International dory race results

The results are in from this weekend’s running of the International Dory Races at Lunenburg. Our thanks to Jim Tarantino of Gloucester for this report:

It was crisp and gorgeous when the first International Dory racers approached the starting line. First up were American Juniors Randy Parisi and LJ Robertson, making their first trip to Nova Scotia to take on the defending International Junior Champions Connor Swim and Holden Nickerson. Strong currents pulled the older Canadian crew off course on the way out to the halfway point, turning flags opening up a window of opportunity for the American youngsters. It was a close race coming to the finish line but the U.S. team had a little course trouble of its own and the Canadian crew from Clarks Harbour won again, in a time of 5:29. The American Juniors were 5:32.

In the Mixed Doubles, American newcomers Jeff and Jen Muise made an impressive showing, but proved to be no match for the team of Nicole Jones and Rob Hurlburt, creator of the increasingly popular "Hurlburt Seat." The Canadian pair held off a late push and won in a time of 5:44, defeating the U.S. team by 6 seconds.

In the Men's Master's Division, it was time for the Americans to have the experience and the victory. Rowing legends John Morris and Ed Parnell came out of retirement and put on a show of rowing efficiency. The wind was coming up and Angus Atkins and John Penny, from Clarks Harbour, NS were game and gave 110%, but in the end the coursemanship and skill of the Gloucestermen gave the Americans a win in a time of 5:45, versus 6:01 for the Canadians.

The Women's Division had no representatives from the U.S. so the strong women's crew of Kris Ann Keizer and Kelly George decided they'd take on the powerhouse tandem and multiple International Women's Champs, Natalie and Nicole Jones. Both crews rowed well, but no one was surprised when the Clarks Harbour ladies crossed the finish line first, in 5:56. Kris Ann and Kelly finished in a respectable 5:59.

In the Open Class, the reigning International Dory Champions Tom Jarvis and Jim Tarantino, representing the United States, defended their title against the pride of Prince Edward Island, past Masters Champs Tim Mair and Kenny McDonald. Both crews struggled with their courses against the currents but the Americans were able to get the victory in 9:52.