The Casco Bay Challenge was designed as a rare New England paddling treat – an extended downwind race across the entire bay, amidst dozens of striking Maine islands.  While the forecast initially looked good for such a race, a cursèd fog befell us.  An elderly salt on the beach warned us that this was the worst kind of fog – a white fog.  Not sure what exactly that means.  Isn’t that how it always is with ancient mariners?  Yapping on about some tragedy in which his entire crew save one was lost (and that one usually him, naturally).  He mumbled something about an albatross too.  Whatever, old man.

Despite the conditions, a healthy crew of  15 single skis, 1 double ski (Bill Kuklinski and Timmy Shields), 3 single outriggers, and 2 double outriggers braved the beach.  The course couldn’t be simpler.  We’d start at Fisherman’s Beach in South Portland, paddle through a boundless and timeless white limbo, and perhaps turn up at Merepoint boat launch on the north side of Casco Bay, 16.5 miles away.  Racers were encouraged to pay no heed to indistinct but beckoning voices.  Also to watch out for ferries….

…please visit Greg’s Blog to read the complete article.  
Be sure to check out his Race Results Pages!!

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