GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Sailors with a knack for building their own seaworthy vessels will join in the fun on March 18 in Cedar Key, Florida, for the first annual Workout on the Waterfront (WoW) Repurpose-It-Regatta.
Organizers challenge participants to make their vessels out of recyclable materials.
“Pollution of our coasts and oceans with debris and other waste is a global problem, and we can all take steps to make sure harmful materials stay out of these ecosystems,” said Savanna Barry, Florida Sea Grant agent with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Nature Coast Biological Station. “We’re encouraging regatta boaters to use natural, biodegradable materials, such as paper and natural fabrics, when constructing their boat.”
The Repurpose-It-Regatta will begin at the intersection of G Street and Second Street at 10:30 a.m. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Boaters can win awards for fastest boat, most creative boat, pulling up the rear, and “pirate heat” — the fastest out of the boats that, while creative, don’t pass inspection at check-in.
A list of qualifying and disqualifying boat materials can be found on the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station website. Self-made boats must also have a name and figurehead or decoration. “We are really asking people to be creative while also showing how our choices impact the environment,” said Mendy Allen, program coordinator for the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station.
Earlier that morning, attendees can appreciate the Nature Coast’s untouched beauty during a coastal heritage 5k run and a kayak race. Both begin at 8 a.m.
The 5K run is open to runners of all ages and will start at Lil Shark Park (192 Second Street) and continue through downtown Cedar Key and the historic waterfront. The kayak race is for those 18 and older and starts at the Cedar Key beach. Kayakers must paddle to Atsena Otie Key, touch a flag on the island and find a piece of trash to take back with them to Cedar Key beach.
A lunch and silent auction will be held at noon. Proceeds from Workout on Waterfront will go to support a new aquarium at the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, audiovisual equipment for the Cedar Key Library and the fall 2017 International Coastal Cleanup.
Register for one or more event at http://tinyurl.com/CedarKeyWoW. Individual event registration fees range between $25 and $40; fees are discounted for those entering more than one event.
Workout on Waterfront is sponsored by the UF Office of Sustainability, Shore Builders, Drummond Bank and Cedar Key Paddling. To sponsor this event, please contact Mendy Allen at 352-222-8585 or mendywillis@ufl.edu.
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By Samantha Grenrock, 352-294-3307, grenrosa@ufl.edu
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
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