The Boothbay Region YMCA will be hosting its 19th annual Rowgatta this August.

Set for Saturday, Aug. 11, the Rowgatta consists of a 12-nautical-mile row or paddle around Southport Island. Any craft that is man-powered and sail-free is welcome to join in the race.

“Instead of just paddling around, it’s turned into more of a race,” said Mary Baudo, YMCA wellness director and co-chair of the Rowgatta. She has collaborated with Susan Quinby, who founded the Rowgatta, for the last five years.

Though they are co-chairs, Baudo said Quinby plays a large role in organizing the event.

The Rowgatta is a fundraiser and all of the proceeds go towards the YMCA Aquatic Programs. It costs $35 to participate when preregistering and $40 the day of the event.

Participants can either register as individuals or as teams. Individuals complete the 12 miles on their own, teams switch out at either Cozy Harbor or Robinson’s Wharf.

The event is a lot of fun, and open to people of all ages and abilities. Completing the 12 miles is not required – either participants can team up to split up the mileage or stop at any of the scheduled locations for team changes.

The event will be covered by the Boothbay Harbor Coast Guard Flotilla 25, who will make sure everyone completes the race safely.

The most interesting event that Baudo has witnessed in her time as a co-chair is an entire wedding party participating in the Rowgatta. The members of the wedding parties were paired off in kayaks, and the bride and groom had their own.

To register for the Rowgatta, go to the YMCA and fill out a registration form before 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10, or on the day of the event by 8:15 a.m. at Newagen on the southern tip of Southport Island.