Crowds cheered on the valiant sailors as they launched pre-made cardboard vessels into the chilly lake.
The race drew 10 entries, competing to win the five prizes up for grabs - the fastest boat to complete the course, best themed boat, most outrageous boat, commodore's choice and the annual Titanic "Best Sink" Trophy.
A boat-building day was held at Kahu Youth earlier in the month as part of the youth service’s holiday programme.
This year the charity was nominated as primary tenant for the new community hub at the former Wanaka Mitre10 building on Reece Crescent.
Funds raised from the cardboard race will go towards the fit-out of the building.
Kahu Youth operates out of the former Wanaka Physiotherapy building in Russell St, near Wanaka’s town centre.
Boat race participants were encouraged to set up their own Givealittle pages as part of the fundraiser.
The youth service has delivered more than 2440 drop-in service hours, 600 hours in after-school programmes, 300 hours in youth mentoring and 58 days of holiday programmes in the past year.
