A total of 66 paddlers and five dogs raced off State Beach and through Sengekontacket Pond in the 23rd annual Oar & Paddle Regatta, hosted by Island Spirit Kayak. The 2.4-mile race course began at Little Bridge and followed the beach up Nantucket Sound to Big Bridge, to the pond side and back to Little Bridge. The race, which raised $1,593.70, was a benefit for Friends of Sengekontacket, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Sengekontacket Pond and its barrier beaches.
Winner Dana Gaines beat out the field with an impressive time of 21:58, a full 4 minutes and 40 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher Justin Deary. Jessie Holtham took first place among women, edging out Jennifer Brotsky for first place.
The Oar & Paddle Regatta also recognized winners in other categories, including best plastic kayak time, won by Percy Burt, and best kayak pairs. Michelle and Jeff Knepper were the fastest among all doubles. In the pets category, Bridget Dunnigan and Roger Williams, with pups Mullet and Hogan, crossed the finish line first, while in the singles pet category Wendy Reagan and dog Nike took home the prize.
One of the unique things about this race is the amount of talent and creativity displayed, said organizer and Island Spirit Kayak owner Chick Stapleton. Many racers competed in handmade kayaks, including a cedar-strip kayak crafted by Randy Durbin. Others made their own oars or their own attachments for their pets.
Results:
Plastic Kayak Male: Percy Burt 27:11; Plastic Kayak Female: Anna Morin 35:38; 1st Kayak Double: Michelle & Jeff Knepper 37:28; Kayak Double f/f: Skylar & Lindsey Wagner 44:18; Kayak Triple: Matthew Parker, Ben Parker & Collin Stapleton 42:17; Kayak single w/lap child: Veronika & Hannah Buckley 52:33; First Child: Micah Deary 46:18; Senior Male (over 80): Herb Foster w/Joan Dunayer; Senior Female (over 70): Diane Dimitri 45:23; Double Kayak w/ Multiple Dogs: Bridget Dunnigan & Roger Williams, Dogs: Mullet & Hogan; Single Kayak w/Dog: Wendy Reagan, Dog: Nike 45:47; 1st Place: Stand Up Paddle Board: Delia Passos 49:06.