Calling all "person-powered" watercraft! The 24th annual Southport Rowgatta, which encompasses 12 nautical miles, is on Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Town Landing at Newagen on Southport Island.

The 2017 Rowgatta is being held in memory of Merry Knowlton, longtime Southport resident, beloved friend, and “official” Rowgatta photographer, who passed away earlier this summer.

The event benefits the YMCA’s Aquatics programs including the free second grade learn to swim program where all second grade students the peninsula learn to swim at the Y for free in partnership with our local elementary schools.

Registration and information is available at the Y membership desk and on the website at www.boothbayregionymca.org. Individuals or teams are welcome to register a dingy, rowboat, canoe, kayak, ocean shell or any other craft that is seaworthy. No sail or powerboats allowed. There is a $35 fee for each participant who registers by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, and a $40 fee per participant for day of registration on Aug. 12.

On the morning of Aug. 12, registration at the Town Landing at Newagen begins at 7:30 a.m. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. Refreshments are available before and after the event, and everyone is eligible for an exciting array of prizes! Packets with maps and list of rules can be picked up the day of the event at the event site.

There are three legs to the 12 nautical mile race: from the landing to Cozy Harbor, from Cozy Harbor to Robinson's Wharf, and from the Wharf back to the Newagen Town Landing.

Special thanks to our event sponsor, Robinson’s Wharf. Additional thanks goes to the Boothbay Harbor Coast Guard Auxiliary – Flotilla 25, the United States Coast Guard, and our faithful volunteers for providing our boat crew coverage.

For more information and to register, contact the YMCA at 633-2855 or go to www.boothbayregionymca.org.