Marco Quinonez definitely felt more prepared Saturday for the fifth annual Clarendon Hills Park District Cardboard Boat Regatta than he was couple of years ago during his first such experience.
“I was much better at rowing this time,” the 10-year-old Clarendon Hills resident said after winning the award for fastest vessel in a field of 15 competing boats at Lions Park Pool. He finished in 2 minutes 26 seconds with his black submarine style cardboard boat.
“I went to a camp in Texas and learned there to get better at rowing,” he said.
He said he also used more duct tape on his paddles to better keep water off the cardboard.
Marco had hopeful expectations entering the 2018 regatta, but wasn’t overly confident.
“I wasn’t that sure about winning, but I thought I’d do better than last time,” he said. “I was excited to do this again and excited to win.”
The People’s Choice Award was a tie, with the Yellow Rubber Duck Boat by Nico St. Angel, 10, and the Dragon by Sahana Krishianthan, 10, sharing honors.
“The morning was filled with cheers for all,” said Valerie Louthan, aquatic/recreation supervisor for the park district.
