Racing in a Cub Scout derby is great fun. You'll get to design your racing vehicle, work with a parent to build it, and see it perform on race day. Win or lose, you'll take pride in having done your best. When you race in a Cub Scout derby, you learn craft skills, the rules of fair play, and good sportsmanship—things you will remember all your life.

Types of Derbies

The main types of derbies that our pack participates in are the pinewood derby, raingutter regatta and space derby.

Pinewood Derby -
The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Then they race the cars in competition. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track. Our pack has a pinewood derby every year. Every boy can design and build his own "grand prix" car to enter in the race.
 

Raingutter Regatta -

In the raingutter regatta, boats race down a narrow channel (a raingutter). The boys get to design and build their very own sailboat. The boats are blown down the channel.

 

Space Derby -

Another popular family-son project is the space derby. It's like the pinewood derby except the models are miniature rockets. The rockets "fly" along a heavy line that hangs in the air. They're driven by propellers powered by rubber bands.

Competition and Prizes

Each family that competes in a Cub Scout derby follows a set of simple, easy rules. The winners get prizes, and every boy is recognized for taking part. Always remember that in Cub Scouting, it's more important to "Do Your Best" than to come in first. The big thing about a derby isn't the competition or the prizes. It's the fun you and your family will have.

Official Raingutter Regatta Rules (2013)

CUB SCOUT PACK 484

Sunday, November 17th, 2pm to 5pm

First Lutheran Church - Outdoor Pavilion

1.Overview – “Just what is a Raingutter Regatta?”

TheRaingutter Regatta is a boat race that is designed to be a parent-son project. Please feel free to give guidance and minimal assistance to your Scout as he builds his Raingutter Regatta boat, appropriate to his age. This is a chance for your son to be part of a team (he and you), and to enjoy the spirit of friendly competition with his peers.These “Official Raingutter Regatta Rules” are written to help you keep it simple and fun for your child, and to know what to expect when it comes time to race your boat.

Aspecial note to all parents and scouts: Together,please read the concluding article (Section 8) on sportsmanship.While everyone will be trying to win, it's always a good idea tostart out by remembering the Cub Scout Motto, "Do Your Best,"and some of the basic ideas behind good sportsmanship.

2.Ground Rules for Participation – “Who can race?”

Theleadership of Pack 484 always tries to keep our activities familyoriented, so not only can the scouts have fun, but their brothers andsisters can too. Here are our participation guidelines:

1. The race is open to all Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts registered to Pack 484, as well as to their siblings between ages 5 to 11 (1^st through 5^th grade).

2. Each scout or sibling may enter only one boat in the competition. They should have a significant level of participation in building their boat (designing, sanding, gluing, painting, decorating, etc.).

3. The boat must have been built during the current program year (the school year in which the Regatta is held). Boats that have competed in a previous regatta are not permitted. The Pack provides a new kit to every registered Scout each year to make this easier. (Some additional boat kits may be available for purchase on a first come, first served basis for siblings, or they may be purchased from the Scout Shop.)

Toensure that the race is as fair as possible, all boats must be madefrom the BSA Raingutter Regatta kits. However, the materials suppliedin the kit can be modified or added to somewhat. Onevery boat, the hull, mast, keel, rudder and sail provided in the kitmust be used in the boat construction. Also,no other form of propulsion besides the sail is allowed. Here aresome additional boat construction details to be aware of:

1. Hull: Length between 6-1/2" and 7” (maximum). The boat body CANNOT be wider than 2-1/2". The boat must remain a single hull boat using the supplied hull wood. Multi-hull catamarans and boats with stabilizing out-riggers are NOT ALLOWED to compete for fastest boat racing trophy but are eligible for the Most Scout-Like, Artistic, Realistic, Colorful, and Captain's Choice awards. Catamarans are a build option only for Webelos One and above. Hull should be painted, stained, or otherwise finished to minimize water-logging during the race.

2. Mast: Height limit is 6” to 7" (maximum) from deck to top. Masts may not be extended, but may be decorated.

3. Sail: Supplied in kit, may be trimmed but not enlarged or added to (except for decorations).

4. Rudder and Keel: The provided keel and rudder must be securely attached to the bottom of the boat. The rudder may extend beyond the stern (rear) of the hull. The mast hole, keel and rudder layout specifications given in the BSA kit are for informational purposes only and alternative placements are allowed. For maximum stability, it is highly recommended that the guidance be followed, especially regarding centerline placement of all three components.

