Merry-Go-Round Boat Race Checklist: What to Arrange

A merry-go-round boat race needs more than boats and a finish line. You must secure the route, navigation permit, starting location, jury boat, rescue boat and toilet facilities before registrations open. Participant rules, safety instructions and volunteer roles should be ready well before race day. This checklist takes you from the competition concept and registration process to marking the course, placing buoys and preparing the start and finish.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Define the competition concept
2 people
Set out the course route
3 people
Check the navigation permit
Reserve starting location
Reserve the jury boat
Reserve rescue boat
Reserve toilet facilities
Draw up participant rules
2 people
Publish registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Approach sponsors
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Check participant details
2 people
Assign start numbers
2 people
Send participant letter
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Assign volunteer tasks
2 people
Prepare safety instructions
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Check competition equipment
2 people
Mark route points
3 people
Place buoys along the route
4 people
Prepare the judging boat
3 people
Prepare rescue boat
3 people
Set up tents
4 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
Set up the drinks station
2 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Set up lighting
2 people
Lay out bib numbers
2 people
Check safety equipment
2 people

Event

Receive participants
4 people
Register attendance
2 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Give the safety briefing
2 people
Bring the dinghies to the start
4 people
Carry out the start procedure
3 people
Record match progress
4 people
Monitor the route and participants
5 people
Record split times
3 people
Record the finishing order
3 people
Welcome participants
4 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Serve dinner buffet
4 people
Collect tableware
2 people
Check results
2 people
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Provide music
Collect waste along the way
2 people

Aftercare

Remove buoys from the water
4 people
Return the competition boats
3 people
Take down tents
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Switch off equipment
2 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Clean coolers
2 people
Publish match results
Send thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 100
Bar stoolsqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Competition buoysqty 12
Anchorsqty 12
Anchor linesqty 12
Start flagsqty 2
Finish flagsqty 2
Route signsqty 10
Bib numbersqty 25
Life jacketsqty 30
Life ringsqty 4
Throw linesqty 4
Whistlesqty 12
Waterproof bagsqty 10
Judging boat
Rescue boat
Paddlesqty 8
Mooring linesqty 12

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Megaphoneqty 2
Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 8
Work lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Tea glassesqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Carafesqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Food warmersqty 6
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 20
Tableclothsqty 10
Balloonsqty 100
Prizesqty 6
Medal ribbonsqty 25
Bib numbersqty 25

Cleaning

Trash bag holdersqty 8
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Paper towel rollsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the navigation permit and course route before booking the start location. Route changes made after invitations go out can affect participant information, buoy placement and safety coverage.
Book the jury boat and rescue boat early, then confirm who operates each one. A boat that is reserved but has no assigned crew is not a workable race-day plan.
Send the participant letter after checking names, dietary requirements and start numbers. Include the rules, arrival details, safety instructions and any information participants need before launching.
Give every volunteer a defined task and a communication method before race day. Use walkie-talkies for key positions, and make sure the rescue team, jury and start area can contact one another.
Do the final weather check and equipment check before loading the boats. Count buoys, anchors, anchor lines, flags, life jackets, throw lines and whistles rather than assuming they are already together.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a merry-go-round boat race?: Start the main planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the race. Allow extra time for the navigation permit, boat reservations, toilet facilities, sponsors, registrations and volunteer recruitment.
When should I open registration for a merry-go-round boat race?: Open registration once the concept, route, rules and basic safety arrangements are confirmed, usually 4 to 6 weeks before the event. Close it early enough to check participant details, collect dietary requirements and assign start numbers.
How many safety boats does a merry-go-round boat race need?: The plan should include at least one dedicated rescue boat, separate from the judging boat. The final number depends on the course length, water conditions, participant count and local safety requirements, so confirm this before publishing the route.
When should I place the buoys for the boat race?: Mark the route and place the competition buoys on the event day, before participants are called to the start. Build in at least 2 to 3 hours for anchoring, checking route signs and correcting the course before the first race.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.