Dennis Point Regatta
The Smith Island Crab Skiff Association kicked off its 2019 racing season at Dennis Point Marina in Drayden, MD, on June 1. This event marked the return of the crab skiff Capt. Lawse with Bernie Bean at the controls. Four skiffs made their way to the marina on this day: Muddy Oyster with Rick Loheed, Swamp Rat with Tuffy Garrett, Rock My Fish with Joe Strohmer, and the aforementioned Capt. Lawse with Bernie Bean.
Two races made up this event: a single file, reverse order (fastest last, slowest first) start and a side by side start.
In the first race, Bernie Bean in Capt. Lawse led the group to the start, but Rick Loheed in Muddy Oyster, starting fourth, quickly made his way through the field with Joe Strohmer in Rock My Fish following closely behind. The finishing order was: Rick Loheed in the Muddy Oyster, Joe Strohmer in Rock My Fish, Tuffy Garrett in Swamp Rat, and Bernie Bean in Capt. Lawse.
Race two had Tuffy and Bernie starting in the first row and Rick and Joe in row two. Rick and Joe quickly moved to the front of the order, but halfway through, Joe pulled off-course. It was later reported that Rock My Fish had a steering issue. The finishing order for race two was: Rick Loheed in the Muddy Oyster, Tuffy Garrett in Swamp Rat, Bernie Bean in Capt. Lawse; Joe Strohmer in Rock My Fish did not finish.
Oxford Cardboard Boat Races
The 31st Oxford Cardboard Boat Races were held in Oxford, MD, on June 22. As part of that event, the Smith Island Crab Skiffs raced once the cardboard boat races were completed. Crab skiffs and captains attending this year were Joe Strohmer in Rock My Fish, Tuffy Garrett in Swamp Rat, and Paul Emely in Slippery Eel. Joe Strohmer came from his last starting position to lead Tuffy Garrett and Paul Emely to the finish line.
To learn more, check out the Smith Island Crab Skiff Association on Facebook.
Recap and photos by Paul Denbow