5. Decorations/Additions: Objects such as sailors, cannons, etc. may be added. All such decorations must be firmly fastened to the boat, and may not be placed in such a manner as to exceed the boat dimensions as listed above. Bowspirits (large spars projecting forward of the stern) are NOT ALLOWED as they extend the overall length of the boat providing an unfair advantage. They can be attached to hull projecting toward the rear of the hull to fend boat off gutter sides as long as the overall width does not exceed 3” inclusive. Numbering is not required.

4.Boat Assembly Guidance – “How can I build a „winning? boat?”

Thefollowing assembly guidelines (tips) are provided to help you get thebest performance from your boat. They are not meant to berestrictive. (See 3.Boat Specifications abovefor requirements.)

1. Shaping the boat: Do not round the sides of the hull. (A less rounded hull is more stable than a more rounded hull.) Any gouges can be repaired with spackle or latex caulk (sandable).

2. Keel & Rudder: Sand the bottom front corner of these with sandpaper. Use epoxy or hot glue to install them. The metal keel can be installed toward the back of the hull with the rudder forward of it or in front of the rudder in the middle of the hull if desired.

3. Mast: The mast can be placed in the hole provided or the builder can relocate sail placement by drilling a small hole toward the back of the hull if desired. Glue back into place. Be sure to check mast height (see section 3. above).

4. Sail: Position the sail on the mast. Either glue the sail to it, or attach securely with tape. Attach bottom of sail in a similar manner. A well secured sail makes the boat easier to handle in the water.

5. Painting/Decorations: Sailboat body should be painted at least 24 hours before racing to allow sufficient time to dry. You may want to use Krylon spray paint -- it dries to a sandable finish in about one minute on the balsa wood hulls. Do not use water soluble paints. Stickers, decals, and other objects may also be added to customize your boat. Excessive paint or decorations to the sail will cause the boat to be top heavy and is not recommended. See section 7. Rewards and Recognition for appearance award categories. Use your imagination!

5.Inspection and Registration – “What must I do to enter my boat?”

Beforethe race begins, all participating “Captains” must check-in withtheir boats. Here are the pre-race check-in details:

1. Before a boat may compete in the regatta, it is subject to a technical inspection, to verify that it meets the prescribed specifications (see 3. Boat Specifications above for details). If a problem is noted, the Captain may be asked to correct it before the boat is registered.

2. If a boat fails to meet hull design, width, or length specifications they will be DISQUALIFIED to participate in the racing brackets for the Pack but will still be eligible for any of the other award categories to be judged upon.

3. When the boat passes inspection, it is then registered along with the boat Captain’s name (the scout’s or sibling’s name).

4. Typically, check-in of boats begins from an hour to 45 minutes before race time.

5. Registration cutoff will typically be for all participants at the start of the races scheduled at 10:00 am (scouts and siblings). Boats that have not registered by the cutoff deadline will not race, so plan to arrive early enough to get your boat registered. Refer to the latest Pack Calendar for race times.

6.Competition – “How will the race be run?”

Everyrace has to have rules, and ours is no exception. Here’s what toexpect:

1. Once all boats are registered, the competition brackets will be seeded. Scouts will start by racing with other scouts from the same rank. Winners from each rank will compete for overall pack awards. All Catamarans will be raced in a separate class against each other and not be eligible to race in the pack finals, but will still be eligible for all appearance awards. Siblings will only race against other siblings, without regard to age.

2. Each race heat will involve two equal lengths of raingutter (approximately 10-feet long) filled with water.

3. The race heat begins once the official starter has placed the competing boats against the back wall of the gutter and commands the scouts to "GO!"

4. On the starter's command, the scouts will blow into the sail of their boat in order to advance them through the water. The boat can only be propelled by blowing into the sail. Once the race has started, the scout CANNOT touch his boat with his hands, except to right a capsized boat.

5. Pushing the boat forward is NOT allowed while righting a capsized or stuck boat by hand, nor is pushing by a scout's face, lips, hat, nose or other body part that touches the boat. Pushing may disqualify the scout during that race heat. Any disputed heat may be rerun at the discretion of the judges.

6. The first boat to reach the finish line (the opposite end of the gutter) is the winner of that heat. The finish line official(s) will have the final and only say in determining the winner. In the unlikely event of a tie, the racers will be given a chance to catch their breath, then that heat will be rerun.

