I am one of the “survivors” of the “Great Dragon Boat Capsize of 2012.” Although I was actually safely under the boat for the first few minutes, I observed an efficient and well-coordinated rescue effort.
I would like to thank all of the trained volunteers, Sheriff ’s Department personnel and Coast Guard for our timely rescue. They were there within seconds and acted quickly to assist us and to account for all paddlers.
Kudos to Jim Wiinanen for holding drills that made the response so efficient. Our Thunder Bay coach and steersman told us later that we should all be thankful for a community that was so well-prepared. A veteran of many dragon boat races, he was really impressed.
Thanks to all of the wonderful Spirit of the Wilderness team for good humor, a positive attitude and mutual support. We were a team in every sense of the word.
Lastly, a big thank you to Ainslie Kincross, Matthew Brown and Deb Benedict for their months of hard work to make this festival a success. It was the best one yet. I can’t wait for next year!
Karen Kobey
Lutsen/ Shoreview
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