Mariners participate in annual Memorial Day weekend tradition in Florida
KEY WEST, Fla. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Intrepid mariners tried to stay afloat in vessels made of mere bare bones materials during the Shooner Wharf Regatta in Key West.
The offbeat regatta is a Memorial Day weekend tradition in the Florida Keys.
Rules of the event require each team to build a boat out of plywood, duct tape and fasteners. Even caulking the boats is forbidden, though team costumes were encouraged.
A crowd of spectators gathered on the dock to cheer on the boat captains.
Standout entries included a miniature pirate ship with a mermaid figurehead and a tiny Titanic replica that quickly capsized.
Prizes were awarded for the fastest boats, most creative designs, best paint jobs, best costumes and sportsmanship, as well as the least-seaworthy vessels.
