Boats, fans answer call to Slough despite weather

Despite cool weather and occasional rain, boat racers and fans made a strong showing in the opening session of the races at Webb's Slough in St. John.

Race fans in coats and caps filled the terraces at the slough to watch boats compete in timing rounds and eliminations.

A total of 33 boats were on the race card.

Toughest assignment of the day went to the Slough Crew helpers on the course who were called on numerous times to wade in to help with boats which had jumped the course track or stalled out.

Dennis Hughes of Spokane booked the fastest time Saturday with a 45.34 second run to take the u...