2009 Course Map

Just incase you missed the banter from last year

and

2009 Knot Race details

It’s that time of year again.  As the Bethany Beach’ers have their jazz funeral and the farmer’s chunk their pumpkins, so do we bid adieu to another awesome warm weather paddling season with our Second Annual Knot Race.  So grab your fastest stable boat, strap on your GPS and come on out to Knot Race. 

When:  Sunday October 25^th at 9:30 am - Please be in the water and ready by then.  We have a ferry to beat.

Where: Lewes Public Beach - Type in Bayview and Savannah, Lewes, Delaware, to your favorite map program.  Google Maps

What:  Excuse to “race” a gorgeous course with some of the most seasoned paddlers from the area.  Check out 2008 Knot Race Page for some history on the race and the new Course Map.

Why:  It’s FREE!  Plus you might just win something.

How Long:  About 6.75 miles, or knot.

New this year:

·         The two course system has been refined into a new and improved single course system with just as much perceived adventure coupled with a lot less real danger.

·         Tee Shirts!  Bring some petty cash ($7.00) to pick one up for yourself so you can show the world that you were a part of such a distinguished event.

·         Costumes – Wearing a costume is always encouraged especially if it involves flowery shorts, tiaras and maybe the occasional Viking helmet.

·         Facilities – Please empty your tanks before arriving at the race as the City of Lewes boards up the public bathrooms after 9/30.  This should “not” be a problem for those of us accustomed to paddling long distances in open water.   We know your tricks.

Same as last year:

·        The race will be divided into one class per entrant.  Even those with no class will be given one to use for the day.

·        Parking:  Plenty of it, courtesy of the City of Lewes.  Leave your quarters at home because public parking is free after 9/30.

·        Final Course:  Pickled Pig Pub   Just look for all the sweaty-sandy people wearing ribbons.

·        If you are coming please let us know by participating in the poll on the Delmarva Paddlers message board.

Surprise entries will result in a shortage of swag and many sad faces.  And if you're not racing come cheer the others on and have a little fun.

·        Don’t forget to print and fill out your Registration Form.

************SAFETY****************

Yes that's right.  The Lewes Fire Department has agreed to have their spiffy new boat in the water for our "event".  So if you were a little nervous about the course or just want to see Lewes's Finest in action you now have no excuses.

As we are a free event and have no way to compensate them they agreed to do this out of the kindness of their hearts.  Let's show them how kind we can be and throw a few bucks their way.  I will be taking donations before the race if you feel so inclined.

As usual…  The conditions and the weather can be unpredictable.  Please be equipped and dressed as conditions warrant.  Not sure what you will need to make you safer?  Always dress for immersion.   Wear you PFD (except for Mike.  We are just lucky if he wears a shirt.) And bring a skirt, hand pump and whistle (This is starting to sound a little “blue”). 

So let’s all “not” get together for the second time to Knot race.  20 years from now when some kid asks… “Mam, were you really at the second Knot Race?”   You will be able to look them straight in his beady little eyes and say…  “I was knot.” And have the Tee Shirt to prove it!

See You There,

Jeff E.

If you are coming please let us know by participating in the poll on the Delmarva Paddlers message board.

Surprise entries will result in a shortage of swag and many sad faces.  And if you're not racing come cheer the others on and have a little fun.

This is to happen at Cape Henlopen.  It is the mouth of the Delaware Bay.  There are over 300 ships that have sunk off the Point. The Breakwaters do a tremendous job of sheltering the area, but there can still be serious water depending on the wind and tides.  The tides will be favorable for us this weekend.  The water temps should be in the low 60's, so you need to dress for it.  We don't know about the wind yet.

No one will be telling you that you can't go out.  There are risks getting out of bed in the morning and the risks increase when we paddle.  We are all adults and can make our own decisions.  Despite the best efforts of our lawmakers there is no law against stupid.  You want to minimize your risk by being well trained and well practiced.   Only you can access what your skills are.   I would not even consider going out without a zipped up life jacket and whistle. I have a daughter in college and a mortgage payment, so I've also increased my life insurance.  Woodie explained it best.

Frequently before and after group paddles we've practiced rescue skills and if there is interest we can do it here too.  Before the event perhaps we can swamp a non-bulkheaded boat and demonstrate how difficult they can be to rescue in open water.

Posted by Jeff E, October 16th

To Knot Race or not to Knot Race.  That is the question. 

Looks like we are in for some serious weather on Sunday.
  
"Shall I compare thee to a summers day?" 
 
As of now the forecasts call for:
 Ideal conditions if you are a seal but not so much for us humans. 
NW winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 4 to 7 ft...subsiding to 3 to
5 ft in the afternoon. Rain. Vsby 1 to 3 nm in the Morning.
Or
Rain. Breezy with highs in the mid 50s (31 degree real feel at race time).
Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.

I know some of you (Mike E., Kathy, Boog etc...) savor these conditions. 
However, I am confident that most do not and would choose to either stay home or
skip the race for the bar. 

So in light of the impending forecasts and in the interest of safety and
participation the Knot Race is "officially" postponed to Sunday October 25th at
9:30.  Same place and time.  Hope you can still make it!

Heck...  Maybe we can talk some of those hardcore Mayor's Cup people down here
for a quick cool down lap.

Jeff E.

P.S.  I will create a new poll on DelmarvaPaddlers tonight.  Please let me know
via the poll if you can still make it.