Puget Sound’s first race of 2018 is Saturday at 9:45 a.m. It starts from Conner Waterfront Park, under the Rainbow Bridge. Come watch the perhaps 35th annual “human powered” only watercraft race. As many as 80 boats entered in past years. This year’s racers include a La Connerite and an Ohioan. The race is sponsored by Sound Rowers Open Water Rowing and Paddling Club.

Race Director Rod Sternagel noted “La Conner is our first race since October and our members use it rather than Ground Hog’s Day to announce that Spring and the rest of the anxiously awaited racing season are on the way.”

The race has mass starts, by types. Paddle boarders go first. Rowing shells start at 10 a.m., with all other water craft following five minutes later.

The seven mile race starts and finishes under the Rainbow bridge. The course is south through the channel, west past Goat Island, and around the #1 Green Can then returning the same route.

Lunch and award presentations are at La Conner Middle School.

The Club organizes races for self-powered watercraft around the Puget Sound area, primarily. It is a volunteer, non-profit organization with the purpose of sponsoring human-powered boat racing for weekend and world class athletes.

Racers can pre-register or register Saturday. Race fees are $10 to$20, based on membership and preregistration. Details at http://www.soundrowers.org/race-schedule/la-conner/. Rod Sternagel, race coordinator: 206-387-1637; [email protected].