Saturday August 25th 2012 at 10 AM, teams representing the US lined up against competition from Nova Scotia , Canada to determine the finest dory rowers in the world. The weather was perfect with bright sunshine and a light breeze. The docks of Lunenburg were filled with dory enthusiasts from around the Maritimes and a contingent from the US . Picturesque Lunenburg Harbor was the perfect backdrop to set the scene for some athletic competition on the water.
Although there was no US team for the Junior Division, Senator Bruce Tarr teamed up with Canadian Dory Association President Kelly George to row an exhibition race against Canadian Juniors Nathanial Beck & Jorgan Martin. The Canadian juniors won, but Bruce held his own handling the oars like a veteran with the help of a little coaching from Kelly. The next race on the half mile course was the Mixed Doubles Division, where the flamboyant pair of Elin di Angelo & Mike “Gappa” Frontiera lined up against veteran rowers Tim Mair & Dorothy MacDonald. Elin & Mike displayed a perfect combination of raw power and technique quickly pulling ahead of the Canadians. The lead steadily increased with the help of perfect course navigation by Mike, ending with a decisive win for the US ! The Women’s Division presented a rematch from June with Denise Desautels & Edie Wald-Smith from the US taking on Gail Atkinson & Pattianne Verburgh of Canada . Gail & Pattianne won the race, but Denise & Edie significantly improved their technique and course navigation while swapping bow and stern seats a few weeks before the race. The Over 40 Division offered another rematch, but from last August where Mike Harmon & John Scola took on legendary Walter Nickerson & his long-time partner Danny Moody. Mike & John rowed them line-to-line loosing only a couple of strokes at the turn, but unfortunately that made the difference in the race. Walter & Danny enjoyed another victory in their storied career. The last race of the day was on the mile course, where Joe Sanfilippo & Erik Dombrowski took on June Over 40 Canadian Representatives Joel George & David Croft Jr. Joe & Erik overpowered and outlasted their hard-trying opponents and cruised to a sizeable victory. A special thanks goes to our American Rowers who traveled the grueling 13 hour drive to compete, as well as our Committee Race Officials who helped out at the races: Rick Medico (chase boat), Ron Woodard (timer), and Hilary Dombrowski (start boat).
The hospitality shown to the IDRC members by the Canadian Dory Association was extraordinary once again this year. The festivities started off at the Fire House with a Welcoming Reception where David Croft Jr.’s band was the entertainment. The CDA hosted a sailing cruise on Friday exploring the sights around Lunenburg Harbor . And, of course we were welcomed to an Awards Banquet at the Oven’s park after the races where scallops, chowder and celebratory drinks were abundant. There was a lot of talk about enduring friendships and camaraderie built on dory rowing competition, and it was personified in this 60th year.
Good Morning Gloucester 