lifedotsport provided volunteers and service boats to the event and used Rene's 33' sailboat as 'the mother ship' to the two dinhgies that supplied water and other necessities to the competitors.  Rene said that he provided at least a dozen cases of water for the dehydrated participants.  Kurt towed a couple to safety. We had our own fuel problems (water in the tank), which forced us to go under sail power for the end of the event!  What an adventure tacking in the narrow confines of the East River under a heavy current!! In any case, while many athletes told me at the evening's White Party Dinner that this was the most difficult paddle event they had ever experienced (new moon tides), the event was a smashing success!