Whether you are a casual paddler or a hard-core kayak racer, the Sheepscot River Race on July 2, starting at 11:30 a.m. in Newcastle, invites your participation.

This is a six-mile canoe and kayak race starting in Newcastle at the Route 1 Sherman Lake rest area bridge and finishing at the waterfront in Wiscasset Village. According to race organizer Scott Shea, “This is one of the most scenic race courses with four miles of moving water meandering through beautiful protected marshes and riverbanks.”

This Wiscasset-based race has been held for almost 30 years. What started as a recreational event, part of the Wiscasset Recreation’s summer programming, is now a qualifying race for the Maine Canoe and Kayak Racing Organization (MaCKRO). It’s their rules, says Shea, which guide the race.

Originally there were only a few competitive participants, but now it’s a professional race that includes recreational kayakers. The most competitive racers finish in about 42 minutes, Shea explained, while the more casual participants finish in about 1 1/2 hours. At the end of the race in Wiscasset Harbor, awards and prizes from Seaspray Kayaking are given out.

For years, the Wiscasset race has been scheduled for the Saturday closest to the Fourth of July. Depending on the tides, the race may start in either Wiscasset or in Newcastle. This year, the tide will be going out just around the start of the race at 11:30 a.m. so the participants will be getting a ‘push’ as they paddle and row with the tide towards Wiscasset.

Registration to participate in the race is currently open and continues until shortly before the race begins. Registration fee is $12 in advance or $15 on the day of the race. For more information and registration application, visit www.mackro.com. With advance notice, MaCKRO will provide kayaks and equipment to youths who want to take part.

The race is sponsored by Seaspray Kayaking in Freeport. For more information, contact Scott Shea at info@seaspraykaying.com or 207-865-4189.