James Wakefield Rescue Row

Join us for this annual youth rowing race hosted by Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, named after a brave first responder from 1876 who rescued passengers and crew of a shipwreck on the Burlington breakwater. 


Over 200 middle school and high school students from Vermont and surrounding New England schools will be competing in 32′ and 25′ rowing gigs. Families, onlookers, and attendees are welcome to watch for free (and cheer loudly!) from Perkins Pier, the Burlington boathouse, or anywhere along the Burlington Waterfront.

This race is named in honor of James Wakefield and his courageous rescue of the passengers and crew of the General Butler when it struck the Burlington Breakwater on December 9, 1876 during an fierce early winter gale. Race details and a history of James Wakefield's rescue here: https://www.lcmm.org/james-wakefield-rescue-row/