The Silly Boat Regatta filled Nanaimo Harbour with joy and community spirit on Sunday, July 20. The annual event, held at Maffeo Sutton Park, raises funds for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre (CDC) and draws locals eager to support a good cause while enjoying a day on the water.
This year, a higher tide made the regatta even more exciting, with many participants — and spectators — getting wet. Some boats sank during the race, adding to the fun and laughter.
The winner of the Silly Boat Regatta was first-time participant Aarsen Gutters. Their team finished the course, circling the buoy and returning to the finish bell in two minutes and 19 seconds. They edged out runner-up VCA Canada Island Animal Hospital by a narrow margin.
Greg Litvinov, the captain of the Aarsen Gutters team, said their goal was teamwork above all. “This was our first time, so we didn’t know what to expect. We just worked together, rowed together, and played as a team,” he said. “Everyone pulls together and makes it happen.”
Litvinov added that the team kept the children supported by the CDC in mind during the event. The community’s commitment to helping these children was the driving force behind the regatta, and the recent planning and fundraising efforts.
Though Aarsen Gutters plans to return next year, Litvinov joked they might aim for awards in the silliest boat or silliest sailors categories rather than the fastest time. He described the day as “absolutely fantastic.”
“This event really shows that life isn’t just about ourselves. We live in a community, and the spirit of that community was very strong here,” he said.
Among fundraising groups, Mazzei Electric was recognized as the top corporate fundraiser. Altrusa Nanaimo took the top community fundraising prize, and the Herrington family was the leading family fundraising team.
Jonathan Hale, co-captain of the Mazzei Electric team, praised the event’s community vibe. “We really enjoyed being part of this and seeing everyone come out. Just look at the crowds — there’s nothing about it you wouldn’t want to be involved in.”
His teammate and co-captain, Monika Zwilling, said the regatta was a great way to build team spirit. “It’s a fun day outside on the water, and it’s exciting to see all the creative boats people bring,” she said.
Awards for silliness and team spirit were handed out as well. The Makerspace team won the Silliest Boat award with their Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-inspired vessel. The Green Thumb Garden Centre took home the Silliest Sailors prize with their potted flowers crew. The Best Team Spirit award went to the Altrusa angels.
Youth volunteers from VCA Canada earned the Lil Tuck Trophy for youth spirit. The First to Sink Award was given to the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union team.
Michelle Kocourek, resource development coordinator with the CDC, called the day “a great day.” She added, “It was amazing to see the community come out with such strong support. Having everyone here was wonderful.”
The Silly Boat Regatta once again proved to be a fun, wet, and heartwarming celebration of community and charity in Nanaimo.
