Feature Article August 28, 2002
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Commentary-Powerboat Races in Sydenhamby Wilma KennyBoat races came to Sydenham this last weekend, as they have in August for several years now. The poster said it was "the largest stock/modified/pro outboard hydroplane race in Canada! Speeds up to 80 mph, over 35 races each day!" Local residents were advised that the boat launch ramp at the point would be closed from Friday evening to Sunday evening.
Strong arguments have been made both for and against these races being held here in Sydenham village. The western end of the lake is closed off to everyone but the racers: residents around the bay complain that they feel unsafe launching boats or swimming from their docks. The noise is amazing while a race is running, village and bay householders cannot hear each others' voices unless windows and doors are shut. According to a resident of Rutledge road, half a kilometre outside the village, "They sound like theyre coming right down the road past me." A local choirleader wished the races wouldnt start until after noon on Sunday: "You cant hear the hymns once the boats fire up." Some of the engines throw up puffs of blue smoke when they start, others exhaust into the lake; there are concerns about pollution.
The races are sanctioned by the Canadian Boating Federation and the American Powerboat Association. They like to use Sydenham Lake as a race site, because its in a central location for many of the participants; the launch areas are shallow and accessible; and the bay is quite well protected from heavy winds, and without much danger of wakes from larger boats nearby. The Point Park provides clean, level camping areas. In order to come here, the races have to be sponsored by a local non-profit group. This year, it was the baseball association. We were unable to get actual amounts, but previous sponsors have reported only about 90 outside spectators attending during the weekend. Each racing participant pays a fee of $40, which goes to cover insurance, St. Johns Ambulance, outhouse rental and clean-up. There are no cash prizes awarded.
I wandered over to the Point both Saturday and Sunday. My admittedly negative attitude wasnt lessened when I read a T-shirt: "Shake the Lake in 98." I talked with several of the racers, mentioned my concerns about noise and pollution. Here are some of the things they said: "A well-tuned motor (they ranged from 15 hp to 50 hp) uses about two litres of gas a day, causes less pollution than a bass boat The aeration of the water is good for the fish fishermen say fishings better after a race. This is a family sport, a hobby sport. Many of the boats are home-made; very few people use the really noisy pro motors any more. Winnings fun, but not as important as having a good time. Were recommending the local brand of gas, it should bring you business." They chatted about the delicate timing needed to cross the start line, how a hydroplane flew and cornered, why the winning boats were weighed and measured.
While I was there, I saw and heard only one of the dual megaphone exhaust motors with the head-numbing whine that I remember from previous years (driver and crew wore earplugs). There seemed to be a high degree of concern about safety; many children and teenagers were present, some helping parents launch boats. The boats were driven by men and a few women of all ages. People seemed to be having a good time, there was no evidence of alcohol; a couple of local womens teams were using the ball diamond; and children were swimming at the side of the point away from the races. The less than a dozen locals who were in attendance Sunday afternoon were lined up on chairs by the finish line, some commenting on the boat races that used to be at the centre of the Sydenham water carnivals in the 50s.
Wider investigation brought shrugs from local businesses, most of whom felt the races were self-contained, and brought in minimal trade. The alternate boat launching ramp at the other end of the lake was far from crowded: no one was there Saturday afternoon. By 8:00 am Monday morning, the Point park showed no evidence of the many people, tents and trailers that been there.
Obviously only the motorless boats, the sailboats, canoes and kayaks are non-polluting. Are the race boats any worse than the other, often much larger pleasure-boats? The village stores seem to gain very little benefit, but, beside the noise, how many of us are otherwise inconvenienced? I can certainly remember times Ive been part of a group taking up a lot more than my share of public space. When we moved into the village, we knew we were trading some of our personal privacy for the benefits of village living.
No one denies the noise pollution. Personally, because of the noise, Ill continue to try not to be in Sydenham on boat race weekend, but I find it harder to deny the boat racers their two days a year. Ill leave the last words to a local, who said: "Any sport that has an ambulance at the finish line, Ill skip."
