Florida weather always warrants watching and waiting.  Cancel or reschedule the Governor’s Cup?  Not a chance!  After uncertainty all week, plenty of sunshine and warmth was granted on Friday and the cocktail boats were up and running for pre-race action.  Friday’s race meeting and pre-race celebration poolside was a cheerful gathering, reuniting friends from SYC and travelers from multiple states and other areas of Florida. 

Pleasant conditions continued into Saturday.  A 10 MPH southerly wind with unlimited fetch up the Indian River, a.k.a the Intercoastal Waterway, raised a noticeable chop, adding spice to the Annual Governor’s Cup races at the Smyrna Yacht Club.  Racers from more northerly climes basked in the high 70-degree sunshine as they dueled with the local fleet in the first CCWBRA race of the 2023 season.  The weather gods held off a dry cold front until after the conclusion of the day’s festivities when the temps dropped like a stone, and the wind shifted to north by 6 PM.  17 Boats and 18 drivers contested 8 different classes in 42 heats.

Spectators and racers alike enjoyed plenty of action throughout the day. Moderate chop on the intracoastal yielded Turtle Awards to Rebekkah Parlee in #418 Woody and Rick Loewen in #500 5 O’clock Somewhere as boats flipped in separate races.  David Eves was quick to the rescue with his inflatable in route with the Coast Guard.  After a quick hoist onto the Tiki dock, Woody was flushed and restart was attempted, but its lingering presence on the dock reminded all racers of what not to do out there on the course.

In the fastest of the motor classes, Ray Crowley’s driver skill took #407 Neat to the 8hp winner’s circle.  Tohatsu classes continue to be the fastest growing throughout the Cocktail Class Universe and the Governor’s Cup was no exception.  It was the largest this year with predominantly women drivers competing with their pristine white motors raising the bar of fierce competition (Hell hath no fury, etc., etc.).  SYC Commodore Karen North put on a great show in #87 Manhattan winning in both the mixed and women’s Tohatsu classes.  Newcomer Abigail Adams made a strong performance in #1215 Sazerac taking second in the ladies’ race and a close third in the mixed.  Early Classic mixed was won by 12-year-old Lucy Eves in #241 Girls Night Out built by the young lady herself.  The Parlee Team, Brad & Rebekkah, raced two boats in two motor classes with Rebekkah taking second in the Early Classic Mixed in #88 Dark & Stormy.  Mike Brannon, #215 Turtle Juice took his first win ever in the Post 79 Mixed followed by Allison Eves in her second showing at the Governor’s Cup in #660 Bloody Mary which she also built herself.  Now well known on the Florida race courses, Suzanne Grantham won first place in the Post 79 Women in #180 Due South with Allison Eves in #660 Bloody Mary in second. 

Just when the races were at a conclusion, Race Director Lisa Merilson’s longstanding rival Mike Brannon (#215 Turtle Juice ) called a grudge match.  Without hesitation Lisa jumped into #180 Due South and both made their way to the start line heckling each other throughout the 1 minute, 30 second, and 20 second warnings.  The impressive exhibition of trash talking ended abruptly at the 10 second blast when both went full throttle and crossed the line head-to-head.  Lisa was able to push to the inside with what she describes as “my signature Vice Turn” and took the lead for the win.  Maybe next year, Mike.  

As always, many thanks to all who put time and effort into making the Governor’s Cup a memorable event.  The Committee Boat was manned by David Smith, Len Roe, Bill Willis, Pam Patton, Leslie Sackman, and Karen & Joe Griffiths.  Safety Boat Committee included John Ferguson and Linda Gilliland accompanied with assistance from Steve Franklin and the US Coast Guard.  Special recognition goes to Suzan Payne for tireless efforts in organizing the heats and ensuring a great competition for all racers with scoring confirmations provided by Pam Patton.  Pit Boss Tim Payne and Brent Merilson kept the races moving on the dock while Dan Kolassa provided the play by play for the many spectators present.

