Have any of you LCTers participated in a boat building contest on board? Seen one? We need Ideas and inspiration. The boat has to contain the Regent logo, but cannot be named Explorer, Mariner, Navigator or Voyager (in case of sinking). It has to be able to carry cargo (4 full soda cans) and we cannot use any on board safety equipment, furniture, art etc. We have cardboard, tape, etc. We can use things like corks, soda bottles, etc. We really need some help with creativity and ideas........

I love this idea! Years ago our Yacht Club had a cardboard boat building contest every summer. It was so much fun. Our boats had to carry two passengers and we paddled them around a race course in the river.I can give you a few tips on what works and what doesn't. First of all, the best shape is like a canoe with a pointed bow and stern so it can easily move through the water. Start with the bottom and then add the sides.Rafts don't work - they always seemed to tip over. Everyone thinks the biggest problem will be the cardboard getting wet, which it will, but the boats usually fell apart at the seams before that could happen, so how you use the tape is the big concern - use a lot and make sure to reinforce all the areas that will be the most stressed, especially the seams. If you have any access to wax coated cardboard (like milk cartons) they work great. Or you could make your own protective barrier with lotion or hair conditioner. Good luck, have fun and take lots of pictures.

Kathy: I can't imagine how I would ever be in a position to make a cardboard boat, but your ideas fascinated me! Brilliant!! Lee

Haha! Thanks, Lee! That was many, many years ago.....

Thanks for the advice Kathy. I asked several crew members for waxed cardboard and though I tried to explain what it was, they had no idea what I was asking for. We were able to build the structure today using water bottles, corks, hangers, pasteboard, swizzle sticks, tape, etc. Evidently there has been a run on corks on the ship lately. We held sea trials today and she stayed afloat, She is not in dry dock awaiting further improvements.

Any one have any ideas for a name?

We've never done that but it sounds challenging...and fun ! Hope you win and we get to see a photo of it.

Bon Voyage, Marc and Arlene -- If I'd been thinking, I would have had our Naval Architect son give you some advice, although he builds submarines, so not sure how much help he'd be .

Name it the Molly Brown

"Levin the life"
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Helen

I second that! Perfect name for the boat after Marc's retirement

I absolutely love that name so clever. You have to send a picture of the boat send it to Julie she will post it on LCT. Just ask her to post it as I am in South America for the next week.

What a GREAT name !!

Perfect

We will post a picture when we can, but we didn't do too well. There were 5 boats entered with 1st, 2nd, 3rd place. We didn't even place. Oh well. There were four of us building it and 4 people with strong opinions makes for some tough decisions and give and take, There will be another contest on the next leg of the cruise, and now that Marc and I are experienced, and we have the best name (THANKS Helen) we are going to give it another try and be a lot more creative. We will keep you posted.

We have been having a great time, but with the ship so full, the internet has been slow, slow, slow. Most everyone is disembarking tomorrow, so until the new passengers come onboard about noon we should be able to post more and post some pictures.

Most of you know Suzanne and Mark and they have been on Azamara following us around for a few days. Both of our ships were in Dubai today so we were able to have them come onboard tonight for dinner. As usual when LCTers get together, a fun time was had by all. Last time we saw them was GRAND PRE in 2012, in Rio, so it was great to meet up with them here in Dubai. We will post pictures of that tomorrow as well. Off to bed now though, it has been a long day.

I am sure that was a fun lunch, Suzanne or Suzette whatever you call her, and Mark are both a ton of fun that is for sure. I