Dana Gaines, shown here in a race in 2012, will be kayaking around the Island in August to raise money for the Gay Head Light.
Local kayaker Dana Gaines will grab his paddle for a good cause this August. In a single-seat kayak, Mr. Gaines will circumnavigate the Island in order to raise funds for the restoration and relocation of the Gay Head Lighthouse.
Mr. Gaines is no stranger to the 52-mile long journey around the Island. In September of 2012 he and a couple friends set a record of 11 hours and 4 minutes; his ambitious goal for the benefit of the lighthouse is 10 to 11 hours, wind and weather dependent. Until his start date of August 9, he will share updates from his training regime of paddling, cycling, and running through blog posts and collect pledge donations via the fundraising website www.indiegogo.com.
In 2013 the historic Gay Head Lighthouse was deemed one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Places at its current location, less than 50 feet from an eroding cliff, according to a press release. The Save the Gay Head Lighthouse Committee aims to save the lighthouse, which has stood proudly at the Aquinnah Cliffs since the 19th century, by moving it to a safer locale, an endeavor that will require $3 million in fundraising. The committee will host a party at the Aquinnah Shop during Mr. Gaines’s trip from which attendees can cheer the kayaker on as he crosses the finish line. More information will be available at www.gayheadlight.com as the date nears.