Safety boat opportunity

[Plan C]

I know this is short notice, but I received this just now. It is a 15 mile rowing race out of Anacortes. I bet they'd be enormously pleased to have C Dory safety boat. Can't do it myself because of Wooden Boat Festival.

Dave

I received this from one of the Open Water Racers who was here in June. I know it is the weekend of our WBF, but I thought I could pass it on and perhaps someone out there is interested, or maybe wants to get involved to do it next year.
 
Kate Franco
 
  
New Business:  I'm writing to remind you and your fellow Rat Island Rowers about the upcoming Orca Challenge Race next weekend, Sep 11th.. This year the race is open to rowers, but disappointingly, the only rowers that have signed up are the Knakals in their double.  (I may row my Aero,  if the waves aren't too big and irregular. (But my shell still leaks, as does my level of fitness).

Proceeds from Orca Challenge will go to the help fund the Orca Network -- the Whidbey Island based non-profit dedicated to monitoring and protecting the local Puget Sound Orca populations. 
                         Race also for Cool & Unique Prizes.
Co-sponsored by Sound Rowers Open Water Rowing & Paddling Club. Race open to all human-powered "sea-worthy craft." www.soundrowers.org.

Last year,  the race was not an official Sound Rowers race and rowers were not allowed in the race -- due to space considerations at the marina.  Since I was the most vociferous about this unfortunate decision, it's important that rowers make a showing this year, since the organizers partly moved the start in order to accommodate rowers.    I'm writing to shake up some interest -- and help support each others' races.

The Orca Challenge will offer an adventure and gorgeous scenery through the lesser known southeastern corner of the San Juan Islands.  See Fidalgo, Burroughs, Allan, Pit & Deception Islands. (Deception Islandmarks the western entrance to Deception Pass). Take on the challenge of swirling rip tides, currents, winds, waves, and boat traffic along this 15.5 mile course.  The level of challenge, will vary by weather, winds, and tide.   

Race begins and ends at Washington Park in Anacortes, proceeds south along west shore of Fidalgo Island, down Rosario straight, passes Burroughs and Allan to port, then southeast to Biz Point, down to Bowman Bay, Pit Island, and then to Deception Island at the west end of Deception Pass. Midppoint of race is turnaround of Deception Island -- bucking the strong currents of Deception Pass. Then back up to Washington Park.. 

10 am start; pre-race meeting 9:15.
PFD and ability to self rescue in cold water required. 

Please register soon.
http://www.islandpaddlers.com/p/2010-orca-challenge-fundraising-kayak.html  
You can register day of event, but won't be guaranteed a commemerative shirt.  (not to mention added stress to event organizers).

Hope you can make it. Please spread the word.  Camping available at Washington Park. 
- Debbie Natelson

[hardee]

Dave, This is the same weekend as our Sequim Bay State Park CBGT, from what I can tell. That lets SleepyC out, but with more notice on a good weekend it looks like that would be a fun trip.

Harvey
SleepyC

[Plan C]

I certainly don't want to draw folks away from the Sequim gathering. Maybe this is something we can work into plans next year - hopefully on a different weekend.

Dave

[hardee]

Dave, Sorry I didn't mean to imply, just thinking that there are some folks from up Anacortes way that aren't coming so they might enjoy the rowing festivities. We sure had a good time with them at Port Townsend.

Have a great time at the Wooden Boat Fest.

Harvey
SleepyC