Skip to Content Cal Poly News Search Cal Poly News Go California Polytechnic State University January 26, 2003 Contacts: Howard Weisenthal (805) 756-2491 hweisent@calpoly.edu FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cardboard Boat Regatta Champion Gordon Wong Wins First Place Trophy by Half Second Click Here for Photos SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Cal Poly's Recreation Center Pool was once again the site for the ever-innovative Cardboard Boat Regatta, held today (January 26) starting at 10 am. The event was hosted by the College of Architecture and Environmental Design and the Cal Poly Rec Center. According to Professor Mark Cabrinha, a 2nd year architecture design instructor and one of the organizers, "We had several very close finishes, especially the finale by just half a second." He estimates that nearly 300 spectators turned out to cheer on 54 students in a fundamental architectural design class. Other advisors with the assignment where architecture professors Jim Bagnall and Howard Weisenthal. Bagnall observed, "The great race weather today complimented a very talented group of designers who turned out to test their crafts and navigation skills." According to Weisenthal, "The students took responsibility for their own design decisions and learned firsthand about professional ethics." Weisenthal adds, "Many earned the satisfaction of knowing it was a combination of design and finesse in navigating the course that kept them from getting soaked." They were given the challenging assignment to design, construct and attempt to skipper water-worthy vessels each made from only two sheets of corrugated cardboard (4 feet by 6 feet), brown paper tape and clear polyurethane waterproofing. To pass the exercise each captain had to keep his or her cardboard boat afloat to navigate one lap of the Regatta course. This year the winners had to weather two heats and a final round. The most skilled designers competed in the Regatta finale. Successfully floating into the winners' circle was Tenley McGurk of Stockton, CA, with her 3rd Place boat "Audacious." "I was worried about even placing in the first heat, so I was really surprised to be in the final race. It was awesome to win 3rd Place! I guess my ten years of swimming came in handy." McGurk came in just behind 2nd Place winner Luke Manriquez of Ventura, CA, with his aptly titled boat "Torpedo." Reflecting on his achievement, Manriquez said, "After the first heat I started to get tired, but the flat bottom design came through for me and helped for balance and buoyancy. I feel good coming in second, and missed first by just a half a second!" Architecture student Gordon Wong of Saratoga, CA, was the Regatta champ and he took home the 1st Place Trophy and largest cash award with his animated boat "Hammy." "The crowd cheering and screaming for us was the wildest thing I've experienced," said Wong. "I reached out and touched the finish line and I felt on top of the world. I won it for Professor Weisehthal who inspired me." All three winners are 3rd year architecture students experiencing one of the highlights of this 2nd year design course. The winners took home trophies, certificates and cash awards courtesy of the Regatta's sponsor, San Luis Paper Company, which also provided a victory celebration for all the students who competed today. - 30 NOTE to Editors and News Directors: To receive an emailed photo on Monday of the Regatta, please contact Ray Ladd, (805) 756-7432, rladd@calpoly.edu, cell phone: 550-7669. Ray Ladd, Associate Director of Advancement College of Architecture and Environmental Design Building 05, Room 212 1 Grand Avenue Cal Poly San Luis Obispo CA 93407 P (805) 756-7432 F (805) 756-5986 rladd@calpoly.edu CP Home • CP Find It Get Adobe Reader • Microsoft Viewers Events • Recent Releases • Cal Poly Magazine • Cal Poly Update E-newsletter • Contact Public Affairs • Alumni • Giving • Athletics Cal Poly Public Affairs California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 805.756.7266 polynews@calpoly.edu