EVERETT —Bainbridge Island Rowing sent six masters crews to the Otter Island Touring Regatta hosted Saturday, Sept. 28, by the Everett Rowing Association.

This annual event features an eight-mile course from the Everett Rowing Association boathouse (near where I-5 crosses the Snohomish River) into the Snohomish Slough, to and around Otter Island, and back.

Always challenging because of its length, this year’s race encountered exceptional wind, rain and tide. All of the eight-oared shells finished the course (albeit having shipped several inches of water), but some fours and doubles were called back shortly after launching due to worsening conditions and the risk of swamping.

ERA Race Director Lynn Dykgraaf observed that it was the worst he’d seen in 17 years of hosting this regatta, the first time they’d had to limit it due to weather and water conditions. Rowers were damp but not too dispirited as they devoured the salmon feast that ERA provides, with justifiable pride, post-race.

Finishing in second place for Bainbridge Island Rowing was a women’s eight rowed by (bow to stroke) Judy Friesem, Deb Lantz, Chris Bonham, Mary Derry, Susan Haines, Terry Bell, Barb Jeantrout, and Barb Shane; cox was Kirsten Jewell of Kitsap Rowing Association (Poulsbo).

Bainbridge Island Rowing had also planned to compete in the Tail of the Lake (Union) Regatta on Sunday, Sept. 29, but that race was completely cancelled due to the persistent severe weather.