Building Boats, Launching Futures: Plywood Regatta Returns for 29th Year
The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) just announced the 29th Annual Plywood Regatta, a two-day boat-building and racing event taking place April 25–26, 2026, for the second year at Snyder Park and The FORT Pickleball, South Florida’s premier pickleball and lifestyle destination.
Created in 1961, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) is a not-for-profit in the South Florida region dedicated to promoting, protecting and growing the marine industry. The association has over 500 members in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties and is the owner of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Held each spring, the Plywood Regatta brings together students, educators, mentors, volunteers and marine industry professionals for a weekend focused on hands-on learning, teamwork and careers on the water. Now in its 29th year, the event will span two locations, according to the organization, with Day 1 boatbuilding at Snyder Park and Day 2 racing and awards at The FORT Pickleball. Middle school and high school students will design and build seaworthy boats in a single day using only plywood, zip ties, 5200 fast-cure caulk and marine grade paint. The following day, the boats are launched and raced in heats as teams compete across multiple divisions.
The Plywood Regatta introduces young marine enthusiasts and the broader community to the craft of boat building and the excitement of recreational boating. Proceeds support MIASF’s marine education initiatives and scholarship fund, according to the organization, which awarded $15,000 in 2025 to graduating high school seniors pursuing marine-related careers.
