Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Gowanus Challenge - Saturday June 14

Looking for something fun and unusual to do this weekend? Why not head to the banks of the lovely lovely Gowanus canal to watch (or if you've got a boat to paddle or row, race in) the 2nd annual Gowanus Challenge, tied only with the City of Water Day Cardboard Canoe Races for the most amusing boat race in NYC. Since this is the one I'm plugging right now, hey, let's call it the most amusing boat race featuring generally non-sinking type boats in NYC!

Is the water dirty? Why yes it is. Ask me or most other small recreational craft enthusiast that question about our usual haunts and we'll happily explain that it used to be, but since the Clean Water Act was enacted in 1974 things have gotten much better - but here in the Gowanus, things are still pretty sketchy.

Hazmat suits not required, but if you want to bring your own, feel free.  
The race is a fundraiser for the Gowanus Dredgers, putting the FUN in SuperFUNd since...well, for a while. Money raised by the racers and in the raffles at the afterparty (and btw, it's an awesome afterparty and open free to all attendees, racers and spectators alike) will go to help the Dredgers in their continuing mission - To explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go...

er, no, wait, that's the Starship Enterprise. Oops.

OK, here's the Dredgers' mission, for real this time, straight from their site:
To assemble and educate a diverse group of individuals, businesses and organizations to improve the Gowanus waterfront in Brooklyn and foster awareness of issues affecting New York- New Jersey harbor...to contribute to transforming a dilapidated, historically significant estuary into a self-sustaining, environmentally friendly and healthy waterfront to be enjoyed and treasured by current and future generations.
The 2.5 mile race begins and ends at 2nd Street. Race registration opens at 10, skippers' meeting is at 10:30, the starting gun will be at 11. For full details, click here and then follow the link the race page.

Like my pictures? Lots more here!



Cheers! See you there? 

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