Racing > 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