by MARTY ZIER

Special to the Sounder

Members of the Orcas Island Rowing Association ventured to Lake Stevens for the annual Bull Trout Regatta on Oct. 23.

The challenging weather that was predicted proved to be a bluff as the rowers escaped the menacing wind and downpours that can turn the lake into the most revered adversary. In lieu of the elements, the rowers faced competition from Lake Stevens, Bainbridge, North Cascades and Everett clubs.

Crew Captain Jacqlynn Zier and Tamara Klein were first to break in the 6000+ meter course in the Junior Women’s 2X while Melanie Flint knocked out her first solo race in the Junior Women’s Novice 1X.

Max Blackadar and Garett Pietsch dominated the field with a first place finish in the Junior Men’s 2X while Jay Zier kept the pace with a first place finish in his first solo race, the Junior Men’s Novice 1X.The Orcas Island Rowing Masters also showed their leadership by competing. Coach Tina Brown finished first in the Master’s Women’s 1x while Martin Taylor and Sam Blackadar finished strong in their races.

“The Orcas Island Rowing Association will be a force to be reckoned with this spring,” said coach Tina Brown.

She offered special thanks to Sam Blackadar and Becky Flint for food prep and infamous Mike for boat transport and expertise.

OIAR’s next event is the Head of the Lake Regatta at UW on Nov. 7.