Abundant sunshine and the blue waters of Frenchman Bay make for pristine conditions for the annual canoe race.Abundant sunshine and the blue waters of Frenchman Bay make for pristine conditions for the annual canoe race.

Once a year, just before the COA pier comes out of the water, members of the outing club inspire their peers to take part in a friendly competition. The annual canoe race to Bar Island doesn’t land the winners much more than bragging rights, but participants still give it their all. 

Racers must carry their canoes down to the peer before lining up. Then, they sprint to nearby Bar Island, part of Acadia National Park, as quick as they can. They must grab a rock as proof of touching the island. Then they race back and run their canoes up the ramp (which can be quite steep, depending on the tide) before crossing the finish line.

Eight teams compete in the COA outing club's 2015 canoe race to Bar Island and back. The race begins next to the COA pier.Eight teams compete in the COA outing club's 2015 canoe race to Bar Island and back. The race begins next to the COA pier.

Participants in the 2015 canoe race are eager to be the first to reach Bar Island.Participants in the 2015 canoe race are eager to be the first to reach Bar Island.

Racers must carry their canoes down to the pier, and back up, before crossing the finish line.Racers must carry their canoes down to the pier, and back up, before crossing the finish line.The 2015 canoe race is a hard-fought competition, but teams manage to have plenty of fun.The 2015 canoe race is a hard-fought competition, but teams manage to have plenty of fun.Mild temperatures, sunshine, and calm seas keep the outing club's 2015 canoe race calm and collected.Mild temperatures, sunshine, and calm seas keep the outing club's 2015 canoe race calm and collected.This team doesn't mind carrying an extra passenger.This team doesn't mind carrying an extra passenger.Racers in the 2015 canoe race to Bar Island all manage to stay dry, but these spectators decide a dip in Frenchman Bay is warranted.Racers in the 2015 canoe race to Bar Island all manage to stay dry, but these spectators decide a dip in Frenchman Bay is warranted.The winners in the COA outing club's 2015 canoe race with their victory rock, scooped from the shores of Bar Island.The winners in the COA outing club's 2015 canoe race with their victory rock, scooped from the shores of Bar Island.