Many thanks to the photographers, Valerie Brannon for her professional shots of all the race action and racers, Nickie Whittaker with more action shots from the outer dock, and Suzanne Young for the awards photos.  Kudos go especially to S.Y.C.’s Director of Powerboat Racing Lisa Merilson, Miami Vice #305, who once again produced a world class beginning to the 2023 racing season.

2023 Governor’s Cup Race Results: 

8hp Mixed: 
1st: Ray Crowley in #407 Neat
2nd: Rick Loewen in #500 5 O’Clock Somewhere

Tohatsu Mixed:
1st: Karen North in #87 Manhattan
2nd: Lisa Merilson in #305 Miami Vice

Tohatsu Ladies:
1st: Karen North in #87 Manhattan
2nd: Abigail Adams in #1215 Sazerac

Tohatsu Heavy:
1st: Terry Loewen in #38 Double Shot
2nd: Chris Brown in #108 Fireball

Early Classic Mixed:
1st: Lucy Eves in #241 Girls Night Out
2nd: Rebekkah Parlee in #88 Dark & Stormy

Post 79 Mixed:
1st: Mike Brannon in #215 Turtle Juice
2nd: Allison Eves in #660 Bloody Mary

Post 79 Womens:
1st: Suzanne Grantham in #180 Due South
2nd: Allison Eves in #660 Bloody Mary

A 10-15 knot SSW breeze raised a chop on Fairlee Creek, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm and excitement for the Cocktail Class Wooden Boat Racing Association’s (CCWBRA) season end, Oktoberfest Regatta, held for the first time at Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing on October 15.  Thirteen of the small (8’) home-built outboard-powered (6-8 hp) wooden race boats competed in several classes over a racecourse near the mouth of Fairlee Creek.  Many spectators turned out for the races which were easily watched from Jellyfish Joel’s Beach Bar, which was opened for the event.  The choppy conditions made for some exciting races (two boats flipped, nobody injured, just cold drivers in the chilly water) and as the breeze increased in the afternoon the last race was canceled.  Nevertheless, lots of great racing for drivers and spectators.

Race recap courtesy of Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing

Oktoberfest 2022 Results:

6hp Late Classic Mixed
1. Benji Cantera, 113 Ice Man
2. Ray Crowley, 37 Chaser

Tohatsu 6hp
1. Fred Allerton, 28 Swamp Rocket
2. Benji Cantera, 113 Ice Man
3. Keith Carew, 35 Stoli NFL
4. Todd Steffes, 6 Maize N Brew
5. Curt Bluefeld, 13 Mother’s Ruin

6hp Post ’79 Heavy
1. Jeff Weeber, 1100 High Gravity
2. Todd Steffes, 6 Maize N Brew

6hp Post ’79 Mixed
1. Benji Cantera, 113 Ice Man
2. Lou Linden, 66 Mrs. Smirnoff
3. Ray Crowley, 407 Neat

Oktoberfest Turtle Club Inductee

“I was inducted into the prestigious Turtle Club. I was told it was not if, but when you become a member. I was not however expecting the water to be so cold.”
~ Ray Crowley

The second annual Tennessee Cup was an outstanding event. The weather was perfect and the State Park once again, welcomed us with full support. This is a great venue; we moved to a new location in the park and have found the perfect racing site. We had 10 Boats and 10 drivers. Two additional boats were at the event for display.  We ran 5 classes and combined the Women’s class and the Heavy weights.  

We had new racers that did a great job of being safe and truly enjoying a day of racing. We welcomed our first racer from Kentucky, Rob Selin who raced in multiple heats and was very impressive in his first outing. We watched our newer racers improve with every heat and I challenge all competition to compete with the Tennessee fleet. No turtles, no DNF, no collisions and no whining when the race director made a call.  

