A dory boat is a two man rowboat designed to go in and out of the surf. Dory boat racing has taken place in Southern California going back in time to 1928. Dory boats were once used on the East Coast by lifeguards to help with water rescues. Seal Beach has a history of competing in dory competitions and is now in pursuit of resurrecting these wonderful events.
Last summer, members of the Seal Beach Lifeguard Association began training and participating in multiple dory boat competitions. The lifeguards continue to rigorously train in preparation for competitions starting in June and concluding with the National Doryman’s Association Championship in Huntington Beach in the fall.
Marine Safety (Lifeguard) Chief Joe Bailey told the City Council this week that he expects a national championship from his lifeguards this year. Competing in the dory boat requires funding.
The boat is seaworthy, but there are a handful of one time upgrades and maintenance costs in order to be competitive and continue racing. The largest and most expensive item they need to replace is the boat trailer. It’s currently in really poor shape, rusted beyond belief, held together with bungie cord and duct tape. The electronics are all busted and there are metal pieces of the trailer that have broken off. It’s unsafe to drive on the street. Some of the other equipment they need to upgrade include the oars, seats, hardware. Maintenance items, to sustain the use and competition of the boat, include oarlocks, hardware, paint, ding repair, plugs and more. The Lifeguard Association is looking for support from the community.
The inaugural Horseshoe Tournament Fundraiser on the sands of Seal Beach Saturday morning, March 12. All proceeds benefit the Seal Beach Lifeguard Association dory boat. The goal is to raise enough money to purchase a new boat trailer. Bring lunch money. Lunch will be cooked and sold (to benefit the dory) by the Seal Beach Lions Club. There will also be a 50/50 opportunity cash drawing as well as Seal Beach Lifeguard Association T-shirts for sale.
Single entry is $25; Two person entry is $40. Go to http://goo.gl/forms/ezh5bi9nCf to register and pay for the Horseshoe Tournament.
For those of you who wish to donate to Seal Beach Lifeguard Associaton dory boat fundraiser and cannot make it to the March 12th Tournament, please go to https://squareup.com/store/seal-beach-lifeguard-association. For more information, contact Austin at sblifeguard@gmail.com or 562-430-2613 for more details.
Tentative dates for this season’s NDA events include:
• June 6–Santa Monica Ocean Festival
• June 20–South Bay Dozen, Torrance Beach
• June 27– Ed Perry Memorial Regatta, Venice Pier
• July 18–San Clemente Ocean Festival
• July 25–CSLSA Regionals, Huntington State Beach
• Aug 1–Taplin, Hermosa
• Aug 2–Hermosa Surf Festival
Aug 6-8–United Stated Lifesaving Association National Championships, Virginia Beach, Florida
Sept 13th – The Great Catalina Dory Race, Isthmus to Cabrillo Beach
Sept 19th – NDA Championships, Huntington Beach Pier
Oct. 18th – Pismo Beach Clam Festival
Oct. 31st – Newport Beach Aquatic Center
