Sports
Rain Soaks, But Doesn't Stop Battle On The Bay
Boating competition brings spectators despite stormy weather.
Rain did not stop spectators from watching the powerboat races of Battle on the Bay at Shorefront Park in Patchogue on Sunday. The boating competition brought spectators from all over Long Island and competitors from around the nation.
"The weather is the weather, it doesn't stop anyone from racing," said David Aponte, whose family all wore yellow ponchos.
Though food was bought and sold throughout the day, vendors said the weather did impact business. "When it rains it's not good for our business," said Robert Miller, who worked a stand selling frozen daiquiris, smoothies and lemonade.
Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri said the event was well attended, even though crowds were smaller this year because of the rain.
Pontieri added the event brings people to Patchogue's waterfront that do not normally come to the village.
Debbie Kiebel of Bayport made this year's Battle on the Bay her first. Kiebel attended the event with her husband, John, and said she was trying to convince him to start racing.
Seven-year-old Anthony Grigons attended the competition on Friday and Sunday with his grandmother. Grigons rooted for "Talking Trash," a boat with Sesame Street character Oscar the Grouch displayed on it. Grigons wished the boat's driver and throttler good luck and received a "Talking Trash" poster in return.
First responders ensured boater and spectator safety at the event with an emergency command center. Patchogue Fire Department Chief Mike LoDolce said the department and other first responders have been meeting to plan for the event every two weeks since June. When asked how the weather plays a part in the competition, LoDolce said the rain doesn't stop the boaters, a lack of visibility does.
"Sutphens are great for rough water. The weather made us better," said Charlie Groff, who placed first in Class 3 with his boat, TKO. Groff also said he enjoys racing the Patchogue course and finds the community supportive of the races.
Ernie Dupuis, who took third place as throttler for his powerboat Nopper Marine, said sutphens, the brand of boat he races, perform well in the rain. "Our boats were made to run in rough water," Dupuis said.
