2009 Salem Sound Double Header Race Summary – by Wesley Echols

Something Different!

The Salem Sound Double Header offered two slightly different twists than our usual races this summer. Race Director Ed Duggan of Beverly intentionally kept the multitude of potential race courses close to his vest until that morning increasing the tension leading up to the race.

Salem Sound is encircled by many islands, Little Misery, Big Misery, Bakers, etc, and is noted for its extensive boat traffic coming in and out of Beverly and Marblehead, Massachusetts, and for its rough water. The Beverly Boys as we affectionately call them, race these waters most Tuesday’s during the summer as part of their league. Cory Lancaster, Mike Tracy, Mike McDonough, Mike Chamness, Bill Kuklinski, Graeme Rockett, Ken Cooper, Ed Duggan, Jim Gilligan, Kirk Olsen make up this group who all live in or about the surrounding Beverly area. Chris Chappell while living in Wayland was an added racer to this year’s league.

The other tension building aspect of this race lies in the name “Double Header”. Ed wanted to have two races with different courses and combine the total time of each race to determine the overall winner. There would be a 45 minute interval between each race. The total race time for both races would be in the range of two hours with a “wet start” for the 1st race and then a beach start for the 2nd race. So the first course that was announced was a familiar one to most of us which was the Misery Island course of almost 8 miles, out and back. The second course was a triangular course of 5 miles around Coney, to Black Rock, and back to the Lynch Park, the start of the race. Both races had the finish line 30 yards up the beach.

With the logistics settled, and a beautiful, flat, sunny 60 degree day, we all lined up for the start of the first race. The start was quick as Cory Lancaster led the pack pulling me and Graeme for the first three quarters of a mile. We knew it would just be a matter of time before Cory would drop us and he would be minutes ahead of the field. So I settled in with Graeme trading positions drafting on our way out to Misery Island. Once we got to Misery, with some refractory waves, I dropped three boat lengths behind Graeme and was passed by Mike Tracy and Tim Dwyer. Once rounding the island, with all of us within 15 seconds of each other, Tim decided to ride Graeme’s wash while taking a line further out. Meanwhile, Mike Tracy headed toward the shore. I chose to follow Mike’s line, since no one knows these waters better than Mike. This line, with a little less outgoing going tide, proved to be helpful.

While Graeme and Tim were off to my left by 75 yards and Mike ahead of all of us by seconds, I was slowly reeling in Tim and Graeme. Then Tim realized that he had to make a move seeing that I was now even with them, and that Mike was gaining more ground. Tim dropped Graeme at this point with about 2 miles to go, I passed Graeme, Mike McDonough also caught Graeme within this two mile stretch and the order for the first race would be Cory, Mike, Tim, me, Mike McDonough, Graeme, and Chris Chappell for the top 7 places.

With approximately 45 minutes before the 2nd race of 5 miles would go off, we all rehydrated, tried to stay warm, and chatted a bit, before lining up beside our boats on the beach. While the Beverly boys are well practiced at this kind of start, Tim and I are not. It was fascinating to see Cory, Chris, and Mike McDonough within seconds of jumping in their boats hold a 30 yard lead over Mike Tracy, Tim, and myself who were near the back of the pack all in a small train trying to catch these guys. Chris, to Cory’s surprise was able to ride his wash for almost 2 miles to Coney Island. The six of us leading to Black Rocks were within 30 seconds of each, before Tim decided it was time to make a move. By this time all the lactic acid had dissipated from the first race and Tim led the charge around Black Rocks catching a few small bumps.

With about two miles to go, I could see Tim, Mike McDonough, and Mike Tracy about 75 yards ahead, and I was parallel to Chris taking an inland line around the last turn. As Chris and I pulled up side by side, I said “let’s go Chris” and he responded, “not much left”. I caught a tiny bump that Chris did not and pulled head by maybe ½ a boat length, then Chris with a few extra hard strokes powered his V10 sport to within another couple feet of me. I landed first, and sprinted the 30 yards to the finish wall with Chris to my surprise coming hard to my left finishing 1 second behind me. Graeme made up some time and was within seconds of Chris and me as he had us in his sights as we rounded the last turn. Chris had an excellent 2nd race, with an impressive running start, drafting Cory for two miles, and maintaining an excellent pace for the last half of the race.

Ahead of us Mike McDonough held onto his lead over Mike Tracy while Tim had an excellent push in the last 2 miles to hold off Mike McDonough and Mike Tracy. Mike McDonough said he had saved a little in the first race which combined with a phenomenal running start had an excellent second race. The order of the second race changed the standings making for an exciting counting of the combined times for both races. In the end Cory dominated the field for first place while Tim showing his now familiar late race kick, over took Mike Tracy for a hard fought 2nd place finish overall.

After the race, we all met back at Cory’s house for a post race meal and awards. Cory bolted immediately after the race to prepare the fixings, grill the hamburgers, and hotdogs, put out the enormous fruit and potato salads that were all very enjoyable. It as nice to see Bob Capellini who drove up from Long Island to participate and will be doing the Mayors Cup in a few weeks. Ken Cooper handed out the awards to all us while we all enjoyed the fixings, and some liquid refreshment.

Overall, it was a super day to be in Beverly. Ed did a great job with setting up a unique race that had multiple components to it that are not often found at our other local races making for an exciting, competitive, and FUN race. So thanks to Ed for putting it on and to Cory for hospitality after the race. ~ Wesley

Salem Sound Double Header Courses – 2009