Great Peconic Race Paddlers To Seed 10,000 Clams On Race Day

On Saturday, September 10th, join the East End paddling community as they show their support for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Marine Program during the Hamptons’ third annual Great Peconic Race.

“This event is both a paddle, and a party,” shared Kimberly Barbour, Marine Program Outreach Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. “We are inviting everyone to join in the fun on Wades Beach where we’ll be having a Beach BBQ for the Bays featuring catering from Schmidt’s, craft beverages from Montauk and Greenport Harbor Brewing Companies, and fun beach activities.”

Participants can choose from a 3-mile, 9-mile or 19-mile course. (Courtesy Photo)

Proceeds from this year’s Great Peconic Race, along with sponsorship by Corcoran and individual contributions raised from a Good Circle crowd funding campaign, will allow Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program to conduct a significant workload in support of the health of local waters. Funding from the Thomas L. Kempner Foundation backed a project that seeded 5,000 bay scallops into a new spawner sanctuary in the Shelter Island Sound in the spring. Additionally, CCE deployed eelgrass test plantings earlier this year and a recent evaluation showed that the area is suitable for 2,500 shoots of eelgrass, which will be planted by CCE’s dive team on the day of the race. And that’s not all the restoration efforts that will take place during the Great Peconic Race.

“Proceeds from paddle registrations and party tickets directly support work to restore habitat and enhance shellfish populations,” noted Barbour. “As part of the event, we’ll be involving the paddlers in the seeding of 10,000 clams into the bay, and will be leading a habitat restoration workshop on the beach that all can participate in.”

The Great Peconic Race will begin at 9 a.m. from Wades Beach in Shelter Island. Both elite and recreational courses will be offered to participants. The 19-mile race course is open to all paddle crafts, including SUP, Surf Ski, OC1 – OC6, Kayaks, Coastal Rowers, and Prone board. Additionally, a 9-mile half course and a 3-mile untimed recreational course will launch this year. “You don’t have to be an elite paddler to participate in this event; non-paddlers can enjoy everything from the shore, watching the racers cross the finish line while enjoying a fun day at the beach,” she said.

Following the paddle, attendees can relax during a Post-Great Peconic Race Beach BBQ catered by Schmidt’s. Racers and guests can nosh on BBQ chicken, ribs, shellfish and more. Sips will include local wine, Montauk Brewing Company and Greenport Harbor Brewing Company.

Registration is $90 for the 3-mile course and $125 for the 9-mile or 19-mile course. Admission to the Charity Beach Party is $75.

The Marine Program’s mission is “to protect our waters, providing a clean environment for our fish, fowl and plants.”

For more information, visit greatpeconicrace.com.