Dead Confederates, A Civil War Era Blog

The Charles E. Hawkins Squadron in Galveston will host a presentation on Thursday, March 2, by Mike Matson (above, right), who recently led a three-man team from Houston in a rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean. The presentation will be held at Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant on Harborside Drive in Galveston, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The American Oarsmen completed the 2016-17 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, a rowing race across the Atlantic. Twelve boats competed this year, with one-, two-, three-, and four-member crews.

The Oarsmen — Matson, David Alviar, and Brian Krauskopf — set out from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 14, and arrived at English Harbor, Antigua, the early morning hours of February 2, with a passage time of 49 days, 14 hours, and 4 minutes. They covered a total distance of 2,789 nautical miles. They finished fourth in the race overall, and first among three-man crews.

The event will begin with a meet-and-greet and cash bar at 6:30 p.m., with dinner and the presentation beginning at 7:30. Attendees can order from the regular Fisherman’s Wharf menu, and will be responsible for their own food and drinks. Those wanting to attend should RSVP to Adm. Butch Spafford, (409) 239-3182 or by e-mail to admspafford-at-gmail-dot-com

The Texas Navy Association helped sponsor the Oarsmens’ effort, that was used to raise funds for charitable causes. Matson, Alviar, and Krauskopf were appointed by Governor Abbott as Admirals in the Texas Navy, and they carried a Texas Navy Association pennant aboard their specially-designed rowing scull, Anne.

The Texas Navy Association is a private, 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting the historical legacy of the naval forces of the Republic of Texas, 1835-45. In Galveston, the Charles E. Hawkins Squadron was organized in the fall of 2016, and meets on the first Thursday evening in odd-numbered months at Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant.

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