On September 16, 2012, intrepid scullers Jane Wilson, David Cuff and Rich Bradley braved ice flows, Angry Penguins and yeti to represent Swan Creek in a marathon row on the frigid waters of the Great White North. Here is an excerpt from a tattered page in a recovered journal:

“It was a wonderful event – beautiful diverse scenery from views of the Parliament Buildings and national museums to remote islands – plenty of stately bridges and wildlife. Rich and David had a great time competing in the half marathon (26 kilometers) with 17 other boats (quads, doubles and singles), while Alistair Hensler (an Ottawa native) and me enjoyed our 42 kilometer full marathon in a double with 3 other boats (2 singles and a double). We all rowed touring boats (doubles were the Hudson T-7s). Rich and David came in at 2 hours, 1 min. and we were 4 hours, 15 mins. The host club, ONEC, put on a couple of meals for the rowers, gave us super shirts and the medals (everyone got one) were first-class.  – Jane”

We have been working to replace and repair the destroyed and damaged boats. Two fours have been ordered from a club in Florida. They are 2005 and 2006 vintage Vespolis. One is a midweight and the other a lightweight. They are scheduled to arrive in Lambertville next week.

We sent four boats for repair. They are the Kashper quad, Kashper double, Hudson pair/double, and the Cuff single. We prioritized the repairs so that the quad will be first and the Kashper double second. The quad is being repaired, and we hope to have it back in a week or two. The Hudson will probably be third, due to the fact that the Cuff will be the most difficult to repair. The repair shop will  update us on the schedule for the remaining boats after the quad is fixed. We hope to have all of the boats back by the end of the season.

I have spoken to the person who does the repairs regarding the condition the boats will be in when we get them back. He assured me that the weight increase due to the repairs will be negligible and the “feel” of the boats should not be affected by the repairs. I am sure we will be hearing from those who row them about that when they are returned!

Ted