We would not have a Tennessee Fleet without two very important families.  My friend Vernon Hart, with his children, built three racers that are works of art.  These boats are not only beautiful but have been competitive racers for their first two years.  Team Walker was impressive with both a beautiful boat and the one to beat in all classes. We know that TK was with us in spirt but was unable to make the trip this year. Of note, Angie Walker handled our scoring and starting, with multiple family members helping in every capacity.  This event would not have been possible without the support of these wonderful people. My thanks to both families and keeping most of the trophies in Tennessee. 

Special thanks to our Florida support. We consider them a integral part of the Tennessee fleet. We once again welcomed Rick and Terry Loewen (Tohatsu Winner) and Ray Crowley. Rick and Terry furnished the trophies for the event.  

I have a special thanks to my family and friends and special thanks to the rescue boat crew with Captain Wally Witham in charge.  

And most important of all, my wife Lori for “catering (home cooked)” the event and always supporting me.  

The day concluded with an awards presentation at the park, followed by dinner at Freddy T’s. The Florida racers joined us Sunday morning on our boat for a Mimosa breakfast.  

We plan to have the Third Annual Tennessee Cup in September 2023. Don’t miss this premiere event next year. 

Chris Norman 
Tennessee Cup Race Director 
Moonshiners Fleet Captain 

Tennessee Cup 2022 Results:

6hp Early Classic Mixed
1. Corbin Hart, 130 Crazed Captain
2. Cameron Hart, 131 Sorcerer’s Apprentice            

Tohatsu 6hp
1. Terry Loewen, 38 Double Shot                            

6hp Late Classic Mixed
1. Cameron Walker, 888 TN Moonshine                        
2. William Fransoli, 32 Bootlegger                             
3. Cameron Hart, 130 Sorcerer’s Apprentice            

6hp Post ’79 Mixed
1. Cameron Walker, 888 TN Moonshine                        
2. Rob Selin, 31 Okra Tini 2                              
3. Cameron Hart, 131 Sorcerer’s Apprentice            

8hp Mixed
1. William Fransoli, 32 Bootlegger                             
2. Cameron Walker, 888 TN Moonshine                        
3. Chris Norman, 74 Okra Tini                                

Turtles, Jellyfish, Beautiful Weather and Great Racing

Pity the poor Cocktail Racer who wasn’t at the Kent Island Regatta on September 10.  Meteorologically speaking, Kent Island was even closer to Heaven itself than last month’s Nationals.  The breeze never exceeded five knots and the peninsula upon which the Kent Island Yacht Club resides sheltered the racing area from the breeze and the wakes of boats transiting the Kent Island Narrows.  Throughout most of the racing day the water was absolutely flat.  Sun with a few clouds was the order of the day with the air temperature was in the low 80s F., sweet relief from the summer’s heat and humidity. 

Nine boats, eight drivers and a multiplicity of engines made nineteen entries in six classes with four boats and three drivers from Florida come to test the locals.  Ray Crowley and Rick Loewen made their first Mid-Atlantic showing at Camp David and were back, accompanied by Terry Loewen with: #38 Double Shot, #500 It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere, #407 Neat and # 37 Chaser.  Ray tells us that there is yet another new boat, Rocks, a companion to Neat under construction back in Florida.

The Race Committee, Keith Carew, Tara Carew and Todd Steffes, set out a clockwise course familiar to anyone who has raced Kent Is. before.  Turn 1 is a 120º right hander to a relatively short chicane with a midpoint 30º left for Turn 2 ending in Turn 3, a 120º right which starts the back run the full length of the course to Turn 4 which reverses the direction for a straight run back to Turn 2 then Turn 1 and a drag race to the Start/Finish.  The first three turns made for some very close and exciting racing.  Turn 3 especially seemed to collect wakes and pile them up in unpredictable ways.  Mother nature added in a bit of spice, forcing us to share the bay with a gazillion small jelly fish or “sea nettles” as we say in the Chesapeake.  Remarkably, only your humble reporter was stung, and then not very badly.  Add alcohol (the rubbing kind) and meat tenderizer to your racing kit.

