The Arc 9 miler was the second race in the 2001 Adirondack Arc Canoe Race Series and the Top of the State Canoe Race Series. The Adirondack Arc Series is a cooperative partnership of The Adirondack Arc, The Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The Top of the State Canoe Race Series features races from Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Madrid, Saranac, Paul Smiths, and Massena. Series sponsors include Grasse River Boatworks and MAC'S Canoe Livery in Lake Clear.

THE ADIRONDACK ARC 40 MILER

The Adirondack Arc 40 miler started with a mass start at the Long Lake Beach. 15 canoe, kayaks and guideboats gathered for a mass start. Race organizers warned of the potential for thunder and heavy rain, and recommended racers exit the water in the event of lightening. The warnings proved necessary. 15 miles into the race competitors were faced with a heavy rain and lightening. Many competitors opted to wait out the storm on shore. The middle 20 miles of the race are very remote, following the Raquette River, the southern boundary of the High Peaks Wilderness. In addition to being strong paddlers, participants must be able to read water currents, be self reliant with appropriate food, drink and clothing and have experience adapting to changing weather conditions. Participants successful lived up to the challenge this year.

The fastest kayak time of the day went to John Ders of South Otselic, NY completed the 40 miles in 5:18:26. The fastest canoe was Janet Findlay and Dave Hunter of Lake Placid in 5:25:15. The fastest guideboat was Paul Neil of Spring Valley, NY crossing the finish line in 6:25:55. Paul earned the Adirondack Museum Guideboat Cup for being the fastest rower in the 40 miler.

In addition to the Adirondack Arc and the Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce, The Flatwater Weekend was sponsored by: Duofold, North Country Natural Spring Water, Clif Bar and MAC'S Canoe Livery in Lake Clear. The organizers would like to thank the members of the Tri Lakes Amateur Radio Club for their communications assistance, the Tupper Lake Rod and Gun Club for the use of their terrific facility on Simon Pond, and the volunteers who gave generously of their time to make participants feel welcome in Tupper Lake.