The Milford Small Craft Race, Grade A

Written By Malinda

Please see also my report about the 2021 race with pictures in the Race Reports section of this site.

  • Registration price, $45.00 (goes up $10 if registering within the last two days before the event).

  • Timing, Grade A: The race was timed manually (i.e. not chipped timed), spotters were present and visible to racers at the finish line, and the results were accurate, to my knowledge, and posted within a day on paddle guru.

  • Race course, Grade A: Two laps in a triangle yielding about 9 miles on LI sound. Race organizer Ted Taylor demonstrated knowledge of the tides and wind conditions in 2021 when I attended, and he made a wise decision to modify the course by about 2 miles while still having us travel the triangle twice. The first turn (angle in the triangle) was a can’t-miss green buoy, and the other turns were also clearly marked. Slim chance, if any, of getting lost. This course once done is now one of my favorite open-water races: no matter the conditions present on the day of this event, the amateur and veteran athlete will have a good challenge in downwind, upwind, or other textured water in which to play at each turn in the triangle.

  • Safety, Grade A: At least one chase boat present. Ted was not only knowledgeable about the conditions of the day but also concerned about making sure that we would not be thrown off-course due to wind and tide. Thus, his modification of the course was appropriate and prudent. As someone who enjoys open water but is highly risk averse, I felt safe and that I was being carefully monitored by Ted’s staff along the course.

  • Gift and Awards, Grade A: A gift bag with a waterproof cell phone pouch. The award was a beautiful, customized engraving on a hand-painted plaque. I was proud to receive mine for women’s surfski.

  • Food, Grade A+ : Lunch was included in the price of the race, and was a sumptuous all-you-can-eat assortment of sandwich wraps and different salads with one adult beverage also included at a nearby restaurant. Options available: buy a guest meal for $20 or receive a refund for the same amount for those not wishing to join the after-party.

Don’t miss the next Milford Championship: 9/25/22!


Malinda