By Kate Cohen
September 23, 2026

 

The grandest, most awe-inspiring ships and boats in history have one thing in common: they were not made of cardboard.

The same cannot be said for the vessels designed and launched during the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center (RAFC) Cardboard Boat Race in Orlando, FL.

This annual fundraising event is returning for its second year of friendly competition and spirited fun.

The 2026 Cardboard Boat Race will be held on October 10 at RAFC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Here’s what you can look forward to this year.

 

Key Takeaways

• How it Works
• What Makes the Cardboard Boat Race Unique
• What the RAFC Cardboard Boat Race Supports
• Who Can Participate in the RAFC Cardboard Boat Race
• Sign Up to Participate in the RAFC Cardboard Boat Race Today!

 

How it Works

Never seen a cardboard boat race before? The rules of the race are simple. Here’s what you need to know.

Each team is made up of six people. One person from every team will captain the boat to the finish line.

Boats are designed and built in 75 minutes using only the provided cardboard and duct tape. The goal is to build a boat strong enough to sail 25 meters to the other side of the pool and cross the finish line – ideally in first place.

Three trophies are awarded at the end of the event: Fastest Boat, Most Spirited Team, and Spectacular Sinker.

This year, the event is free and open to the public, so anyone can come to cheer on the competitors. Bring your friends!

 

What Makes the Cardboard Boat Race Unique

RAFC is certainly no stranger to competition. After all, Olympic names like Katie Ledecky and Michael Phelps hang on the record boards overlooking the pool.

The Cardboard Boat Race, however, is more like a “competition meets pool party.”

The pool deck comes alive with camaraderie and collaboration, and the race itself is an energizing blend of enthusiasm, encouragement, rivalry, and a healthy dose of humor.

RAFC Executive Director Michael Miller is looking forward to another year of positive energy and fun.

“I can’t believe how much fun people had last year,” Miller shared. “It was a different day at the pool. We’re used to hosting national championships, and they get stressful because everyone is trying to make their times and their cuts. This brought a breath of fresh air to the facility because we got to see people using RAFC as a true community center with people gathering for one cause.”

The cause in question?

RAFC’s incredible community-based programming and resources.

 

What the RAFC Cardboard Boat Race Supports

The Cardboard Boat Race is RAFC’s largest fundraiser of the year. In 2025, over $10,000 was raised in support of the organization’s Step Into Swim program, which offers free first-time swim lessons to kids in the Orlando community.

This year, Miller aims to double the funds raised from the Cardboard Boat Race.

“The goal is to double last year’s total and raise $20,000 for the RAFC,” Miller says. “Double the goal means double the number of lives that we can impact.”

Money raised in 2026 will be used for a variety of purposes, including sponsorships for the continuation of swim lessons.

“With Step Into Swim, it’s the first lesson that’s free,” Miller explains. “What we’ve run into in the past year is a lot of our families coming forward and telling us, ‘We love the free swim lessons, it’s a great program, but we just can’t afford to continue it.’ So now we’re able to offer scholarship discounts for swim lessons to continue after Step Into Swim.”

 

Who Can Participate in the RAFC Cardboard Boat Race

The Cardboard Boat Race is centered around the Orlando community.

Boat entries are sponsored by individuals and businesses. Different levels of sponsorship include varying numbers of boat entries.

Last year, teams represented a variety of local organizations and businesses.

In addition to raising money for RAFC, the event is a wonderful opportunity for team building. Businesses, student organizations, scout troops, and organizational committees can all benefit from the hands-on participation and collaboration of the Cardboard Boat Race.

Miller shares that one of RAFC’s biggest successes from last year’s event was simply raising community awareness.

“A lot of organizations that participated last year were telling us, ‘We didn’t even know the RAFC was here!’”

Amidst the anticipation of another successful year of the Cardboard Boat Race, Miller expects a bright future for this event.

“It’s definitely one that is exciting for our board members, exciting for the staff, and is exciting for the community,” he says. “I hope to see it continue to grow, and I hope to see our fundraising goal continue to grow every year, too.”

 

Sign Up to Participate in the RAFC Cardboard Boat Race Today!

Ready to get involved?

Sign up to participate on our website today.

Your involvement benefits this incredible nonprofit public resource and helps support Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center’s efforts to serve the greater Orlando community.

Whether your boat sinks or floats, your participation makes a difference.

 

We’d like to give a special shout out to our 2026 sponsors:

Rosen Hotels & Resorts

Chick-Fil-A

Lake Cane Restoration