Press

Low-cost, premier national Internet Service Provider (ISP) OWC.net and parent company Other World Computing (OWC) the industry's leading technology solutions provider, will sail the "S.S. OWC.net" in the 22nd annual running of the America's Cardboard Cup Regatta, being held Saturday, June 24, in Crystal Lake, Ill.

The Regatta is a world-renowned event among boating aficionados. Entrants have traveled from as far as New Zealand, Germany, and Australia to participate in prior years.

The event pits would-be sailors against the sea, or at least against the shallow waters of Crystal Lake's Main Beach Park, as the challenge of keeping a paper boat and crew afloat entertains thousands of spectators and raises funds for local charities and social service agencies. Other World Computing and OWC.net are recognized for work with a number of local and national charitable causes.

OWC Logistics Manager Larry O'Connor Sr. and OWC Warehouse Manager Phil Olson headed up the boat-building crew. The vessel incorporates computer design elements reflective of OWC.net's status as the highest quality national ISP at less than half the price of other national Internet providers.

Olson describes the S.S. OWC.net as a "Jon boat" style - meaning a rowboat-type design, but with a wider bottom and shallower sides for maximum water displacement in shallow waters. It will be powered by rowboat paddles and kept afloat by an application of event-sanctioned cardboard sealant and a lot of positive thinking.

In what will probably be both its maiden voyage and farewell journey, the S.S. OWC.net and its fearless crew will participate in a 200-yard boat race and also be eligible for prizes awarded in the following categories:

• Geezer Cup - for competitors 50 years old and up
• Most Spectacular Sinking
• Most Enthusiastic Crew - both on the boat and sailing and land-based supporters
• Stars & Stripes - the boat with the most patriotic theme
• Most Creative Theme - the boat that most creatively expresses a theme
• Most Attractive
• Ugliest Boat

When Olson was asked if the OWC.net craft was built for speed or built for looks, he enthusiastically answered, "Both." As for what his race-day strategy and advice to the crew will be, Olson answered, "Go like heck."

Proceeds from the fund-raising afternoon will go to some very worthwhile McHenry County agencies, including the McHenry County Cooperative Dental Clinic, Children's Oncology, McHenry County PADS, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Pioneer Center , McHenry County Hospice, Community Action, Home of the Sparrow, Peace 4 All, and McHenry County Child Advocacy.

For more information about the event, visit www.cardboardcup.com.

OWC.net provides Internet access at a fraction of the price of other national Internet services, with prices starting below $6.00 a month. Visit www.OWC.net, email service@owc.net, or call toll free (800) 869-9152.