The Working Waterfront

Swimming to, and for the light

Women plan lighthouse fundraising swim around Isle au Haut

Staff Writer
Posted 2019-07-10
Last Modified 2019-07-10
Molly and Alison

The iconic Isle au Haut lighthouse, operating since 1907, is a treasured landmark. Perched beside the mouth of the Isle au Haut Thorofare, it is a beacon for boats and a much-loved sight for all who pass by.

The tower is community owned and is in dire need of a major restoration. Fundraising efforts have been underway for several years, but a big final push is needed to achieve the goal of beginning the work in the summer of 2020.  

Starting from the granite base of the lighthouse tower, Molly Siegel and Alison Richardson will swim in the frigid Maine waters roughly 18 miles clockwise around Isle au Haut—in sections—returning back to the lighthouse.  

For each mile the two swim, they hope to raise $1,000 for a total of $18,000.

The website at which donations can be made is https://bit.ly/2S09XOA, or search “Go Fund Me Isle au Haut Lighthouse.” Photos of the restoration project and videos of the women swimming also may be found there.