It Was "The Donald" Vs. "Hillary" In Wacky Key West Regatta
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KEY WEST (CBSMiami/FKNB) - "The Donald" and "Hillary" battled for supremacy in Key West on Memorial Day weekend, but it wasn't in a blistering debate or a social media sparring match.
Instead, competitors portraying the presidential candidates went head-to-head during the Schooner Wharf Minimal Regatta, a quirky challenge for boats made of thin plywood and duct tape.
Some 20 teams competed in the offbeat Sunday afternoon event, attempting to avoid sinking while navigating a short course faster than their opponents -- each in a makeshift boat that team members built from a sheet of 4-by-8-foot plywood, two 8-foot-long two-by-fours, a pound of fasteners and a trusty roll of duct tape.
Hundreds of spectators cheered as "Hillary" and "Donald" steered their red-white-and-blue vessels around the course, fighting for the frontrunner's spot while managing to stay afloat. Eventually Hillary triumphed over her unhappy opponent.
Other regatta standouts included the blue-and-yellow HMS Flounder, whose captain kept paddling even as it sank, and a patriotic pirate ship piloted by a winsome wench.
While many vessels remained more-or-less afloat, at least two sank practically before leaving the dock.
Prizes were awarded for the fastest boats, most creative designs, best paint jobs, best costumes and sportsmanship — as well as the dreaded "sinker" awards recognizing the least-seaworthy vessels.
The Florida Keys News Bureau contributed to this report.
