Awesome 14 miler with Lorna; Star trouble.

What a day! Five open water rowers showed for this morning's annual IROW -- Row to the Shoals. Lorna & Maryellen left from the infamous Martin Boat House and met up with Ray Panek, Kinley Gregg and Jim. Jim rowed an Alden Star. All others rowed the Echo. The water was calm and perfect at 8:30, but the marine forecast listed a small craft advisory with up to 17 mph northwest winds predicted.

Initially the group decided to row up the coast of NH -- staying close to shore. A few hundred yards out, Ray, Kinley and Jim decided to go for the Isle of Shoals. So the group split off.

Lorna and I enjoyed the peak foliage along the beautiful coastline, heard loon call and were greeted by at least a dozen, curious large grey seals! The wind really picked up on our return and we were glad for the lee of the shore. The only real slogging was crossing Kittery Point Bay to the point of return calm back up the tidal creek to the boathouse. We completed a stunning 14 miler and had all geared stowed by 11:45 a.m. More of those days to come!

The Row to the Shoals for the other 3 rowers was a very different experience. They made it out to the Isle of Shoal's Star Island no problem. Heading back after a rest, the wind hit 20 knots and Jim was unable to make any headway in the Alden Star.

Ray and Kinley held in calm and Ray suggested they call for a ride home. He called the coast guard on his marine radio with no response. Another 15 minutes of slogging, Jim lost control and capsized the Alden Star. Jim spent several nervous minutes in the water and was thankfully able to get back into the Star with Ray and Kinley's assistance.

Kinley and Jim rowed with the wind back to Star Island and found shelter and warm drink. Thankfully, the Star Island Conference Center was still open. Ray rowed to shore and called the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard brought Kinley and Jim back to shore with their oars. They had to leave the Alden Star and Echo behind.

I learned recently that Ted’s company East West Boat Builders built all the Aldens for 20 years -- from 1984 - 2004. He worked with Doug in building and launching the Star and Doug & Ted made improvements to a bunch of others. It surprised me to learn that the Alden Star was not designed nor built for open water.

By now -- you all know I’m an Echo enthusiast and not much interested in any other shell for my enjoyment and safety in rowing on the open water. I have great respect and appreciation for the depth of knowledge Lorna, Ted and Doug offer the open water rowing community. My love, enthusiasm and sheer joy of open water rowing is because I am rowing with confidence in the stability and performance of my Echo.