Join the Foolish Fun at the 48th Annual Fools’ Rules Regatta ⛵
Get ready for the most hilarious, exciting, and creative beach event of the summer! Whether you are building a seafaring masterpiece or cheering from the shore, the Fools’ Rules Regatta is a crowd favorite event at Jamestown’s East Ferry.
Event Details
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When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 (Rain date: Sunday, August 9)
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Where: Town Beach, East Ferry in Jamestown, R.I.
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What: BYOB Regatta (Build Your Own Boat, of course!) of boats built on-scene.
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Cost: 100% FREE to enter and watch!
Schedule of Events
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7:30 AM | Arrival and Setup Begins Parking will be available on Shoreby Hill
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9:00 AM | Construction Cannon Fires off You have exactly two hours to build your entire sailing craft on East Ferry Beach.
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11:00 AM | Race Cannon Fires! The down-wind races officially begin, starting with Class 1. Class 2 will line up as Class 1 race continues and so forth.
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12:ish PM | Awards Ceremony from the Chief Fool & Committee
Rules of Foolishness
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No traditional marine Items: Your craft must be made entirely of non-boat parts. Think sandboxes, PVC pipes, lawn chairs, and duct tape! (check out @foolsrulesregatta on instagram for ideas!)
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Build on the Beach: You can pre-cut parts, but your vessel must be completely disassembled before 9:00 AM and built on-site.
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Safety First: Life jackets are strictly required for every participant, and your vessel must have an anchoring device (a jug full of sand often does the trick). A firmly stanced parent holding the vessel may assist your anchor, but no pushing when the cannon fires.
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You build it, you sail it. The vessel can be built ONLY by those sailing. No outside help is allowed.
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Fool’s Rules according to the Chief Fool: the Chief Fool holds the right to change the rules during any race as needed or as wanted. Remember, “Never argue with a fool”
Classes & Coveted Awards
Compete in categories based on your crew size: Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or the Unlimited Class (5+ crew members). Winners take home 1st, 2nd, 3rd place ribbons, and three lucky teams will walk home with the famous Judges’ Awards:
The Karl Smith Most Ingenious Design
The Worst Example of Naval Architecture
The Frank Newman Judges’ Award
Are you foolish enough to enter? Bring your wildest ideas, best costumes and themes old and new!
An Award-Winning Summer Tradition!
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Featured in Yankee Magazine and National Geographic’s World
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Voted “Best Regatta” by Newport Life Magazine
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Named one of magician Mat Franco’s “five favorite things about summer in RI!”
Follow us
Follow us on instagram @foolsrulesregatta and tag us in any of your favorite photos & videos!
