Cape Cod Community Rowing Hosts Annual Cranberry Sprints

HARWICH – Cape Cod Community Rowing brought friendly competition, community spirit and plenty of fun to Long Pond on Saturday, Aug. 15 during its annual Cranberry Sprints regatta, attracting participants from ages 12 to 87.

The Cranberry Sprints feature fast-paced “stake races” in which youth and adults race around a designated marker and return to the starting point, in timed categories. Rowers from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and the United Kingdom participated in sculling and sweep races, from single shells to eight-person crews. For novice youth and adults, this was their first regatta. 

The Cranberry Sprints welcomes local and visiting rowers and spectators. The youth crew from Coventry Lake Community Rowing (CLCR) in Connecticut was well represented in races and awards, and even joined the host club in an eight. 

During the Cranberry Sprints award ceremony, Kayden Kaser, a rising senior at Nauset High, was presented with the Alan McLennen, Jr., Award in recognition of her leadership, dedication and sportsmanship. Always a positive presence, she brings teammates together and demonstrates a commitment not only to her own improvement, but also to the success and spirit of the entire team. Kaser capped the spring season by winning the girls varsity single at the Massachusetts Public Schools Rowing Association Spring Championship in Lowell on May 24.

Named in honor of longtime club member, Orleans resident, and octogenarian rower Alan McLennen, Jr., the award recognizes the character, commitment and leadership he has modeled for generations of Cape Cod rowers.

Youth winners were: 1x Novice Paxton O’Kane (Cape Cod Community Rowing [CCCR], Tess Patterson (CLCR); 1x Sawyer Vess, Lilly Peck (CCCR); 2x (boys) Sawyer Vess and Andrew Dellamorte (CCCR); 2x (girls) Eliana Hughes and Jesslen Ricci (CLCR); 4x Lilly Peck, Kayden Kaser, Elena Medeiros, Libby Doughty (CCCR); 4+ Eliana Hughes, Jesslen Ricci, Aubrey Baker, Natalie Baker, cox Daniel Pekhnyk (CLCR).

Area businesses donate to the event to support Cape Cod Community Rowing, which offers recreational and competitive opportunities for youth and adults. This year, donations had an even greater impact: Cape Cod Water Sports Academy matched funds raised for the club, helping to provide the boats, oars and other equipment needed to keep rowers of different ages and experience levels on the water.

Cape Cod Community Rowing’s youth program will return for its fall season on Sept. 8, welcoming returning and new rowers. For more information, visit capecodcommunityrowing.com.