SEQUIM — Saturday’s rowing and paddling race that kicks off Sequim Bay Yacht Club’s annual Reach and Row for Hospice benefit for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County raised $2,835.
Port Townsend’s “Wonderquad,” sculling in a quad, took the top prize in the 5K rowing and paddling race with a time of 23 minutes, 14.7 seconds. Team members are Kathleen Wood-Smith, David Winters, Ron Moller and Amy Grace.
Another foursome of Port Townsend scullers, “Medicine Women,” was the fastest women’s entry at 25.34.4. Team members are Becky Steffens, Lauren Olsen, Meredith Milholland and Kari Griffin-Harte.
Racing for Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association, Noah Oberly, 15, of Port Angeles, had the fastest men’s time at 25.56.
“Andiamo,” with Frank and Carolyn DeSalvo, was host SBYC’s fastest boat, a double, placing seventh overall.
Fifty-eight rowers and paddlers from Sequim, Port Townsend, Quilcene, Port Angeles, Clinton and Seattle competed in rowing shells, kayaks and rowboats. Participants included recent graduates of learn-to-row programs at Rat Island Rowing and Sculling Club, SBYC and OPRA.
“Reach & Row for Hospice” continues Saturday with a sailing race, dinner and dessert auction.
Since 1991, SBYC has raised more than $530,000 for VHOCC’s respite care fund, to provide professional assistance when family caregivers need brief breaks. For more information about SBYC’s rowing and sailing programs, see sequimbayyacht.club and Facebook. For more information about VHOCC, see volunteerhospice.org.

