The Essex Shipbuilding Museum tells the story
of a small New England village that built more two-masted
wooden fishing schooners than any other place in the world.
Preserving the history of the wooden shipbuilding
industry, an integral part of the economy and culture in New
England and the United States since the 1630s, the Museum
maintains one of the best maritime collections in the region.
The Essex River Race is a 5.5+
mile open water event from the Essex River at Route 133 in
Essex, MA out behind the barrier beaches of Ipswich and back.
The popular Essex River race attracted a field
ranging from paddleboards all the way up to six-person gigs.
Over 129 craft and close to 200 racers competed. Race conditions
were ideal - partly cloudy, temps in the 60s, and a nice southerly
breeze to cool racers on the return leg.
The scenic race course follows the winding river
out to Essex Bay and along the way passes saltwater farms,
cottages, and fish shacks. The bay is dotted with forested
islands and in the distance lie the white sand dunes of Cranes
Beach.
JGTSCA entered two Avery Point dories in the
race, one rowed by Sean Bercaw, and Phil Behney and John Hacunda
rowed a second.
After the race, we enjoyed chowder and gumbo
and shared the experience of a nice day on the water with
fellow racers.
