New England Outrigger Championships

1. Ariel McNett , Eric McNett 2:08:44 mixed OC2
2. Andrew Binks 2:14:53 SS
3. Jason Rossil 2:19:27 OC1
4. Jay Appelton 2:19:36 SS
5. Colleen Moore 2:19:53 OC1 W
6. Max Tracey 2:23:05 OC1
7. Neil Bartley 2:30:18 OC1
8. Steve Quan 2:31:45 OC1
9. Cindy McNett 2:32:02 OC1 W
10. Ellen Stuart 2:36:57 SS W

Story:

Turnout was very light this year for the first running of the New England outrigger / surfski championships . The reason for the small number of paddlers on hand was the attrocious weather pattern that swept the northeastern United States . Fog , thunder, lightning and rain were predicted and many paddlers that had planned to attend were inclined to spend thier day doing something other than racing off the Maine coast .

As luck would have it after praying for good weather for the race , the early morning thunder boomers and rain departed just before the race was to begin , the fog lifted , sun came out , temps began to rise and the race was started in sunny warm conditions . Winds were very light and the water was almost totally flat for the entire race .

The first leg of the race takes paddlers southeast to the tip of Cushing Island . This entire portion of the course crosses Portland harbor . Then at the tip of the island everyone turned to the northeast and headed down the beautiful Maine coast toward Harpswell , Maine.

The only OC2 in the race , propelled by 15 year old Ariel McNett and her dad were in a small group of three boats at the front early on . Andrew Binks of Maine and Jay Appelton from Vermont both on surfskis took the early lead and were able to hold on till the end 15 miles ahead.

Colleen Moore of Topsham , Maine paddled an awesome race for the women ( all two of them) . What made her race so spectacular was her finish among the mens field, she was actually second overall among the men . This shows that Colleen is in top form now and looking good for a top finish at Blackburn in less than 2 weeks.

Three Canadians from the Toronto area who had competed the day before at Liberty Challenge in New York City actually drove all the way from New York to Maine to attend this race . Jason , Neil , and Steve , you guys are dedicated !!!! Max Tracey drove down from Nova Scotia .

Many mahalos to our sponsors Epic Kayaks , Mad Gringo , Kialoa , Gillespie , New England Small Craft , Eastern Outrigger and Ray Fusco Inc. of Mayors Cup in New York City .
These very generous friends and sponsors stocked the prize table with usefull equipment and gifts and we are very gratefull for thier continued support of our sport.

Special thanks to the City of Portland , Maine , the U.S. Coast Guard , Eddie Mendes of Maine Waterside Homes (chaseboat driver ), Jim Townsend (chaseboat owner), the Sexton Family ( owners of the Basin Point Marina ) And Dave Williams of Willarts Photo for taking all the potos from the chase boat.

Race pics here:
http://www.willarts.com/gallery/index.php?cat=23

Many thanks to all and hope to see you again next year with better weather.

Eastern Outrigger

Posted by keizo on Tue, 07/01/2008 - 11:15pm