The Salem Maritime Festival will feature musicians, a magician, visiting vessels, historic craft demonstrators, and hands-on activities. The day will kick off the Great Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta.

Teams of two will test their engineering, ingenuity, and artistry by building homemade boats constructed on cardboard and duct tape. Launching from Derby Beach in a series of heats, teams will race to paddle their cardboard boats in the Salem Sound.

Schedule of Events

• 11:00 am - 1:00 pm: The Great Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta (races and award ceremony)
• 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm: Demonstrators, exhibits, and activities
• 12:45 pm - 6:30 pm: Live music and entertainment
• 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Free kayak and paddleboat rentals
• 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Reopening of the Salem Custom House Two teams in homemade cardboard boats paddle in a harbor The Great Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta (2023) NPS Photo The Great Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta Join Salem Maritime National Historic Site for Salem's favorite cardbord-themed event!

Taking place during the Maritime Festival, local teams will race their homemade cardboard boats in Salem Harbor. Spectators are encouraged to line Derby Wharf and cheer on the racers.

If you would like to learn more about competing in the Cardboard Boat Regatta, please follow this link (https://www.nps.gov/sama/planyourvisit/cardboard-boatregatta.htm) to review the rules and submit an application.