Town of Lunenburg hosts 74th annual International Dory Races

The 74th annual International Dory Races took place Saturday in Lunenburg, N.S., pitting Team Canada against Team USA.

According to the Town of Lunenburg, the races “embody the spirit of friendly competition and highlight the enduring connection” between Lunenburg and Gloucester, Mass.

“A relationship forged through the sea and carried forward through this beloved event,” said a news release from the town.

Twelve competitors went head-to-head in six races, which tested skill, strength and teamwork on the water. Crowds of people cheered on the competitors from the waterfront. Mass. Senator Bruce Tarr also attended the event.

One race had to stop temporarily on Saturday to allow the Bluenose II to dock.

The history of the event dates back to 1951, when Lloyd Heisler of Mahone Bay, N.S., and Tom Frontiero of Gloucester, Mass., got into a debate at a bar in Lunenburg over which dory rowers were superior. They decided to put it to the test, with the first race taking place the following year.

“Nova Scotia sends their best teams of rowers from each category to race against their American counterparts in Gloucester, and every August since 1952, Gloucester teams take their turn coming to Lunenburg to race in Canada waters,” read a pamphlet at the event.

The categories include: juniors, mixed, women’s, over 50 men’s, over 50 women’s, and senior/open.

Canada won five of the six races Saturday, only losing out on the senior/open category.

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