I’ve just learned from our friends at Borderless North that the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is hosting their annual James Wakefield Rescue Row this weekend. With crisp but sunny and clear weather anticipated tomorrow, the James Wakefield Rescue Row is the perfect family activity for sports enthusiasts and maritime aficionados.

On Saturday October 13th more than 125 athletes from local High Schools and Middle Schools and as far as the coast of Maine will meet at the Burlington waterfront for Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s annual youth rowing race. The James Wakefield Rescue Row is named after the man who courageously rescued the passengers and crew of canal schooner General Butler in December 1876… (Borderless North)

On December 9th, 1876, the crew of the canal schooner General Butler was stranded atop the breakwater in Burlington, VT, after their boat sank during a terrible winter storm. They were rescued by James Wakefield and his son, who rowed out to save them. Every year, the Champlain Longboats program commemorates this heroic event with a youth rowing race in Burlington, VT; over one hundred participants! (Lake Champlain Maritime Museum)

Essex History Link to James Wakefield Rescue Row

What a way to spend the day! And just in case you’re not already hooked, history buffs should note that the General Butler was built in Essex, NY in 1862. In other words, the James Wakefield Rescue Row is an extension of our Essex heritage. Now are you hooked?

The race will include 20 crews rowing 32-foot long boats in a series of heats along the Burlington Waterfront. Participating Vermont schools include Burlington High School, South Burlington High School, Vergennes Middle and High School, Champlain Valley Union High School and Mt. Abe High School. Races will begin at 9:30 at the Burlington Community Boat House at the foot of College Street. The colorful boats were built by Vermont High School and Middle School students at the Maritime Museum. (Addison Eagle)

2012 James Wakefield Rescue Row Details

Here’s a recap of the event details:

• What: James Wakefield Rescue Row
• When: Saturday, October 13 at 9:30 am
• Where: Burlington Community Boat House

If you attend, take some photographs and share them on the Essex blog!

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