Hancock to defend championship title in Pirates of the Keweenaw boat race June 21

Crew members of Boy Scout Troop 208 (right) struggle against the Hancock team during the final heat of the 2008 Pirates of the Keweenaw Cardboard Boat Regatta. (File photo © 2008 Keweenaw Now*)

HOUGHTON -- The City of Hancock is prepared to defend its title as defending champion in the Pirates of the Caribbean Cardboard Boat Regatta, beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 21, Father's Day. This highlight of the 2009 Bridgefest will take place again at the Houghton Waterfront Park. Registration and check-in are from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Hancock City Manager Glenn Anderson said Friday that the Hancock boat would have a crew of nine this year -- reduced from the 12 of 2008.

"We will give it our all," he said.

Hancock has won first place in the adult (age 12 and above) division for the last two years. In 2008 they defeated Boy Scout Troop 208 and the City of Houghton in the final heat of a close race.* They were also the winners in 2007, defeating the Smart Park.

Boats must be made of corrugated cardboard and should be decorated. Official rules can be found at www.cityofhoughton.com. Age divisions are 11 and under and 12 to adult. Prizes will be awarded for the Best Decorated, Best Costumes, Best Design, Best Sinking, Most People in the Boat and Fastest Boat.

The Pirates of the Keweenaw race is sponsored by Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Questions -- Email scott@cityofhoughton.com.

This weekend's Bridgefest 2009 celebrates the 50th Birthday of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. Click here for the schedule.

* See Keweenaw Now's June 16, 2008, article with photos and a video clip of last year's Pirates of the Keweenaw race.