ST. JOSEPH — Southwestern Michigan College will return Thursday to the third annual “Rock the Boat” cardboard boat races hosted by Whirlpool Corp. at the Inn at Harbor Shores.

Proceeds from the 6 p.m. regatta benefit United Way of Southwest Michigan, which funds SMC counseling services. SMC’s boat finished the 2017 race.

SMC’s new life-size cardboard craft will be piloted by students Zachary Davis, Council of Clubs president, and Tyler Boyer. Boats must be made of cardboard, duct tape and polyurethane, powered entirely by human paddling.

The event is open to the public, with food and T-shirts available for sale. The Inn at Harbor Shores is located at 800 Whitwam Drive, St. Joseph. The hotel is adjacent to the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course at the waterside resort two miles from Silver Beach.

“The first year they had five boats, last year they had 30 and this year they have 64,” Vice President of Student Services Joseph Odenwald said. “Zach went on the kayaking trip last week, which was good practice. We’re going to paint it green. There are several styles. Ours is like a jon boat on both ends so if it spins, that person can become the front instead of having to turn it around. It’s relatively light, about 40 pounds, with five gallons of glue holding it together while traveling across the river and back.”

“We’re taking a bus of students who live on campus over to watch as our spirit squad,” Odenwald said. “I’m excited! I’m hoping to display the boat, probably at the (Student Activity Center). I hope it becomes a tradition. If we won we could hang it from the History Gallery ceiling with fishing line.”

Southwestern Michigan College is a public, residential and commuter community college founded in 1964. The college delivers above-average graduation/transfer rates compared to other community colleges nationally and student college-level course success that is consistently in the top 25 percent of two-year colleges nationally. SMC strives to be the college of first choice, to provide the programs and services that meet the needs of students and to serve our community. The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges.

Learn more at swmich.edu or email mediarelations@swmich.edu.