The challenge is open to European Rowing Member Federations and will take place over three days, from 23 to 25 October, at Marina Di Castagneto in Italy’s west coast province of Livorno. There will also be training days on 21 and 22 October to allow for racing preparation. Racing events will be in junior and senior Beach Sprints as well as senior Coastal Endurance format events.
It started off beautifully with a sunrise and funny little clouds. I notice a camper at the marina. A Winnibago I would love to own. Again, the sunrise bathes the bridge with bright color as I row under it (the bridge is mostly grey and rusting). The little sparrows on the bridge lines enjoy the warm sun on high. Heading northeast towards the lighthouse I glance over my starboard at the Sleightsburgh and notice a massive flock of great white egrets. I had decided to go to Kingston Point Beach and back because it is a nice 5 mile row. Other than a few rowing club scullers, nobody was out on the water. As usual, very peaceful, very quiet. Then, when I get to the beach area the water becomes flat. The breeze I had experienced when I launched disappeared. I notice an orange kayak launch from the beach. His name is Jim and he says hello. We talk a bit about kayaking and the Hudson and for whatever reason (maybe because I am curious about water people) I ask how COVID19 is affecting his life and he says “very well”. I am surprised and ask for an explanation and he tells me he does sales on Etsy and business is booming. I ask what he is selling and the says, to my surprise, “Playboy magazines”. Makes sense. Then on my way back I catch two fellows at “a-ton #1” (coast guard “aids to navigation” number 1 on the jetty). They are contractors checking that all is well with this marker. Later as I row into the creek towards home I hear a powerboat behind me. I look over my right shoulder on my port side to see who is coming out of the creek but see no one. I still hear the powerboat and wonder what is going on. I jumped when I saw it was the coast guard contractor’s boat navigating between me and the bulkhead out to the lighthouse. I guess you don’t have to know how to navigate a channel even if you are a coast guard contractor.
the Rondout Rower 