excited and
really make great efforts to get everything done. Each person will have some
special talent to contribute. All these different aspects coming together are
what make the entire raft race team work.

Safety

Safety must be maintained at all times while procuring
materials and building the raft. It’s no fun to get hurt, so wear safety
glasses whenever handling power and/or hand tools. Also wear gloves when
handling your materials and use caution whenever cutting materials. Your
teammates may be working nearby on something while you’re busy doing
something else. Always look out for each other and help one another whenever
necessary. A good practice is to use sandpaper or a file to smooth out and
remove sharp edges whenever you cut something. Chances are you’ll be
wearing shorts out on the raft on race day so you don’t want to pick up a
splinter or get cut on anything sharp. Bend over exposed sharp metal edges and
cut off protruding bolts. Then apply duct tape to these sharp edges. Have a
first aid kit available during your build sessions and whenever you’re
out on the water.

Testing   Your   Raft

Once you’ve finished building your raft, test it
out to see how it works. This is very important because you don’t want
any surprises on race day. Take it to a pond or put it in a swimming pool and
see if it floats with your crew aboard and everything else you will be
carrying. In some cases you may find that you need a little more buoyancy. In
other cases you might need to reposition some of the floatation materials to
help stabilize the raft. Next, you will want to find out if your propulsion
method works as expected. Crew members should try out their rowing stations to
see if oarlocks are working right and positioned correctly. Try putting up your
sail to verify it is in working order. Be sure to also try out the rudder.
Since paddlewheels only need to be submerged slightly they may need to be
adjusted up or down to run smoothly. There is a whole list of items that
contribute to your raft being a stable platform out on the water. You
won’t know how well it will work until you try it out. Make any
adjustments beforehand and then retest your raft until you get it right. This
ensures you will be ready to kick some fanny on race day. Make sure all crew
members testing out the raft has on a Coast Guard approved life jacket. Never
go out on the water without one and look out for each other at all times.

Emergency   Repairs

Be sure to always carry emergency tools,
duct tape, bungee cords, rope, fasteners, and anything else you can think of
just in case you need to make an emergency repair out on the water. Things can
break, come loose, or jam up. You want to be able to mend anything that needs
fixing, tightening, or re-attachment. Sometimes periodic adjustments are going
to be necessary, especially if you have a paddlewheel. All tools should have a
safety landyard attaching it to the raft or enough foam attached so it
won’t sink if dropped overboard accidently. Having the ability to recover
from a mechanical problem oftentimes can be the key factor in winning the raft
race. You don’t have to succumb to a simple mechanical problem if you
bring emergency gear along to save the day.

www.ctriverraftrace.org

Visit our website to see: Raft race rules, Information, Event pictures,
Raft building tips, Maps, Race results, Contact information, and Links to other
events.