Walter Bested By Southampton Supe in Boat Race

Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter put up with some good-natured teasing on Sunday at the third annual after Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst left him in the dust during the Supervisors' Race, which kicked off the event.

Despite his loss, Walter said this year's event, the third annual Cardboard Boat Race, was "fantastic. There were thousands of people," he said.

Throne-Holst, who is Norwegian, came in first by a wide margin as she navigated her cardboard boat handily for the win.

The heat is on for next year — Walter won last year, and Throne-Holst, the year before.

"The event is a great fundraiser for our communities," Throne-Holst said. "Every year seems to bring more people, more interest — and more fun."

Thousands of spectators crowded the Peconic Riverfront for the popular event.

As for the supervisors' race, Throne-Holst said, "I think it's high time the supervisors of all the East End towns participate."

The supervisor thanked the Flanders Fire Department, and Barbara and Rob Merker, for building her winning vessel, the "Flanders Flame — a real winner," she said.

Walter said this year's event was "fantastic. There were thousands of people," he said.

Only one thing would be sweeter, Walter said. "It would have been better if I won," he joked.