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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula June 22, 2007   Text © 2007 Michele Anderson. Photos © 2007 Michele Anderson and Gustavo Bourdieu.

Cardboard boat races: more photos ...

A dramatic "shipwreck" limited  the large, colorful boat "Technicolor Magic" -- a type of "catamaran" -- to one race. It carried 14 college students until it split in two, sending the whole crew into the drink for a swim. 

"Technicolor Magic," loaded with its crew of 14, takes off with two other boats. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

"We won three awards though," said Zack Wisti, one of the crew. "Most People (we had 14), Best Decorated and Best Sinking."

Crew members of "Technicolor Magic" hit the water laughing as their cardboard "catamaran" splits in two during its one and only race. The shipwreck won it a prize for Best Sinking. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

The crew of "Technicolor Magic," also won prizes for Most People and Best Decorated. Pictured are, left to right, back row: Andrea Taglione, Nick Gast, Ryan Aho, Jared Dorvinen, Dan Gregg, John Gibbs; middle row: Chris Voght, Diane Janicki, Zack Wisti, Sean Yahn; front row: Stephen Bosio, Eric Little, Mike Cole, Kyle Thornton. (Photo © 2007 Michele Anderson)

A highlight of the day was the competition between the City of Houghton boat, "DC Love VI," and the City of Hancock's "Re-Loaded." Hancock had not participated in the cardboard boat races for a few years, and this year they decided to have Houghton crew members build their boat for them.

Hancock City Manager Glenn Anderson, one of the crew on "Re-Loaded," said, "We took donations (of help) from people."

Boats in the final heat of the race include Hancock's "Re-Loaded," far right; Houghton's  "DC Love VI," far left; "SmartZone," center, followed by "SS Shoestack." (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

"SmartZone," left, tries to take the lead in the final heat. They eventually finished second. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

Another member of the Hancock team, City Councilman Ted Belej, said the "Re-Loaded" crew was happy to have Houghton build the boat.

"We figured that way it would put us on an even playing field," Belej said.

Scott MacInnes said he, Houghton Mayor Eric Peterson and former Houghton Mayor Tom Merz worked together to build the Hancock boat. Scott's wife, Betty MacInnes, who is from Hancock, rode in the Hancock boat. 

During the final heat, Merz decided to swim over to Hancock's "Re-Loaded," arousing curiosity as to his motive.

Tom Merz swims toward the Hancock's boat, "Re- Loaded," as it approaches the finish line in the final heat. (Photo © 2007 Michele Anderson)

"We weren't sure what he was going to do so we sent our Fire Chief to greet him," Belej explained.

Hancock Fire Chief John Gedda jumped in the water to "rescue" Merz.

Hancock Fire Chief John Gedda, in water, left, prepares to "rescue" Houghton's Tom Merz. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

This distraction did not prevent Hancock from winning the final heat, with "SmartZone" second, Houghton's "DC Love VI" third and "SS Shoestack" fourth; however, according to MacInnes, "the SmartZone boat is asking for a review of the tape to see if there was any cheating by Hancock in the last heat."

Houghton's Tom Merz, in true "pirate" fashion, attempts to board the Hancock boat he helped construct, while Hancock City Manager Glenn Anderson, right, appears oblivious to any danger as his crew members fend off (rescue?) the intruder toward the finish of the final heat.  (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

Houghton Mayor Eric Peterson said the late Bill Blumhardt, former city councilor, designed and helped build the City of Houghton boat, "DC Love VI." On the side of the boat is written, "Design by and in memory of Bill Blumhardt."

Ann West and her son Ben, far right, try to maneuver their boat, "Deep Blue Yeti," in a race against the City of Houghton boat, "DC Love VI," designed by the late Bill Blumhardt, former city councilor. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

"This is our second year with this particular boat," Peterson said.

Peterson didn't seem to object to Hancock's winning the race in a boat built by Houghton crew members. He noted  Hancock's crew is a good group to work with.

"They're always a lot of fun, and it's good to have a friendly rivalry," Peterson said.

Go to page 3 for more photos of the cardboard boat races.

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