Regatta of Bathtubs and Unusual Boats

Here's a short alt tag for the image: Kids on homemade raft, having fun.

The annual Banheiras e Insólitos Regatta of Baía do Sado is a celebration of homemade (barely) seaworthy boats in Setubal, Portugal

Banheiras e Insólitos Regatta of Baía do Sado (video: Brent Petersen)

It seems there’s always something fun going on in our town of Setubal, Portugal. Music festivals, great food & drink, and sporting events are commonplace. Then, there’s the oddball Banheiras e Insólitos Regatta of Baía do Sado (Regatta of Bathtubs and Unusual Boats).

Held each year and starting on the waterfront at the Urban Park of Albarquel in Setubal, human and windpowered makeshift watercraft try to complete the 300 meter course on the Sado River. A few will make it with relative ease while most will struggle with steering and/or taking on water.

Third place finish, but first in our hearts (photo: Brent Petersen)
Hope they stay afloat (photo: Brent Petersen)
His paddles are made from local reeds. So cool! (photo: Brent Petersen)
Successful daddy/daughter outing (photo: Brent Petersen)
Some great costumes (photo: Brent Petersen)
Someone call the coast guard to separate these two boats (photo: Brent Petersen)
Marines of the Sado River (photo: Brent Petersen)
Sometimes dad needs to lend a kick (photo: Brent Petersen)
This guy has the right idea (photo: Brent Petersen)

Luckily, the local coast guard is on hand to help with anyone who runs into real trouble.

After the light hearted race is completed everyone gathers on the beach for a beer or two.

Afterparty and some well-deserved beverages (photo: Brent Petersen)

About the Author

Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel “Truffle Hunt” (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection “That Bird.” He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides to cities around the world on Destination Eat Drink, including in-depth eating and drinking guides to Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Monsaraz, and Evora in Portugal. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms and is distributed by the Radio Misfits Podcast Network.