Design and build a boat. From lollipop sticks???

Children Throughout Ireland are joining the HB Let’s Sail Competition As They Play Their Part in the Volvo Ocean Race…

The HB Let’s Sail Competition is part of the Volvo Ocean Race Galway Stopover 2009. Primary and Secondary school students throughout the country are being invited to design and build a boat, made using HB ice-cream sticks, by the closing date of 27^th April 2009.  The overall winner will receive a family trip to the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover in Stockholm and all finalists will meet the Green Dragon crew during their stopover in Galway from 23^rd May to 6^th June 2009.

To get your 'HB Let’s Sail Starter Kit', which contains over 300 ice-cream sticks and tips on how to build your boat, contact the HB Careline on 1850 444 424 between 9am-6pm.  The entries judged to be the most creative, with the entrant’s age taken into account, will be displayed in the Race Village during the Volvo Ocean race's Stopover in Galway.

Giving tips on how to build your boat, top boat builder and Green Dragon Show Crew Manager Johnny Smullen said: “It is important that the hull is strong and stable and it should be pointed at the front so it van glide through the water. The mast should be high enough to support a large sail and strong enough to hold the boom.”

And of course, entrants can recycle their used HB ice cream sticks  if the creation requires additional ice cream sticks. Ice cream sticks  from  Brunch, Choc Ice , Loop the Loop, Wibbly Wobbly Wonder, Twister & Split, are available from supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide, to ensure you are finished in no time.

Commenting on the initiative, Colette Coughlan, Brand Manager, HB ice cream added: “We are delighted to run  this excellent initiative, which allows children throughout Ireland show their creative talents. Our judging panel, including members of the Green Dragon Boat, are already excited about the competition. We also see this competition as a unique opportunity to provide many schools with the opportunity to  attend what is sure to be the sporting event of 2009.”

The HB Let’s Sail Competition, part of the Ocean Adventure Schools Programme 2008-2009, is open to students in primary and secondary schools throughout Ireland,  Sailing club junior members and youth clubs throughout the country are also encouraged to sign up online and get involved in this exciting ocean adventure at, www.hbicecream.ie  or www.letsdoitschools.com