James had his first big competition with Cub Scouts this past Saturday at the Raingutter Regatta in Harveysburg, Ohio.

It is an event where Scouts build sailboats from blocks of partially shaped pine blocks. Then they paint them and they are placed into aluminum rain gutters. Next, Scouts place their boats at the end, outsides of the gutters. When the leader says “Go!” two Scouts blow their sail boats towards the insides of the gutters. They are not allowed to touch the boats if they tip over, or turn – that is up to Scout leaders who assist.

James won his first race, lost the second, won his third (double elimination) and then lost his fourth just a race or two from the winner spot. His boat took 3rd place as a Tiger Cub for “Craftsmanship”. He also raised $202 in popcorn sales with the help of his dad and family and friends buying popcorn.