OFFICIAL SCHEDULE
Lake Nipmuc · July 13, 2026
Check-in and technical inspection begin at 5:30 PM. Racing begins at 6:30 PM. The official rain date is Tuesday, July 14.
The event is organized by Taft Public Library and held at Mendon Town Beach. Boats must be registered before the organizer's published deadline and must pass technical inspection to remain eligible for speed awards.
- Venue: Mendon Town Beach, Lake Nipmuc
- Inspection: 5:30 PM
- Racing: 6:30 PM
- Rain date: Tuesday, July 14
- Thistlewack entry: The Unsinkable Luau
THE FIELD
Categories and honors
The regatta includes one-person, two-person, three-or-more-person, adult, family, group, and business categories. Speed awards share the waterfront with honors for creativity, attractiveness, spirit, perseverance, spectacular sinking, and the rare vessel that surprises everyone by floating.
TECHNICAL INSPECTION
Corrugate first, safety always
The official rules require a corrugated-cardboard hull, superstructure, and seating. Wax-coated cardboard and specified waterproofing materials are prohibited. Tape is reserved for seams and joints, occupants must remain visible, sharp edges must be corrected, and every crew member must wear a properly fastened life jacket on the water.
The yard reviews the current organizer rules before every launch. This page is a race-day summary; the Town of Mendon notice remains the official source.
2025 LEDGER
The BumbleMcBees return with honors
Capt. Dan's 2025 family vessel, The BumbleMcBees, earned Second Place in the Family Boat category and the Captain's Choice Award for Most Attractive Boat. The Unsinkable Luau carries that standard into the twenty-sixth running.