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07/14/2021 08:45 AMThe Connecticut River Museum’s fifth annual Conquer the Current paddle regatta will take place Saturday, July 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum is again collaborating with the Connecticut Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation to organize the event.
The one-way, nine-mile race from Eagle Landing State Park, 14 Little Meadow Road in Haddam to the Connecticut River Museum (CRM), 67 Main Street in Essex, is open to all non-motorized paddle craft. This encompasses a variety of vessels beyond the standard canoe or kayak.
“We allow any vessel that you paddle to race,” said Jane Raunikar, marketing director for CRM. “A couple of years ago, we had a currach, which is an Irish rowing vessel. So, we’ve had all kinds of things.”
The race is open to paddlers age 16 and up, with those between the ages of 12 and 15 able to participate with a registered participating adult, or as pre-approved by the race committee based on paddling skill. Registration fees are $60 per solo vessel and $80 per multi-person vessel.
The race will be staffed with support and safety boats; however, all paddlers are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD). Standup paddleboards must carry a PFD and leash.
Raunikar, who has participated as a kayaker in the regatta, says the race is a fun experience, offering participants the opportunity to take in the Connecticut River from a unique vantage point.
“This piece of the river is one of the most beautiful,” said Raunikar. “It’s very scenic. There are trees and lovely homes dotted along the river side. It’s very peaceful and it’s not like other waterways.”
She also adds that although “the title is ‘conquer the current,’ they time it so that it goes with the current, so you don’t have to worry about being an expert paddler in order to make it down to the museum. You just have to be able to get into a boat and paddle.”
On average, it takes approximately two hours to complete the race, said Raunikar, with the fastest finish time being 1 hour and 11 minutes.
The first, second, and third place winners for each category receive a unique, eco-friendly award made from driftwood and branded for this year’s regatta.
Pre-registration for Conquer the Current is required and is available on paddleguru.com.
More information on the event is available on the CRM website ctrivermuseum.org or by contacting the museum by phone at 860-767-8269, ext. 113 or by email at ainsall@ctrivermuseum.org. A detailed race sheet will be sent with the daily schedule close to the regatta date.
All proceeds will benefit CRM’s educational programs.