For the first time this season the Tohatsu 6 class was the smallest of the meeting with only two entries.  In her first appearance in a Mid-Atlantic race Terry Loewen in Double Shot chased Todd Steffes in #20 Hot Toddy three times to garner her first trip to the podium.  Likewise, Russ Bowler in #40 The Flying Kiwi led Ancient Mariner Tom Kerr in #46 Rajic around the course three times to take Early Classic.

Bowler picked up another hat trick in Late Classic leaving Kerr to fight it out for 2^nd with Zach Ditmars’s #67 Molotov.  Ditmars was entered in Late Classic Heavy, but for lack of competition he raced in Late Classic Mixed.  Kerr prevailed by one point finishing second twice and third once to Ditmars’s two thirds and a second.  Ray Crowley was fourth in Chaser.

In Post ’79 Heavy, Ditmars’s Molotov led Steffes and Terry Loewen to the finish line three times giving Loewen a third-place finish and her second trip to the podium.

The Flying Kiwi again proved dominant in the 8 HP bash taking two firsts and a second ahead of Hot Toddy with two seconds and a first.  Rick Loewen guarded third place in It’s Five O’clock Somewhere.

Without a doubt the most entertaining race (and the largest class) of the day was Post ’79 Mixed which required five starts to complete three sprints.  In the first sprint Crowley in Neat and Rick Loewen in It’s Five O’clock Somewhere immediately jumped into the lead with Bowler, Tom Kerr in Rajic, and Lou Linden in #66 Mrs. Smirnoff in hot pursuit.  Things soon went awry when the leaders both headed off the course in different directions after Turn 1 allowing Kerr, Linden and Bowler to complete the lap 1,2,3. 

Crowley later explained, “Neither of us had ever been in first place before, and when we didn’t have someone to follow, we got lost!”

The second sprint started with three boats abreast at the first turn and only separated by less than a boat length at Turn 2.  It ended at Turn 3 when Linden, sliding sideways, dived inside Ray Crowley, caught a large wake sideways and was thrown from his boat, black flagging the sprint.  Mrs. Smirnoff floated placidly by, a monument to the effectiveness of kill switches, while the safety boat retrieved Linden and put him back aboard.  Several wags suggested that there should be a Catapult Club for those who leave their boat without capsizing.

In the restarted second sprint the entire class thundered to the start line with Mrs. Smirnoff barely in the lead when Linden balked just before the line, and the rest of the herd went over early.  Linden had only to make it to the finish line to win the sprint on points and he did.  The Flying Kiwi failed to finish due to mechanical problems.  After the third start Mrs. Smirnoff was in 3^rd place behind Rajic and Neat rounding Turn 3 when Loewen, who was making a wide turn trying to find clear water, crashed into Mrs. Smirnoff’s stern and capsized, bringing out the black flag.  The crash took a chunk out of It’s Five O’clock Somewhere’s starboard bow rail which apparently encountered the port edge of Mrs. Smirnoff‘s transom which was undamaged.  The Urbani built boats are strong as well as fast.  Neither Loewen or Bowler managed to restart for the third sprint.  Kerr led Linden and Crowley around the final lap leaving Kerr and Linden tied on points for first place.  The tie was resolved in Kerr’s favor with Bowen taking third and Loewen being inducted into the Turtle Club.

After Awards, an adult beverage of two and slaps on the back for all present, racers rolled out under darkening skies, a prelude to Sunday’s all-day rain.  Crowley and the Loewens are headed to Tennessee for racing on the 24^th and all present intend to be at the season finale, Oktoberfest, at Great Oak Landing in Chestertown on October 15.  (Be there or be square!)

Kudos to Todd, Tara and Keith for putting on a great day of racing and thanks to our hosts, the Kent Island Yacht Club.

