Dear Editor:

The Southport Rowgatta XX sponsored by the Boothbay Region YMCA on August 10 was a resounding success as a result of the involvement of many members of our community: participants, spectators, family cheerleaders, sponsors and the countless volunteers whose efforts, energy and enthusiasm always make this a fun event.

The Rowgatta was kept safe and sound with the efforts of Check Point members Jennifer, Angie, Harvey, Shane and Sam; Boat Crew volunteers Paul and Louise Cowan, Holly O'Shea and crew, Bruce MacDonald and crew; Antoine Athallah and Ken Partaine. The Coast Guard Auxiliary was ably represented by David Eastwood, Gordon Nash and their crews--with a shout-out to Sandy Larsen who staffed the Rowgatta registration table with a smile.

A special thanks to all of our most generous sponsors who are such an integral part of our event: co-sponsors Tidal Transit and the Southport Island Association as well as prize donors House of Logan, Southport General Store, Newagen Seaside Inn, Video Loft, Mobil Good 'N You Sales and Service, Orne's Candy Store, Grover's Hardware, and Kim Horstman, licensed massage therapist.

Thanks also to Boothbay Region Greenhouses for their jaunty balloon bouquets, and check point refreshments by the Southport Yacht Club and Robinson's Wharf. The Rowgatta wouldn't exist without the amazing work of the veteran volunteers of Team Newagen: Marsha Gamage, Nancy Harriman, Merry Knowlton, Meredith Mitchell, Skip Simonds and Dick Snyder, who provided an array of advanced skills in baking, balloon wrangling, parking, photography and above all, stupendous spirit.

Ahoy to all, and here's to Rowgatta XXI in 2014.

Susan Quinby and Mary Baudo
Rowgatta Co-chairs