7. If a boat is damaged during a race (boat loses its rudder, keel or mast/sail) and can be repaired in a reasonable amount of time (a few minutes), the race may be run again at the discretion of the judges. Any non-functional decorations that fall off during competition will NOT be reattached during racing.

8. The race will be run as a double elimination format, with the winners of each heat advancing until the third, second, and first place winners are determined for each rank.

9. First place winners in each rank will compete in the overall Pack competition.

10. Ungentlemanly or unsportsmanlike conduct by any participant or spectator may be grounds for expulsion from the competition and/or the race area.

7.Rewards and Recognition – “What can I take home?”

Themost important values in Raingutter Regatta competition areparent/son participation, good sportsmanship and learning how tofollow rules. The Awards Committee is responsible for recognizing andencouraging these qualities in addition to traditional racing awards.Here are the tangible awards that you may receive:

1. Every participating Scout will receive a Raingutter Regatta participation award. Pre-registration on Scoutlander is required in order to receive your award immediately after the Regatta. These awards are custom and need to be pre-ordered. Non-Scoutlander registered participants will have to wait for receipt of award at a later date.

2. Boats from all ranks are eligible to be selected for appearance (static) awards. Judges will reward creativity and workmanship. Award categories include: Most Colorful, Really Radical, Most Realistic, Most Original, Most Scout Like, and Captain's Choice.

3. Medals will be awarded to the first, second and third-place finishers in each rank.

4. Trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third-place finishers overall in the Pack.

8.Sportsmanship – “How should I act?”

Twothings the Raingutter Regatta requires each participant to learn are1) the craft skills necessary to build a boat and 2) the rules thatmust be followed. Even more important, though, is how we act andbehave while participating in the Raingutter Regatta or any othergroup activity. This is called sportsmanship.

Thefirst thing to remember about sportsmanship is that everyone's skillsare a little different. Your craft skills may be just developing,while someone else may be more experienced. Parents have differentskill levels, too. Whether or not you feel that you have goodboat-building or racing skills, remember, you and your friends areindividuals first and racers second. This idea is often called havingrespect for others.

Thesecond thing to remember is to follow the rules. Without rules, therewould be no Raingutter Regatta. You will never know if you are reallygood at doing something unless you follow the rules. This is oftencalled being honest.

Thethird thing to remember about good sportsmanship is that there arewinners and losers in every competition. You accept this when youchoose to compete. There may be times when you win and feel happy,and times when you lose and feel unhappy. Being a winner is easy, andlosing is sometimes hard. If you win, you must not brag or gloat. Ifyou lose, you must not feel jealous or bitter. To be a goodsportsman, you must be able to say, "I did my best" and besatisfied with the results. You must also be able to appreciate andfeel happy for someone else when he runs a good race or builds a neatboat.

GoodLuck! 

Pack 484 Pinewood Derby

Saturday, February 8, 2014 (11:30am-4pm)

Blue & Gold Banquet (11:30am) / Race starts (1:00pm)

First Lutheran Church Gym

   The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular events in Cub Scouting. Every year more than a million boys and parents team up to carve, decorate, weigh, adjust, fret over, and finally race a Pinewood Derby car. The first Pinewood Derby was held in 1953 by Cub Scout Pack 280C of Manhattan Beach, California, and as of 1991 (Ref. 1992 BSA Retail Catalog) more than 81 million Pinewood Derby model car kits have been sold. Wow!!

    The purpose of the Pinewood Derby is to help the Cub Scout build a team relationship with their parent or helper, experience the sense of accomplishment and the excitement of competition, learn Win/Lose good sportsmanship, and to have fun. The model cars are made of wood to specified dimensions, created, carved, assembled, and decorated by Cub Scouts under the guidance of the parents or helpers. The cars are gravity powered and run down a special track.

    Like all successful events, it requires some planning and preparation, but the payoff in fun and strengthening family relationships has been proven over the years. By following a plan and distributing responsibility among several Cub Scout parents and leaders, you can plan and achieve a successful Pinewood Derby. The attached instructions, checklist, and activities should be helpful in organizing and conducting a Pinewood Derby.

All races are run on a system of double elimination by head-to-head heats. Timing of contestants has no bearing in determining winners. Cars must start from a stand still at the top of the track, and are powered only by gravity. The car whose nose is first over the finish line is the winner.

 

Preliminary Races: Each den will compete amongst its members in their designated time slot and the 1^st & 2^nd place cars from each den will proceed to the Finals. Top three racers will receive trophies.

