NAPLES, Fla. – The founder of a popular water sports event is hanging up his canoe paddle after 40 years. Vin Depasquale began hosting the Great Dock Canoe Races in 1977 as a way to have fun with friends. He has seen the event grow every year since. Now he thinks someone else should take over organizing the event. “It is emotional, yea. We put our heart and soul in this and every year we look forward to it, but I think it’s time to take a little bit of a backseat,” Depasquale said. Canoeists of varying ages between 13 and 80 traveled from all over the state to participate. The winners, Bill and Adriene Ervin, finished in 18 minutes and 48 seconds.