The annual Southport Rowgatta took place once again this past Saturday with record numbers of participants showing up to prove their rowing skills on the waves around Southport Island.

This was the 21st consecutive year the event has taken place, and 54 participants boarded their boats August 9 at Cape Newagen on the southern tip of the island to begin their 12-nautical mile journey that, for the fastest of rowers, took nearly two hours to complete.

Rowers complete the journey from Cape Newagen to Cozy Harbor, past Townsend Gut and Pig Cove, all the way back to where they began, all to support the local YMCA.

Abby Jones, healthy living coordinator for the YMCA, explained the origin of the event and the purpose it continues to serve to this day. She and several others stepped in this year to organize the Rowgatta in place of Susan Quinby, who has conducted the event for the past 20 years, but has decided to pass on the torch.

"It was started as a way to raise money for the YMCA aquatics program," Jones said. That program provides swimming lessons to all children who live in the Boothbay region — including children who attend school at Boothbay Region, Edgecomb Eddy, and Southport Central schools.

Through funds the YMCA raises as part of the Rowgatta, children are provided with aquatics programs, in addition to their regular classes. Teachers bring their students to the YMCA where swimming instructors can teach them how to swim and be safe in the water.

"It is an amazing and important thing for a community so close to the water," Jones continued, "that children learn to swim. It's a special and important cause."

Jones also indicated that participants report feeling a sense of accomplishment when participating in the lap around the island. Some people come to beat their personal best lap times while others simply enjoy the race for its scenic value. Whatever their additional reasons for participating, rowers all work toward raising money for the YMCA program and awareness of swimming as an important skill.

Any "person-powered" craft is allowed in the event. Rowers can power dinghies, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and other boats that can make it around the island. In addition to the thrill of completing the course, participants can also win awards for their performance and creativity. The award categories and winners are as follows:

Youngest: Roy Journagan, 2 years old

Oldest: Richard Nolan, 74 years old

Farthest Away: Roy Faulkner, Alexander Dysell and Stefan Scheuring from West Africa and Germany

Closest Birthday: Bruce Kinsley and Seth Chatterton, both have July 11 birthdays

Most Unique Boat: Two groups used wooden rowboats: 1. Brian and Isaac Thompson and Roy Faulkner, Alexander Dysell and Stefan Scheuring

Most Unique Person: Carrie Eason

Spirit Award: The Christmas Cove Club

First Finishers: John Auber in singles and David and Peggy Mitchell in doubles

Final Finisher: Bob and Melinda Welter

Jones also wanted to congratulate the volunteers who helped out with the event.

"I really want to thank all the volunteers that help us to make this possible," she said.

There were several people involved in making sure boats reached their checkpoints, Coast Guard members who made sure rowers were safe in the water, and event organizers who put together advertising, material preparation, announcements, awards and refreshments and who provided moral support for all rowers who participated.