- Kent Island Cup GPS Track
YeeeeeHaaaaaaa! September 3rd proved to be a great day to travel south, toward a hurricane and 35+ miles of paddling. That was our plan as we headed toward Kent Island, Maryland in the Chesapeake for a team outrigger race. In our way was Hurricane Igor, missing members and some severe surf that caused the normal circumnavigation of Kent Island to be altered. Â
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 Our team arrived in Kent Island and had a wonderful meal together at the Kent Island Yacht Club. After that it was off to sleep as we rested for the big day ahead. Â
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Our first group of Julie, Liz, Heather, Paul, Dave and P.J. headed south as the winds increased in velocity and the waves responded by growing ever larger. Our team was in the front of the pack as we circled the bouy but was soon surprised by an ama that chose to move to the other side of the boat! HULI!!! Â
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Some great work by the team had the boat upright and bailed before the entire field had passed us.  The next 4 miles where a bit dicey as we traveled back to Kent Island with the waves hitting our ama straight on.  The team quickly made it back and changed out with our second leg team. Blair, Cookie, Tracey, Cynthia, Bill and Paul where excited to be paddling but did not realize what awaited them when they left protected water and ventured out into the Chesapeake Bay.  The water in the bay was gnarly with 3 to 4 foot swells that, again, were hitting the ama broadside. The crew struggled mightily in these conditions of high wind and swells and where more than happy to make the turn.  The downwind run was fantastic and fast as we passed 2 boats and came in for the change out with a third. Team 2The crew hit the beach and were glad to be on dry land but also concerned as the first group headed out into the same water. The third and fourth legs went off without a hitch and we were all soon sipping cold beers and preparing for the luau. Â
The next morning all tents were packed and we made an annual breakfast stop at Holly’s and then a small group headed into Annapolis for some sightseeing and a snack a McGarvey’s Saloon. Â
Huge thanks to all team members especially Matt for climbing in and doing a leg which was his second time ever in an outrigger. Also a big mahalo to Blair’s parents for the blue crabs and a place to sleep as well as the Kent Island Outrigger Club for throwing such an outstanding event.Â