Correspondent photos / John Patrick Gatta Team Master Ballers, from left, Jaxson Kosik and Scott Leach, in background, get ahead of Team Garf-Mores Benjamin Weaver and Gianna Swiskoski, foreground, whose cardboard boat fell apart during the 27th annual Raider Regatta on Friday. Friday. Nineteen teams competed.

NORTH LIMA — The 27th annual Raider Regatta took place Friday afternoon at the pond behind the former South Range High School — a longstanding tradition that is a highlight of the school year and a favorite among students and staff alike.

Each year, South Range High School sophomores are challenged to design and build a boat using only cardboard and duct tape, then race it across the pond. The Regatta encourages creativity, teamwork and school spirit, often with plenty of splashes along the way.

Eight boys from the junior class clear the boats from the pond and “rescue” the sophomores whose boats didn’t make the journey. Everyone wears life jackets.

The Raider Regatta is more than just fun; it’s a cross-curricular learning experience that brings math, science and English skills together in a hands-on project. Students must write detailed instructions, calculate measurements, test structural integrity and work collaboratively to bring their vision to life.

Teams create a unique name, choose a theme and dress in costume to compete. Nineteen teams — some with two people and others with four — competed this year.

There are many awards given for categories such as sturdiest ship, fastest finish, smoothest sailing, last boat afloat, best team spirit and the “Titanic” award.

The event is organized and led by 10th grade English teacher Maria Joseph and 9th, 10th and 12th grade math teacher Nico Mancuso, who work together to guide students through the creative process from concept to competition.

It is estimated that between 100 and 150 spectators watched the competition.