The 70th Arthur Hale Veasey Memorial Regatta was held at high tide at the Cove Beach on Squirrel Island on August 23. The event, which continues to be held in honor of its founder, draws all ages together for fun and competition. Three generations of the Veasey family hosted the regatta.

The competition included diving and swimming events for all age groups. Winning the 9-and-under diving was Dirk Spaeth, followed by Julia Wagner and Deuce Morton in a tie for second, and Natalie Swanson and Anna Howaniec in a tie for third. The 10-and-older diving competition was won by Crosby Fay, followed by Hannah Spaeth second and Emma Spaeth third.

Charlie Swanson finished third in the 4- to 6-year-old crawl stroke with Lilly Spaeth finishing second and Dirk Spaeth winning the event. The same age group’s backstroke resulted in a tie between Lilly Spaeth and Charlie Swanson.

In both the freestyle and backstroke events for the 7 to 9 age group, Julia Wagner placed first, Isabelle Salaun finished second and Nola Gorneau placed third in the freestyle event. Phoebe Spaeth placed second in the backstroke followed by Andre Salaun.

Winners of the 10- to 12-year-old freestyle event were Crosby Fay in first, Hannah Spaeth in second and Matty Spaeth in third. The backstroke event was won by Hannah Spaeth. Ryan O’Hare and Libby Jackson finished second and third.

The winner of both the 13-and-older freestyle and backstroke races was Emma Spaeth. Tommy McCormack placed second in the freestyle event.

The freestyle race around the diving float included a sizable group of both young and old. The event was won by Izzy Reis. Andre Nyce and Karl Spaeth finished second and third.

The adult relay included six highly competitive teams. Placing third was the team of Bryce and Zoe McKenzie, Edwin Sirois and Brent Underkoffler. In second, was the team of Izzy and Franklin Reis, Sam Higgins and Don Legere. The winning team included Andre Nyce and the Spaeth trio of Karl, Chris and Emma.

The regatta began as a way to cheer islanders up during World War II and included not only swimming competitions, but also sculling competitions and fun events like the “best decorated jeans.” It continues to bring islanders together to enjoy outdoor sporting opportunities.