Conquer the current Sunday at downriver regatta in Essex

Regatta supports education programs

ESSEX — The Connecticut River Museum’s second annual downriver paddle regatta, being held to benefit the museum’s education programs will be held Sunday, Aug. 5, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

The regatta is open to all paddle craft- canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and rowboats. This year will feature 2 race routes:

1. Eagle Landing Recreational Race: The 8.74 statute mile race will start at Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam and finish in front of the Connecticut River Museum in Essex.

2. Middletown Points Race: This 21.4 statute mile points race will begin at the boat launch in Riverfront Park, Middletown and finish in front of the Connecticut River Museum in Essex.

Races are open to men and women age 16 and older, with classes for SUP, Kayak, Canoe and Open. Both races are fully staffed with support and safety boats. Youth ages 12-15 are welcome to participate with a registered participating adult. The races will be followed by awards on the Museum lawn, lunch and activities. Registration for the event will be through paddleguru.com or at the Connecticut River Museum phone: 860-7678269 x110 or crm@ctrivermuseum.org.

Registration is $50 per single paddler, $85 for tandems/canoes for the Recreational Race and $80 per single paddler, $140 tandems/ canoes for the Points Race.

Prizes will be awarded for race winners. During the school year, more than 4,000 school children from across the state of Connecticut received hands-on history and environmentally-based programs at the Museum and in their classrooms.

For information about this program visit ctrivermuseum.org, or contact the Connecticut River Museum at 860-767-8269 or via email at pstillman@ctrivermuseum.org. The Connecticut River Museum is located at 67 Main Street, Essex and is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children age 6-12, free for children under 6. From June to October a recreation of Adriaen Block’s ship the ONRUST is at the museum’s docks and providing special programs and public cruises.

Conquer the Current is sponsored by Tito’s Vodka, Ivory Wealth Management, Essex Marine Group, John DeGrand & Son, Tow Boat US, Soundings Publications, Denali, RIT Legacy, mobfit, Ship Shiners Detailing, and Libby Property Maintenance.

Contributed photos The Connecticut River Museum’s second annual downriver paddle regatta to benefit the museum’s education programs will be held on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.