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New Gloucester local to compete in YMCA Peaks-to-Portland Swim
24th Annual YMCA Peaks-to-Portland Swim, July 23

Portland, ME - The chill of Maine's waters is enough to keep most
people firmly planted on the shore. However, on July 23rd, 160 swimmers will take a bold plunge into Casco Bay when the 24th Annual YMCA Peaks-to-Portland Swim gets underway. Participants in this 2.4-mile swim from Peaks Island to East End Beach in Portland come from around the country to battle the cold, choppy ocean. One New Gloucester resident will be joining in this year.

Douglas Moore, 57, (right) of New Gloucester will be competing in his first ever YMCA Peaks-to-Portland Swim next weekend. When asked why he wants to take to the 61 degree Casco Bay waters, Moore said, "I have wanted to do this since I first heard about it." He moved to Maine in 1984 and has been swimming and sailing in Casco Bay since that time. However, he has just recently taken to more competitive open water swimming. "I am building my swimming skills in the Masters workout group in Portland. I love open water, swam the Lobsterman Triathlon last fall, and plan to swim a lot more open water."

With 160 swimmers, there are many other intriguing reasons for taking this bold plunge. Some swim in memory if loved ones. Some revel in the camaraderie and competition. For many, this event is a test of one's physical and mental strength.

The YMCA Peaks-to-Portland Swim has become a summertime tradition. It is a colorful event, with 160 swimmers, 160 kayakers, nearly 100 volunteers and hundreds of spectators on East End Beach in Portland to cheer on the swimmers as they cross the finish line. This year's event will be capped with a post-swim BBQ (provided by Uncle Billy's Bar-B-Que of Yarmouth), and then awards. The local community is encouraged to fill East End Beach for this exciting day at the beach. FMI, call 874-1111.

Left, last year's event with unidentified swimmer and kayakers right behind. Photo by Gail Osgood Photography.

All proceeds from the swim go directly to the Cumberland County YMCA's Annual Scholarship Drive, ensuring that no one will ever be turned away from a YMCA program or service because of inability to pay. The Cumberland County YMCA is comprised of the Greater Portland, Casco Bay, Otter Pond Camp, and YMCA at Pineland Branches. The Y provides a wide range of social services and programs to achieve its mission of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities through programs that promote a healthy spirit, mind and body for everyone, regardless of ability to pay.