The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Boaters for Trump take to the water Sept. 26
The fishing boat Todd Pertrowski will be on during the Boaters for Trump event Sept. 26.
BRANFORD — If there is fair weather starting at 11 a.m. on Sept. 26, folks may see all manner of boats flying Trump and Blue Lives Matter flags while cruising on the Branford River and off Branford Point.
In case of rain, the flotilla will take place at the same time Sept. 27.
Branford resident Todd Petrowski, organizer of the Boaters for Trump and Blue Lives Matter Boat Parade Branford, hopes there will be more than a couple of hundred watercraft in Branford Harbor, when they are set to rendezvous at 10:30 a.m.
Boats of all sizes and makes — power boats, yachts, day sailers, kayaks and even dinghies are welcome, Petrowski said, and noted there is a free boat launch in the Branford River at Goodsell Point Road. Gas is available at two docks on the river.
Petrowski, who is not a boat owner, will participate on a friend’s vessel, a 27-foot fishing boat.
He also is advising participants to make sure they have the required life vests and flotation devices as well as horns, whistles and flares onboard. And he strongly urges participants with the larger powerful boats to be mindful of creating wakes that could cause harm to smaller vessels.
“We hope everyone stays safe this is our first priority and we want to be in compliance with the Coast Guard and local authorities,” he said.
Ray Avery, 94, of Hamden on Thursday at the Sleeping Giant Golf Course in Hamden. He still plays golf twice a week.