Hooch racers hope for fair winds Sunday

photo Chattanooga Public Works employee Jack Evans picks up refuse and takes a look across the Tennessee River on Nov. 1, 2014, as high winds cancelled Head of the Hooch competition on the riverfront in Chattanooga.

Mother Nature competed against the Head of the Hooch on Saturday and won.

High winds, whipping over the Tennessee River at speeds faster than 20 mph throughout the day, caused Saturday's races to be canceled.

For much of the day Saturday, hundreds of boats sat on racks instead of being prepared to race in the river. Athletes dressed in windsuits and leggings walked with their teams around the riverfront at Ross's Landing, listening to constant reports of delayed races, until the decision finally was made at 2 p.m. to cancel the day's events.

"This is the first time in the past 34 years of the race that we have had to cancel it," said Race Director Daniel Wolf.

Wolf said this is the 10th year the race has been held in Chattanooga and delays have occurred in the past, but a whole day's race has never been canceled in the regatta. The Head of the Hooch is the second largest in the U.S., with more than 10,000 rowers from across the country.

The wind conditions made it unsafe for the race, Wolf said. But forecasts said today's winds are predicted to be much calmer and he expects the races to proceed.

"Coaches and teams are frustrated, but they understand," he said.

The University of Texas' crew team sat in burnt-orange jackets next to their boats Saturday. They had flown to Nashville and driven down to Chattanooga for the race.

"The team is handling this well," said head coach Dave O'Neill. "We have been updated and well informed all day by race organizers."

Despite the team not gaining experience in the river, O'Neill said, they are bonding and training on the dry ground, which prevents the trip from being a waste.

Sarah Low, who coaches for the Atlanta Junior Racing Association, said many of the kids on her team were disappointed the event was canceled because it was their final race of the season.

"It's a total bummer," Low said, "but outdoor sports have these risks and I respect the safety decision made."

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., brought its entire team of 31 people to the race, but were not letting the delays and cancellation prevent them from enjoying being together.

Joel Buckhalt, a sophomore on the team, said, "Being here with the whole team is nice, and most of us have never been to Chattanooga before."

Teammate Debbie Martin agreed, and said, "When we go to most races we don't get to see the city, but because the race takes place right in downtown we get to spend time in this beautiful city and not just in a hotel."

Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfreepress.com.

Upcoming Events