Day: September 15, 2009

Jimmy T writes in-

The weekend began for the International Dory rowers on Friday night, the
11th of September, when the City of Lunenburg hosted a reception in the
“Bluenose Room” of the Lunenburg Fisherman’s Museum. It is a grand
location, loaded with artifacts from the grandest of all fishing
schooners. There was a slideshow of the great Fisherman’s Picnic years,
and refreshments and hospitality were served graciously.

It was crisp and gorgeous the next morning when the first International
Dory racers approached the starting line. Lovely ladies lined the
wharves: the “Picton Castle”, the USCG “Grand Isle” and of course the
majestic “Bluenose II” to name a few. The dock was crowded with rowing
enthusiasts from miles around, come to route for their favorite rowers.
First up were American Juniors Randy Parisi and LJ Robertson, making
their first trip to Nova Scotia to take on the defending International
Junior Champions Connor Swim and Holden Nickerson. Strong currents
pulled the older Canadian crew of course on the way out to the halfway
point turning flags opening up a window of opportunity for the American
youngsters. It was a close race coming to the finish line but the U.S.
team had a little course trouble of their own and the Canadian crew from
Clarks Harbour won again, in a time of 5:29. The American Juniors were 5:32.
In the Mixed Doubles, American newcomers Jeff and Jen Muise made an
impressive showing, but proved to be no match for the team of Nicole
Jones and Rob Hurlburt, creator of the increasingly popular “Hurlburt
Seat”. The Canadian pair held off a late push and won in a time of 5:44,
defeating the U.S. team by 6 seconds.
In the Men’s Master’s Division, it was time for the Americans to have
the experience and the victory. Rowing legends John Morris and Ed
Parnell came out of retirement and put on a show of rowing efficiency.
The wind was coming up and Angus Atkins and John Penny, from Clarks
Harbour were game and gave 110%, but in the end the coursemanship and
skill of the Gloucestermen gave the Americans a win in a time of 5:45,
versus 6:01 for the Canadians.
The Women’s Division had no representatives from the U.S. so the strong
women’s crew of Kris Ann Keizer and Kelly George decided they’d take on
the powerhouse tandem, and multiple International Women’s Champs,
Natalie and Nicole Jones. Both crews rowed well, but no one was
surprised when the Clarks Harbour ladies crossed the finish line first,
in 5:56. Kris Ann and Kelly finished in a respectable 5:59.
In the Open Class, the reigning International Dory Champions Tom Jarvis
and Jim Tarantino, representing the United States, defended their title
against the pride of Prince Edward Island, past Masters Champs Tim Mair
and Kenny McDonald. Both crews struggled with their courses against the
currents but the Americans were able to get the victory in 9:52.

The highlight of the day was the friendship and comraderie shared at the
Awards Ceremony (and in the Beer Tent) after the races.

The Gloucester International Dory Committee wishes to express their
deepest thanks to the Canadian Dory Committee, the City of Lunenburg,
the Queen of Hearts Dory Club, the Dory Shop, the crews of the
aforementioned “Lovely Ladies”  and everyone from PEI to the Hawk who
helped make this event so very special for us all!