ROTC 2012

While most people were indoors watching What Not To Wear reruns, Living Root was putting more miles under the keel as we competed in the annual Run of the Charles regatta.  The weather was sunny and cool, which is perfect paddling weather–if you’re an otter.  For humans, it meant a few extra layers, but who has time to be cold when you’re paddling six long, hard miles?  That was our task, and we did it in 1:01:57 (that’s 1 hour, 1 minute, and 57 seconds), which is probably our fastest time to date.  We had the 8th fastest time out of 79 competitors.
It was fun lining up at the start line surrounded by poorly captained kayaks flapping aimlessly about and harmlessly bouncing off our sides.  Once the starting horn sounded, we left them far behind, although we would soon see them again.
The first leg of the race was dreamy with the wind at our backs and our abnormally tall steerer behaving like a mainsail.  We made it to the first buoy in about 25 minutes, slipping effortlessly through the turn with the help of some fore and aft paddlers drawing water.  The upwind leg was a tough grind.  It got especially tricky as the hoard of canoes, kayaks, and other flotsam, herded along by the strong breeze, came hurtling down upon us (roly-poly, pell-mell, tumble-bumble).  There were some close calls, near misses, and cries of terror, but we managed to navigate through unscathed.  Timing remained great even as our strength waned, and we pushed on to the last buoy.
We made the turn into the last leg of the race, and started picking up the pace as we neared the finish line.  Everyone was battered and tired, but when Sandy called for power, Living Root answered.  Up went the rating, the power surged, white water foamed at our blades, and Swift Pleasure, our beloved boat, shot down the course like an arrow.  We passed one flat water canoe and continued to pour on more power as we approached the finish.  The assembled spectators cheered wildly as we crossed the line, and high-fives, fist bumps, and other forms of socially acceptable light petting took place amongst the tired yet happy crew.
I would like to thank everyone who competed and everyone who attended.  We had several paddlers such as Chrissy, Shu, Varsha, Nitin, and Kai who showed up to help out and support the team.  I would like to thank those who helped us tow the boat to and from the race course.  It was a lot of work both before and after the race, and I appreciate all the help we received.  It was a fun day, and it sets us up well for the season.  500 meters doesn’t seem so bad after paddling for 6 miles, or 9,656 meters.  See you on the water.
-Capt. P.