Cat Boat
53rd Annual Duck Island Gathering– July 16-17
Race Results
1st Sea Fever, Bill Stubenbord
2nd Jezebel, Larry Ritzhaupt
3rd Sea Smoke, Robin and Betsy Varian
The North Cove Yacht Club was host to the 53rd
annual Duck Island Gathering on July 16-17. This regatta is for catboats
of all sizes, although the majority of boats this year were Marshall
18’s Racing began on Saturday with Ed Godfrey as race committee
chair and committee boat captain. Ed was joined by Jim Parker who normally
joins the racing, but due to ongoing repairs was “catboatless”.
Dick Narad, Sarge Tower and Sarge’s father helped set the course,
dropping the windward mark prior to joining the spectator fleet.
The racers enjoyed the best conditions in five years with a steady 10
to 12 knot breeze out of the SSW. Three races were completed with near
photo finishes in 2 of the 3 races as the Captain’s pressed hard
downwind to the finish line. First place honors went to Bill Stubenbord
aboard Sea Fever for the second year in a row. Second place was awarded
to Larry Ritzhaupt and crew aboard Jezebel, and third place honors went
to Robin and Betsy Varian aboard Sea Smoke. There was a tie for fourth
place honors between Robin and Richard Batchhelder on Stray and Craig
Elliot on Pounce.
The awards celebration and dinner was held on Saturday evening with
over 30 people in attendance. Catboaters were reminded of the opportunity
to participate in the Cats and Gaffers regatta held in Essex on August
21st. There was also discussion and some enthusiasm on the potential
to have a catboat class at the Leukemia Cup next year. If anyone is
interested in additional information on the Cats and Gaffers regatta,
please contact Larry Ritzhaupt who can put you in touch with Richard
Batchhelder, host and organizer for the regatta.
Contact: Larry Ritzhaupt 860-388-4005 larryritzhaupt@yahoo.com
Get information about the Catboat Association and its activities.
Cats and Gaffers Race, August 21
Race will take place in Essex
Contact: Rick Batchelder 860-526-4637
Media Releases
"Ritzhaupt Sweeps 51st Duck Island Gathering Catboat Race" – Media Release, August 4, 2008