There was some speculation if this year’s race was going to happen. Most of us who are in the paddling community have full time jobs outside of paddling. Gary Williams, Race Director is no different. Trying to juggle family, work, and being the race director for this major event is a lot, but Gary and the volunteers, to our delight, was able to provide us with another wonderful event on a gorgeous, sunny day in Norwalk, CT.

For the best quality photos that Olga took,  https://www.sportsnut.pro/Water-Sports/Water-2018-L2L

Gary

It felt luxurious to have the start time closer to noon so plenty of time drive down from RI, set up your ski, mingle and not be rushed, unless of course you left latter than you planned and realized the Interstate 95 was completely shut down from exit 62 to 64. You had to make a detour that only cost me about 20 minutes but I got my usual early start. Others Rhode Islanders had a more stressful ride but made the race in time.

Nate in great form taking 1st.

Some of the top paddlers flew in like Ian Black(South Africa), Nate Humberston(FL), and Erik Borgnes(WI). Nate and Erik are separated not only by miles but also of age. You can throw Ian also in they “younger paddlers” since in most races Erik represents the majority of the paddlers, though that is changing finally. It’s a mixed blessing, younger paddlers means the 50-60 crowd is getting older though many of us are still racing well.

Ian Black in the new Stellar ski, the “Assassin” he help design taking a disappointing 2nd.

Erik looking fit and ready taking 3rd.

We also had a new woman paddler participate and win the women’s race, Melissa Meyer. Melissa is a highly skilled sea kayaker but got the bug after she raced the 2018 Blackburn Challenge and won her class. I sold her my Stellar SR 2G excel and she is excelling quickly as you can see by her results coming in seconds ahead of Leslie Chappell where the age difference is noticeable too. Leslie and Mary Beth are holding their own too.

Winner Melissa Meyer

Stellar paddler, Ian Black who places in the top 10 of most international races was the favorite to win this race.  However, Ian with 2 minute lead on Nate, at first sight of the last light house on the returning leg headed for it before realizing his mistake, that he needed to go around the island as he did on the way out. This is a common mistake for new racers so Ian saw his lead evaporate to Nate, one of the best paddlers in the US.  Coming in third place was Erik Borgnes in his borrowed Think Ion 3G that Nate transported up from NJ. Stellar for years has supported the race with prize money, however, this year provided the Hot Spot winner for both male and female while PTX Partners and Norwalk Rowing River provided the prize money and organization. So thanks to the sponsors for their contributions. This race is a fundraiser for the Achilles organization that Gary had been a part of for a long time. Also thanks to Olga for her wonderful, professional pictures.

Dave Thomas at Stellar Hot Spot

Leslie takes 2nd only seconds behind Melissa

Mary Beth

Jean in good form!

Next year’s race is already on the calendar, Sept 14 and 15th, 2019. My goal for next year is to break the 2 hour mark which is one of the benchmark for this race, like the 3 hour mark is for the Blackburn which I did manage this year. So despite limited training due to a new job, I felt good for this race keeping my heart rate up for the entire race and not fading too much. It was a gorgeous day to be on the water with enough breeze to keep you from over heating. While conditions were flat, the usual 2 miles before and after the 2nd lighthouse keeps you on your toes. I must have been missing a few toes since I all but crashed head on with a rower coming from the opposite direction. Thankfully, he dropped his oar and we avoided colliding. I owe him an apology since it was my mistake for spacing it out and not seeing him.  Miles 2-7 I paddled with training partner Chris Chappell as you can see in my video similar to our Blackburn this year. Ray Fusco, founder of the NYC Mayor’s Cup, had an excellent race always close by but always ahead of us. So great job Ray!

Kirk Olsen and Ray Fusco opening the gap on me. Well done guys!

Wesley in Think Ion 3G

Jan foreground, Jim in background.

Chris in Nelo 550 and one of best photos of the day that Olga took.

John getting it done!

See Greg’s post on this race too.  Next race is the Plum Island Beach Lighthouse Race this Saturday in Wickford. This race I added to the calendar and will quickly become a favorite due to the venue, 8 mile course. It is the last New England race before we settle in for the long fall/winter and the “if it ever gets here” spring. Some folks like Greg Lesher and Erik Borgnes and others are doing the endurance race, the Chattajack. These two have been putting in the miles so I look forward to see how they do.