08.01.2026 Uncategorized

Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race 2026: Photos and results

Homemade vessels built from cardboard and duct tape raced — and sometimes sank — beneath clear skies Saturday during Riverhead’s annual Cardboard Boat Race.

The calm Peconic River and bright sunshine provided nearly perfect conditions as children, families and town officials paddled along the downtown waterfront in boats decorated with flowers, superheroes and patriotic themes.

Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin joined the field and even helped one competitor after the boater’s vessel came apart.

Members of the Justice League boat. (Credit: Nick Mongiovi)

“Long Island summers are short,” Mr. Halpin said. “We want people to enjoy every second of it. It’s just fun. You got kids, adults, the boat designs.”

The Riverhead Chamber of Commerce event featured four races followed by awards honoring speed, construction, creativity and spirit.

Leeper won the Grand National and second-chance Outlaw races, while Salty Dogs captured the Youth Regatta and Checkmate won the mixed-age Yacht Club Regatta.

Mr. Halpin said some of the most memorable entries included Ketchup and Mustard and a boat constructed by a young racer with her father and grandfather.

“These are memories of a lifetime,” he said. “You can’t beat that.”

Riverhead Chamber of Commerce member Kathleen Conway was a part of the Justice League boat, which finished in second place in the Yacht Club Regatta, ages 13 and over race.

“This is our fourth consecutive year,” Ms. Conway said. “We surprised ourselves the first year, coming in third. Second year we came in first place and last year was a disaster. We chose the Justice League in celebration in America’s 250th, and it’s our redemption year.”