CT River Raft Race - Windsor Connecticut Chamber Of Commerce

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860-688-5165
261 Broad St, Windsor, CT 06095

July, 2008

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Event:

CT River Raft Race

Date:

July 26th, 2008

Time:

10:00 AM

Location:

Portland, CT on The Connecticut River

Contact:

David Malboeuf, 109 Lovell Ave., Windsor, CT 06095 @ 860-707-3691

The 34th Annual Connecticut River Raft Race & Charity benefit starts Saturday, July 26th at 10:00 a.m. from the south end of Gildersleeve Island in Portland, CT. The race ends approx 4.1 nautical miles down river at Portland Riverside Marina. Rafts, canoes, and kayaks will all participate.

The race is a costume-optional, colorful, and creative family event and involves participants from 10 years to 60+. All rafts in the race are self-propelled, handmade vessels. There were approximately 20 vessels registered to race in 2007. Most rafts are built and powered by groups of friends. There are also some rafts sponsored by local companies. Raft racers range from the wacky to the semi-serious. The event also includes competitive classes for people who want to use a canoe or kayak.

Last year's race included entries with creative names like the DaVinci's Amazing Rowing Machine, Millennium Buzzard, Drinkasaurus Becks, Lin Lee, Little Willie, All Day Suckers, XXX Phat Boyz, and the Delta Queen; and some very large 'Sweeper' class (non-racing) rafts with names such as Miss Moon, The Fearless Fools ,and the U.S.S. Pumpkin. The motorized Sweeper rafts are in a class of their own, competing to see which one can 'sweep up' the greatest number of disabled rafts and tow them across the finish line. Also joining in on the fun were some kayaks & canoes such as Foote Rest, Swamp Fox, and the Nasty Habits team.

Post-race activities will take place at the Riverside Marina, 37 Riverview Street in Portland, CT. The finish area is accessible to the general public where there will be awards, live music by The Sonics, volleyball, picnicking, and lots of great fun and merriment.

On July 12th, a Captain's meeting will be held at Riverside Marina from 10:00 am to noon. This is a pre-race get-together for new & veteran participants. This will also be the final day for registration ($16 per crew member.) All raft Captains are required to attend. Crew members, volunteers, and any interested parties are also welcome. Safety requirements, raft race rules, and any last-minute instructions will be presented and all questions will be answered.

The Connecticut River Raft Race, Inc. is a non-profit organization. It is the oldest, largest, self-supporting raft race in America. The organization donates a portion of the race proceeds to organizations which have included Portland Volunteer Fire Department, Portland Town Library, Russell Library, WDRC walk for food, Kid City Children's Museum; I have a friend Youth Center, Thomaston Food Bank, the Maritime Education Network, and the North End Action Team.

Event information is available at www.ctriverraftrace.org or call Bob Niland at 860-342-4473.