There's a brand-new Scouting season on the horizon, meaning it's almost time to gear up for the Raingutter Regatta! We know Scouts are always excited to compete in the annual boat race, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see all the one-of-a-kind boat designs that capture our hearts (and imaginations) every year. To help parents and Scouts get ready for this fun-fueled boat racing event, we've curated a quick list of five helpful tips to craft a winning sailboat. Whether you're a first-time parent getting ready to compete in the boat race or a Scout Leader looking for new ways to make the most of this year's event, read on to learn more about these five super quick and practical Raingutter Regatta tips.

1. Use the Official Raingutter Regatta Racing Kit
2. Practice Blowing the Sails
3. Make Sure Your Boat Doesn't Break the Rules
4. Don't Use Water-Based Paints
5. Make Sure You Have Fun

Save yourself the time (and headache) of gathering all the boat racing supplies you will need for this year's event and order a Raingutter Regatta Racing Trimaran Kit from ScoutShop.org! The Trimaran Boat Kit is an exclusive alternative to the original Raingutter Regatta single-hull design and features a trimaran hull built for stability and speed in the water. The hull is also specially designed to prevent your boat from tipping over during the race.

If it's your first time competing, or maybe you're looking to improve your sailboat's outcome in this year's event, the best way to make sure you're ready for the Raingutter Regatta is to practice blowing the sail. We know designing the boat can be fun, quick, and easy, but building a fast sailboat that finishes in the top three will require some degree of practice. After all, you wouldn't expect to get an A+ on a test you didn't study for, right?

If you're unfamiliar with how the boat race works, during the Raingutter Regatta, sailboats are raced down a length of water-filled rain gutters, powered by the Scout blowing into the sail through a soda straw. Each Scout races in several heats, and the fastest time determines the winner. The best technique for winning is to practice blowing hard in a small, concentrated area. The last thing you'll want to do is make yourself lightheaded by blowing the sails too hard and too often without catching your breath! Practice testing your sailboat at a pond or pool before the race, concentrating on the airflow, or taking deep breaths to maximize air output. If you want to practice in the backyard or host your race with friends any time of year, you can purchase a Raingutter Regatta Inflatable Raceway. It's great for the official Raingutter Regatta, but you can have this raceway ready in just five minutes to create some instant fun anytime and anywhere! Bring the raceway, boats, and friends with you, inflate the course, and you're ready to go! 

Check out what other customers are saying about the Raingutter Regatta Inflatable Raceway!

Although the rules can vary from event to event, nearly every race requires Scouts to build sailboats using the parts of the Trimaran kit. Each boat must look like a sailboat, so (unfortunately) you won't be able to re-invent the boat's design. It's important to note all pieces in the boat kit must be used in the design. Boats from previous years' races cannot be used. It's safe to assume that all boats will be inspected during the appointed check-in time to ensure they comply with the rules and specifications set by your local Race Committee.

Here's a quick list of some of the most common rules for the Raingutter Regatta: 

• You must use all the pieces in the Trimaran Boat Kit.
• You cannot add weights to your sailboat. 
• No sails may be used other than the one supplied in the official kit. 
• The sail must be mounted on the mast using holes provided in the sail. The sail may be glued to the mast at the two points of contact with holes in the sail. 
• You cannot glue your sail to any other point of the hull. 
• The maximum length is 6 3/4" long, and the minimum length should be no less than the length of the hull provided in the kit. 
• The mast may not be shortened.

Don't use water-based paints. Although water-based paint is versatile, dries quickly, and doesn't carry a strong, harsh smell, you should remember the race will take place in water, and the paint will start to come off your sailboat. Seriously, by the end of the event, the water will be a dark, murky mess, and your gorgeous sailboat won't look so pristine anymore! We can't stress this enough. It's best not to use water-based paints like acrylic or latex and instead use spray paint to decorate your boat.

Here are some tips for painting your boat!

• Sand lightly with sandpaper.
• Wipe off all sanding dust with a tack cloth. 
• Use two coats of light paint.
• Dry for 1 to 2 hours between each coat.

Scouting can teach us how to win with humility and accept defeat with grace, but regardless of your sailboat's outcome, the most important thing is to have fun! Not only is designing the sailboat an excellent way for parents to connect with their children, but also a fantastic opportunity for Scouts to compete against and learn from other Scouts their age. To have the most fun without the stress at this year's event, we recommend ordering your Raingutter Regatta Racing Trimaran Kit a month ahead of time, consulting with your troop's racing committee regarding the rules and specifications, and dropping your boat off for inspection early, typically no later than the morning of the event (usually 9 a.m.). Eat a healthy breakfast before the race, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and have fun!

Whether you're looking for the official Raingutter Regatta Racing Trimaran Kit, Raingutter Regatta Inflatable Raceway, Raingutter Regatta Sticker Decals, or Raingutter Regatta Neck Medals, Scout Shop is your one-stop-shop for all things boat racing! Shop Scouting uniforms for youth and adults, camping gear, and hiking equipment at ScoutShop.org—the official online retail store of the Boy Scouts of America!