We’re a bit exhausted after this past weekend’s total warfare on the water, but really happy with how everyone did. The final results of the day showed that Maverick pulled a 2:49.33 for second place in the C Minor finals and Goose pulled a 2:31.46 for 1st place in the B Major Finals. I’m really proud of everyone on our team, and I really think we rock. We had a lot of people step up and take on jobs for the benefit of the rest of the team.

Chris Abramo showed up in uniform even though he knew he wasn’t going to be racing, and he did an outstanding job of keeping everyone pumped and in good spirits. He did, you all must know, get a chance to compete. In a single man-gulp, he won the durian slurpy drinking contest by chugging the foul smelling sludge in about .5 seconds. It was an awe inspiring feat.

Kristen hopped back and forth making sure both our crews had the best drummer on the water. Her voice is loud and encouraging, and I never want to let her down when I’m paddling. Just knowing she’s sitting up their takes at least 5 seconds off our time. We’re lucky to have her.

Tchukki made an all out effort to steer and share her years of paddling expertise with us. She took the helm for Goose and guided the crew to victory. She did so by steering straight and by coaching the crew through the tough times. She showed that crew that they had the power to win and to make Goose fly.

Evan pulled quadruple duty as team chef, drummer, steerer and paddler. Having good hot food really made the difference (and made the competition jealous!).

I also want to give thanks and praise to our other steerers: David Mollo-Christensen, Richard Brickman, and Lily Villa. Without their contribution, we wouldn’t be able to race. They all did an outstanding job of steering down a course with virtually no lane markers or other visual aids.
And a big shout out to Natalia who showed up to take pictures, video or do whatever she could for the team.

I can’t say enough about our team. Everyone pitched in and contributed in some way by bringing food or wearing a pirate hat during a race in direct violation of the “No Pirate Hats On the Dragon Boat Ever” rule. (You earned yourself a Durian shake for that antic, Anand!) You are all my heroes, and I can’t wait to see you all again at practice.

~Captain P. and Sandy