Rock skippers make a splash in the harbor




The staples of the annual Orne’s Candy Store Rock Skipping contest were all in place on July 13 for the 10th skipping of the rocks in Boothbay Harbor: perfect weather, enthusiastic competitors and supporters, rocking monikers, peerless judging and amusing commentary by master of ceremonies John Webster.
Each year's event has its peculiarities, as well as its standards. This year’s most notable were a groom and his groomsmen (who had to bump the skipping order so as not to be late for the wedding), and for the first time, a Webster (the first family of Boothbay Harbor rock skipping) in the winner’s circle.
Among those gathered, family pride ran high. The Campbell clan from Ocean Point, who were decked out in neon green T-shirts gathered together on the footbridge and hung a banner with each family competitor’s name as he or she was called to the water.
The Campbells were represented by four generations from five states on Saturday, including former women’s champion, Donna “Rock-Launcher” Loonie.
Defending men’s champion Jason “Loose Cannon” Harrington retained his title of top male skipper with 21 skips. Kim “Mskim” Webster, daughter of John and Jean Webster, took the 2013 women’s title with 15 skips.
After the competition, a somewhat chagrined Webster said based on her earlier attempts she had no expectation of winning the event.
Anna "Carbonator" Carbone won the 2013 girls’ top honors with “double twos” and Tristan "Rocky Point" Smith was the 2013 boys' champ with 16 skips.
This year’s rock skipping challenge raised over $300 for the Boothbay Region Food Pantry.
Sue Mello can be reached at 207-844-4629 or suemello@boothbayregister.com.
Event Date
Address
United States