Early registration is underway for the second annual Nequasset Paddle to be held on Woolwich Day, Saturday, Aug. 3. Pre-registration is $10 and can be made at the town office during business hours. Registration after July 31, or on the day of the race is $15.

The race sponsored by the Woolwich Special Events Committee is for kayakers and canoeists.

Kyle Beeton, race coordinator, said they’ve made a few changes this year. One is the starting time, which has been moved back an hour to 10 a.m. Registration on the day of the race will be from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the boat launch off Old Stage Road where the race begins.

The course is about two miles long and runs the length of the lake north to south. It ends at the boat launch at Nequasset Park off George Wright Road.

Beeton said they’ve added more classes. Classes include:

• C-1 – Canoe single adult (one man or woman, ages 16-years-old or older). 
• C-2 – Canoe double adult (two men or women, or mixed couple, ages 16 and older). 
• SJ – Senior/Junior (one adult (16-plus); and one junior (ages 12-15) in either a canoe or kayak.
• K – Kayak (one man or woman (16-plus).
• KJ – Kayak junior (ages 12-15).
• PB – Paddle board (one man or woman 16-plus).
• PBJ – Paddle board junior (12-15).

The prizes are different, too. “There will be a first place prize of $20, second place of $10, and third place of $5,” stated Beeton in an email to the Wiscasset Newspaper.

Other race rules remain the same. Participants must have consent from their parent/guardian if they are under 18. Coast Guard-approved, over the shoulder life jackets must be worn by all participants, along with a numbered vest over the life jacket. Passing canoes have the right of way. Alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited from all watercraft.

Volunteer Race Spotters will be on the lake during the race.

All participants must check in with race organizers at the finish.

No shuttle services will be provided at the park, meaning participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation back to the launch site. Prizes will be awarded at Nequasset Park following the race.  

Winners of last year’s Nequasset Paddle were Even Goodkowsky and Eric Smith in the tandem class in 41:36; Mary McCauley in the adult single division who finished in 27:04; and Liam Scanlon in the junior division in 28:16.