By John Francis,
Bruce Peninsula Press
The 2026 Chi-Cheemaun Weekend Cardboard Boat Races were well attended, despite the gloomy forecast, strong winds and looming thunderheads.
Several hundred people ringed the head of Tobermory’s Little Tub Harbour when the first lot of boats were launched. Emcee Linda Bain kept things moving briskly, determined to complete the event before the thunderstorms hit.
The first race was for kids, with three vessels competing for a by into the championship round. One vessel, We Slay, capsized at the starting line but was righted and completed the course. Chicken Jockey, paddled by Odin and Oaklynn Soulliere, won the race by a nose.
The second race was won by Izak Lefebvre and Tristen Barges in Cheeky-men, who then raced against Chicken Jockey in the Kids’ Final Race and won the day. Cheeky-men was built in 2016 and has been a regular participant in these races since then. It has won several times, with different crews, including each of the last four years.
In the first heat of the adult races, Dana Holmes piloted the Tobermory Yacht Club’s Moby Dunk to victory over Finesse Express.
The second heat saw Jacob Lefebvre paddle Taco-boat past Fish N Fury.
In the third heat, Flamin’ Idiots, piloted by Geoff Cunliffe and volunteer from the crowd, Gavin, outlasted the Chi-Cheemaun Jr.
The adult final race was a face-off among the winners of the three adult races.
The excitement was all at the starting line, where Flamin’ Idiots and Moby Dunk got tangled up, allowing Jacob Lefebvre to paddle Taco-boat to an easy victory.
Everybody is looking forward to next year (and hoping for better weather).