Finals Races: These races will take place following the last preliminary race. Top three racers will receive trophies. 

Inspection: Cars will be inspected and weighed by the racing staff during registration on Friday night from 6pm until 8pm in the church gym. If you can’t make this night please make arrangements with the Cubmaster to turn in your car prior. No cars will be accepted after this date. Cars that fail to meet specifications will not be permitted to race. If a car does not pass inspection, the Scout will be informed of the reason for failure, and will be given time within the official weigh-in time period to make any necessary adjustment. After final approval, cars will not be re-inspected or weighed unless the car is damaged in handling or in a race. 

Impoundment: Winning cars from the Preliminaries (top two cars from each Den) will be impounded and will be safely delivered to the finals by the Cubmaster or racing staff. Cars will not be returned to these Scouts until the end of the finals. No changing or adding of parts maybe done prior to the Finals. Axles or wheels that are broken during the finals race may be replaced by the Scout only but no other adjustments can be done NO EXCEPTIONS.  Cars that are not proceeding to the Finals will be given back to the Scouts after the Preliminaries and they may continue to work on their paint job or other decorations in preparation for the car judging which will occur during the Finals races. Please note that Scouts whose cars qualify for the Finals will not be given the opportunity to perform additional work on their cars for the Design Competition due to the impoundment.

Derby Car Kits: The Pack will supply all Scouts with the official BSA Pinewood Derby Kit and no precut kits will be allowed to compete in the Races or the Car Design Competition.  Paint, decals, accessory trim pieces, and weights are allowed.

CAR SPECIFICATIONS:

Body: The body in the official BSA Pinewood Derby Kit, supplied by the Pack, must be used. Bodies of other materials will be disqualified. The body may be shaped, hollowed out, or built up from the original block as long as it meets all other specifications. The nose of the car can’t be grooved or slotted in any manner which causes it to have the front of the car past the starting peg and that will place the front of the car closer to the finish gate. Any additions to the original body (drivers, decals, paint, weights, etc.) must be firmly attached. 

Dimensions:

·         The car width at the wheel locations may not be modified.  It must be the same as the original kit (1 3/4”). Other portions of the car body width may be narrower if desired. 

·         Overall width (measured to the outside of the wheels) may not exceed 2 3/4”. 

·         Overall length may not exceed 7”.  This includes any weights, decorative tailpipes, etc. 

·         Overall height may not exceed 5".

·         Minimum bottom clearance below the body must be at least 3/8” to prevent dragging on the guide strip. 

·         The wheelbase dimension (the distance between the front and rear axles) shall be determined by the grooves cut into the car body as provided in the kit and may not be altered.

Exception to Dimensions: The length and height dimensions (and the maximum weight) may be exceeded but only for the car design judging.  Any decorative items that exceed the maximum dimensions or weight must be removable for racing.

Wheels & Axles: Only wheels and axles furnished in the official kit are allowed. No washers, bushings, bearings, rubber tubing, or springs are allowed. Axles may be polished if desired. The bottom surface of the wheels may be sanded to remove any blemishes left from manufacturing. No additional shaping of the wheels is allowed (such as sanding/turning into a "V" or "U" shape). Wheel surface must remain flat with full tread surface. Cars must have four wheels and all wheels must make contact with the track.

Weight:  The weight of the race-ready car must not exceed five (5) ounces (141.7grams). Weight will be measured using the official scales when the car is registered.  After the official weigh-in, no adjustments may be made to the car.  Mercury or other liquid may not be used as a weight.

Lubricant:  Graphite is the only approved lubricant.  No oil or silicone may be used.  Lubricant may be applied by the Scout or parent only prior to the race.  Once races begin, no additional lubricant may be applied.

Car Numbers:  Assigned numbers will be temporarily attached to the car with a colored dot by the racing staff at the time of registration.  Other numbers (decals) may appear on the car, but the assigned number will be used for tracking the cars by the racing staff. 

Other:  Cars must freewheel with no stored energy or movable weights.  There is no designated front or back to the supplied body - either end may be the front.  If desired, the Scout may label the front of the car on the bottom to avoid confusion by the race staff.

Sportsmanship: Scouting encourages good sportsmanship. Cars will be disqualified if the Scout or his parents display unsportsmanlike conduct on the race site.  Remember, it is only a race and the object is for all Scouts to have a great time!