Thousands of spectators turned out for Patchogue's annual "Battle on the Bay" boat race Sunday despite the rough seas and the tragedy that marked last year's competition.
Boaters came to the waters off Shorefront Park ready for a race, but still not forgetting what happened last summer when one vessel flipped over, killing both its passengers.
Officials made changes in hopes of making the battle safer for everyone. It is now held farther from shore and spectator boats were moved back to a quarter of a mile away from the race.