More than $2,600 raised for Alzheimer’s research
There’s not a lot of boat racing in landlocked Denver. Google “Metro Denver boat races,” and you’ll see a whopping two. There is, however, a third boat race — the Holly Creek Boat Regatta, held every August right here at our Centennial retirement community’s swimming pool. And some say this is the most exciting race of all.
No other race can boast floatable devices made of cardboard, duct tape, and plastic. No fancy fiberglass, wood, or aluminum for the Holly Creek mariners. Second, the boats are designed and built by residents and team members, working together to build a sturdy craft worthy of winning the race, or at least not sinking to the bottom of the pool. Third, all vessels must be paddled by hand by a single captain in head-to-head competition. Fourth, you can bet on the boats!
One may ask, “We’re not in Las Vegas – isn’t it illegal to bet on boat racing in Colorado?” The answer is no when all bets are donated to the Colorado chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. And that’s exactly where Holly Creek’s Boat Regatta bets went. Bets placed on the six boats racing the regatta raised more than $2,600 this year.
Six boats entered, but only one could be named regatta champion.
The first heat featured the biggest boat in the race, the intimidating Cyber Boat, which dwarfed other boats. Racing the Cyber Boat was the SS Holly, a well-designed, sturdy craft with a shaped hull for improved aerodynamics. Resident Jim Ryan designed this boat and took 16 rolls of duct tape to build. The SS Holly capsized twice during the race, providing the Cyber Boat, captained by Holly Creek Executive Director Michelle Fraternali, a well-earned victory. “If Tesla gets into boat building, the Cyber Boat could be the first model,” Fraternali said.
Also in the first heat was Pirates Booty, built by the community’s dining department with the help of resident Hale Moore. Their matching pirate outfits dazzled the more than 150 event spectators. They were pitted against the Pooligans, a team of crack facilities maintenance team members who built a very sleek, scaled-down version of a speed boat. It was another close race, but Pirates Booty captain Charlotte, a server in Holly Creek’s Centennials restaurant, rowed her way to victory.
The second heat featured two new race boats, both of which had a bye in the first heat. The Timbers Tikki Cruiser was the only boat with a team member who spent time in the Navy. Decorated WWII veteran Roy Christensen was the torpedo man on the submarine USS Raton, which actively engaged and sunk enemy warships. Christensen lent his expertise and can-do spirit to the rest of his teammates including captain Tammy Gleisner, who describes herself as “a social worker by day and a boat captain by day.” Pitted against the Tikki Cruiser was Smile & Wave, captained by staff member Tammy. Unfortunately, the Tikki Cruiser sunk to the bottom of the pool almost immediately, leaving Smile & Wave victorious. The Cyber Boat also succumbed to technological difficulties, leaving just two pool-worthy vessels left.
The final race was at hand, with the winner crowned the 2024 Holly Creek Boat Regatta Champion. As Smile & Wave lined up against Pirates Booty, tension was in the air. Final bets on the winning boat were made and it was time for the best boat to win. It wasn’t a photo finish because Pirates Booty touched the finish line about 10 boat lengths ahead of Smile & Wave. The audience erupted in joy and the Pirates Booty crew gathered at the center of the pool deck to receive their trophy.
It was a summer day of splashing-good fun for the staff, residents, family and friends of Holly Creek. All bets were collected and donated to the Alzheimer’s Association, and crew members have already started to discuss how they would improve their boats for the 2025 Boat Regatta. If you have an extra roll or two of duct tape, feel free to drop it off at the community’s front desk. It will go to good use and may end up on a winning boat.
