Build-A-Boat Race builds camaraderie Published July 20, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Thirty-nine teams competed in Sheppard's Annual Build-a-Boat-Race July 18, where teams tested their ability to design a watercraft with nothing more than cardboard and duct tape. Then they raced the watercraft to one end of the pool and back. The event was highly competitive but in the end its main purpose was to have fun and work as a team. "Build-a-Boat is a fun and competitive program designed to build morale as well as provide a means of enhancing team building skills and camaraderie among base personnel," said Denice Tilley, 82nd Force Support Squadron. The teams competed for five different awards: the Jewel of the Pool, for the team with the best decorated boat; the Rock, fastest sinking; the Barracuda, fastest time; the Chipper Clipper, most enthusiastic team; and the Commander's Choice, overall winner determined by the judges. Although every team put in enormous effort, there were specific trophies for a few. The 363rd Training Squadron's team earned the title of the Rock when their F-16 shaped craft was the fastest to sink, unfortunately not making it past the starting line. The Chipper Clipper award went to the 364th TRS for their enthusiasm and overall team player attitude. Fastest time went to the First Sergeants team who walked away with the Barracuda Award and a pool float for each team member. The Jewel of the Pool Award went to the 362nd TRS for the most decorated craft and most decorated boat captain who dressed in a Hannah Montana get-up. The 362nd didn't stop there. They also took home the Commander's Choice trophy as the overall winner of the event, presented by 82nd Training Wing Vice Commander Col. Michael Hake.