James Wakefield Rescue Row

On Saturday, October 7th, the Champlain Longboats Program at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum will hold its annual James Wakefield Rescue Race. The race is named after James Wakefield who was responsible for the courageous rescue of the passengers and crew of the The Canal Schooner General Butler on December 9th, 1876 after it crashed into Burlington’s breakwater during a fierce winter gale.

Last year over 120 youth from area schools, including Burlington High School, South Burlington High School, Vergennes Middle and High School, Champlain Valley Union High School, Mt. Abe Middle & High Schools, Rice Memorial High School as well as students from North Haven, Vinalhaven, and Rockland Maine. The youth row 25 and 32-foot boats in a series of heats. The boats used in the event were built by Vermont high school and middle school students at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.

High wind location is at LCMM. Please check our Facebook page for updates.