On Saturday, April 27, Pender Harbour will gather at the government dock (also known as Millennium Park) for the 12th annual April Tools Wooden Boat Challenge.
Boat building teams will anxiously wait to see what materials they have to work with and what the "twist" is this year. Then, working with only hand tools and battery-powered screw guns, they will construct the boat they hope will carry them around the harbour race course and into the victory circle. Teams (up to four builders per team) have one hour to set up and decide how to deal with the "twist" and then three hours of building time.
Why do they do it? There are cash prizes, of course, but there is also the Spiffy Skiffy award, a people's choice award for best looking boat. Spectators get to vote for this one. Also, the race marshals award the Broken Paddle trophy to the team that persevered in the face of adversity. But the real reason - bragging rights, of course!
Presented by the Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society with the support of local businesses, community organizations and generous sponsors, April Tools has something for everyone. Teen teams build their boats beforehand and bring them (often crazily decorated) to the dock for their races, which take place in the early afternoon before the adult teams take to the water. They have a "serious" trophy race, but they also have a fun race, which often involves getting wet.
Of course, there will be food and lots of activities for the kids. After all, what would April Tools be without free mini-boat building? Handmade boats will be available to row or paddle around the harbour for free. Say your prayers now for a sunny day!
To sign up your team, call Richard or Jackie at 604-883-0539 or go to www.apriltools.ca. Entry fee is $160/team.
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