~ By Tulio Vulgaris

CCWBRA Nationals 2022 Results:

Tohatsu 6hp Mixed
1. Todd Steffes, 20 Hot Toddy
2. Terry Loewen, 38 Double Shot

6hp Early Classic Mixed
1. Tom Kerr, 46 Rajic
2. Russ Bowler, 40 Flying Kiwi

6hp Late Classic Mixed
1. Russ Bowler, 40 Flying Kiwi
2. Tom Kerr, 46 Rajic
3. Zach Ditmars, 67 Molotov
4. Ray Crowley, 37 Chaser

6hp Post ’79 Heavy
1. Zach Ditmars, 67 Molotov
2. Todd Steffes, 20 Hot Toddy
3. Terry Loewen, 38 Double Shot

6hp Post ’79 Mixed
1. Tom Kerr, 46 Rajic
2. Lou Linden, 66 Mrs. Smirnoff (Ejected)
3. Russ Bowler, 40 Flying Kiwi
4. Ray Crowley, 407 Neat
5. Rick Loewen, 500 It’s 5:00 Somewhere (Turtled)

8hp Mixed
1. Russ Bowler, 40 Flying Kiwi
2. Todd Steffes, 20 Hot Toddy
3. Rick Loewen, 500 It’s 5:00 Somewhere

Turtle Club Inductee
Rick Loewen, 500 It’s 5:00 Somewhere

Catapult Club (?) Inductee
Lou Linden, 66 Mrs. Smirnoff

Tohatsu class grows as Kiwi scores hat trick in OMCs and Turtle Club gets a new Turtle

The Weather Gods smiled on Cocktail Racers August 20^th, 2022 for the CCWBRA Nationals at Rock Hall, Maryland.  Although some forecasts called for as much as 9 MPH winds from the south, when the day dawned the breeze was soft as a lamb’s breath.  For the most part it stayed that way all day provided flat sheltered water for a day’s enthusiastic racing under sunny skies.  Twenty-one racers competed in six classes including a Youth Class.  Racing was close, especially in Tohatsu class with multiple instances of boats rounding the first mark three abreast with

The day saw a number of firsts.  The new rule penalizing boat-to-boat contact was enforced for the first time.  The Rule requires that drivers report boat-to-boat contact.  Also, all Tohatsu drivers had to ballast up to 200 lb. total.

Thirteen Tohatsu powered boats, a new class record, ran in three preliminary heats.  The first heat was dominated by Curt Bluefeld taking two firsts in Todd Steffes’ Hot Toddy,  #20. Benji Cantera in Iceman, #113 landed a second behind Bluefeld/Todd and a first when all the other boats were penalized for crossing early.  Likewise, in the second Heat John Wagner in Triple Nickel 555 took two second place finishes when boats ahead were penalized in addition to an outright first place finish in the first sprint.  In the third heat Fred Allerton in Swamp Rocket, Todd Steffes in Hot Toddy and John Wagner in Triple Nickel swapped the first three places in all three sprints.  Todd Steffes took the class title with two wins and a third in the final followed by John Wagner who had one win a hair ahead of Cantera in Iceman, and two hard fought seconds behind Steffes’ wins.

The Tohatsu class had no monopoly on close racing.  Three boats, almost perfectly matched for speed thrashed out three sprints for the Early Classic title.  Russ Bowler in Flying Kiwi #40, Tom Kerr in Rajic #46 and Fred Keer in Gladiator # 1891 were never far apart.  Flying Kiwi did a hat trick for first with Gladiator and Rajic behind.

The Youth Class welcomed two new competitors at the Nationals.  Siblings Ella and Marty Humphrey drove Smokin’ Loon #53 and French 75 # 3 with Ella beating Marty three out of three.  Marty promises revenge at the next race.

After lunch, racing resumed with a rematch between Bowler in Flying Kiwi and Kerr in Rajic with Zach Ditmars in Molotov # 67 mixing it up for third while carrying a handicap.  Ditmar was the only entry in Late Classic Heavy so agreed to race in Late Classic Mixed.

