“All in all, a typical year,” says CCBA commodore Steve Flesner.
The year began with a small fleet of catboats participating in a one-day regatta in Prospect Bay near Kent Narrows on the Eastern Shore. From there, the activities moved to Solomons Island for the Patuxent Shootout. Some members joined in the small boat fun at the Corsica River Yacht Club Regatta in July. Then, in mid-August, a number of catboaters enjoyed a mini-cruise and barbeque in the Annapolis Area.
The best attended event was the Great Whitehall Bay Regatta, held over the long Labor Day weekend. A total of 20 catboaters, spouses, and various hangers-on enjoyed a great buffet held at the Providence Yacht Club. Alas, Tropical Storm Hermine also attended the regatta, which resulted in a blow-out and postponement of racing until next year. CCBA member Phil “Ironman” Livingston was the recipient of the Tut Tuttle Award, given annually to the catboater who attended the most events. Livingston didn’t miss a one this year.
The Clueless Award, given to the member who demonstrated the most un-sailorlike feat during the season, was awarded to Butch Miller. Details of Miller’s nautical misadventure are sketchy, but it has something to do with a mast that was too tall going under a bridge that was too short resulting in a slight “bugeye” effect to his catboat rig.
Past commodore Marc Cruder planned a great Long Cruise to the Pokomoke in mid-September. Five catboats participated in some or all of this traditional event. Next year’s Long Cruise will be centered around the St. Michaels/Oxford area.
“The weather this year was characterized by a deluge of rain from an offshore tropical storm to comfortably cool conditions and consistent winds that made for long stretches of good sailing,” says Cruder. Attendees visited Slaughter Creek, Honga River, Crisfield, and Pokomoke City during the 10-day event.
Rounding up the year was the Wye River Goose chase, which this year was held in the West, Rhode, and South Rivers. Those catboaters are a wily bunch known best for going where the wind takes them, where the food is hot, and the rum is cold.
Several catboaters also participated in iconic Annapolis races like the Elf Classic and the Boatyard Bar and Grill Regatta to benefit CRAB. “We anticipate to build on this year’s successes as we look towards 2017,” says Flesner.
“Members can expect more of the same low-key racing, good times, raftups, and short and long cruising opportunities. Most of our members are around the Annapolis area, but we have a number of trailer-sailors that we encourage to come out and play with us whenever we are having an event.”
The association will hold its annual meeting on March 11 at the Kentmorr Restaurant in Stevensville. Anyone who has an interest in catboats is invited to attend. Dues are only $15 per year which include newsletters. There are plenty of opportunities for people who do not have boats to get out on the water with CCBA members.
To find out more about catboating on the Bay, go to chesapeakecatboats.org or call Steve Flesner at (410) 586-8179. You must call Steve if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.
Photos and story by Craig Ligibel
