ELKHART — Some boats floated and others flipped over, but the captains of the cardboard vessels that raced to raise money for the United Way of Elkhart County on Friday all had fun out on the water.

The third “What Floats Your Cardboard Boat” race kicked off the local United Way’s annual campaign at the organization’s Elkhart headquarters on C.R. 17.

“We raised $1.9 million in 2011, and we’re hoping for even better results this year,” said Jessica Koscher, United Way executive vice president.

A dozen elaborate boats hit the water Friday afternoon including a tugboat, an oversized six pack of Landshark beer and a recreation of Max’s boat from the classic children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are.” The Parrot Heads of Michiana, a group of Jimmy Buffett fans, made a splash in the pond in a pirate ship.

“A lot of work went into it,” said club social director Brian Sharkey, who dressed as a swashbuckling adventurer. “It probably took about 15 to 20 hours to finish.”

In the end, first place went to two polka dot bandana-wearing Pink Ladies who navigated the pond in a bright red racecar dubbed “Greased Lightning.” Pamela Ciesielski and Aleigha Miller work with the Association for the Disabled of Elkhart County. The pair built their cardboard boat with the help of ADEC’s clients.

“I did this last year, and it was so much fun that I wanted to do it again,” Miller said.

Council on Aging of Elkhart County executive director Tammy Smith volunteered at the race Friday and was happy with the turnout.

“As a United Way agency, it’s awesome to see all of this support,” she said.

Organizations that participated in Friday’s race included IU Health Goshen, Thor Industries, Welch Packaging, ETHOS, Cummins Onan, LaSalle Bristol, Parrot Heads of Michiana, Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, Tom Naquin Auto Group, Nappanee Public Library and ADEC.