Yellow jerseys and yellow lifejackets: Seawork World Cup Cardboard Boat Regatta sails into uncharted waters

In a week defined by technical brilliance, international commerce, and operational seriousness, Seawork’s much-loved Cardboard Boat Regatta provided the perfect antidote — a celebration of creativity, team spirit, and the distinctly British ability to find humour in the face of adversity (and, occasionally, cold water). The 2026 edition, themed around the FIFA World Cup, drew a record entry of 21 teams, each tasked with constructing a seaworthy vessel from nothing more than cardboard and determination.

The quayside at Mayflower Park transformed into a scene of colourful chaos as crews decked out in full football regalia launched their creations onto the water — some elegant, some ambitious, and more than a few optimistically buoyant. Whether they floated with conviction or sank with dignity, every entry brought the spirit of the occasion to life. The crowds, needless to say, were not disappointed.

The competition produced no shortage of drama, invention, and impromptu swimming, as the World Cup theme inspired wonderfully theatrical launches and at least a few designs that their builders would retrospectively describe as ‘experimental.’ The marine professionals watching from the quayside — people who spend their working lives ensuring vessels stay afloat — proved to be an appreciative, and not entirely unsympathetic, audience.

The record entry of 21 boats reflects the growing affection for the regatta across the Seawork community of exhibitors, sponsors, and visitors alike. What started as a light-hearted tradition has evolved into one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Seawork calendar, attracting ever more creative and competitive entries with each passing year.

“The Cardboard Boat Regatta is one of those brilliant moments where the whole of Seawork — exhibitors, visitors, students, and sponsors — comes together simply to enjoy the occasion,” said Mercator CEO, Andrew Webster.. “Twenty-one boats is a record, and a testament to the spirit of this industry.”

Among the standout performances, Soggy Bottom from Wolfston Unit claimed overall honours, while Holy Head took home Best Bedecked for their creative interpretation of the theme. Speed proved too close to call, with PME and Damen sharing the Fastest Boat title, and Tadek Ocean Engineering earned recognition for sheer resilience as the Last Boat Floating.

Looking ahead, Seawork 2027 will see the regatta take on a new theme that takes its cue from the world of cycling: the Tour de France, which begins its 2027 edition in the United Kingdom. Teams are already advised to start thinking about striped jerseys, polka-dot designs, and vessels that can — with a little imagination — resemble a bicycle. On water. Possibly with a maillot jaune.

Seawork 2027 takes place from 15–17 June 2027 at Mayflower Park, Southampton.

Source: Seawork

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