Post ’79 competition saw close infighting often with three boats rounding the second mark simultaneously with two boats right behind.  That was more or less the case in the second sprint of the second heat with Tom Kerr in Rajic and Lou Linden in Mrs. Smirnoff #66 jousting for first with Linden squeaking by Kerr at turn two and leading by less than three boat lengths at the finish.  But all was for naught.  When they throttled down after the finish, they saw Gladiator with its propeller in the air next to the second mark.  The race had been red flagged before the leaders had gotten to the third mark.  While floating in the starting area waiting while the capsized Gladiator was towed into the pits Linden commented, “I wondered where the hell everybody went!”  Ultimately six boats contested the final with Kerr and Linden finishing 1-2 and Frank Cantera in Haul Pass #100 finishing third.  John Wagner had Gladiator’s motor cleaned out and running before the end of the day.

Post ’79, Post ’79 Heavy and 8 HP Mixed continue to be popular classes with between 8 and ten entries each.  Post ’79 Heavy yielded up a first for Keith Carew in Kerr’s Rajic with second taken by Zach Ditmars in Molotov and Todd Steffes in Hot Toddy.  Russ Bowler in Flyin’ Kiwi took line honors in 8 HP for his first hat trick at The Nationals (and a hat trick inside a hat trick in early classic) while Steffes in Hot Toddy beat reigning Commodore Peter Urbani in Shrimp Cocktail #350 for second.

In a departure from past Nationals the Awards Dinner was held outdoors beneath the Yacht Club pavilion, taking advantage of the relatively mild weather, and featured the local Eastern Shore BBQ.  Todd Steffes officiated at the presentation as Chief Scorer Gretchen Granbury announced the results with her trademark piquant commentary.  Tom Keer was officially inducted into the Ancient and Honorable Order of Testudines, a.k.a. The Turtle Club with a gold leaf cluster for rehabilitating his motor so promptly. 

For the first time the Club awarded a new perpetual traveling trophy to the oldest competitor at the Nationals, “The Ancient Mariner.”  This years Ancient Mariner is none other than Tom Kerr who, in addition to being older than dirt (he’s just turned 80), walked away from this year’s Nationals with  1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place trophies.

In addition to Todd Steffes, Race Director and Gretchen Granbery, Chief Scorer, Nancy Linden assisted in tallying the race results.  Starting and finishing was handled in the morning by Sean Scianna and Lou Linden, and Curt Bluefeld served as pit boss.  Our thanks go to them and our hosts, The Rock Hall Yacht Club and to all the racers, their parents, supporters, groupies and hangers-on for making this the highlight of the ’22 season.

~ By Lou Linden

CCWBRA Nationals 2022 Results:

Tohatsu 6hp Mixed
1. Todd Steffes, 20 Hot Toddy
2. John Wagner, 555 Triple Nickel
3. Benji Cantera, 113 Ice Man

6hp Early Classic Mixed
1. Russ Bowler, 40 Flying Kiwi
2. Fred Keer, 1891 Gladiator
3. Tom Kerr, 46 Rajic

Youth
Ella, 53 Smokin Loon
Marty, 3 French 75

6hp Late Classic Mixed
1. Russ Bowler, 40 Flying Kiwi
2. Tom Kerr, 46 Rajic
3. Zach Ditmars, 67 Molotov

6hp Post ’79 Mixed
1. Tom Kerr, 46 Rajic
2. Lou Linden, 66 Mrs. Smirnoff
3. Frank Cantera, 100 Haul Pass

6hp Post ’79 Heavy
1. Keith Carew, 46 Rajic
2. Zach Ditmars, 67 Molotov
3. Todd Steffes, 20 Hot Toddy

8hp Mixed
1. Russ Bowler, 40 Flying Kiwi
2. Todd Steffes, 20 Hot Toddy
3. Pete Urbani, 350 Shrimp Cocktail

CCWBRA 2022 Ancient Mariner Award
Tom Kerr

Turtle Club Inductee
Fred Keer, 1891 Gladiator, Late Classic Mixed

If you are in the process of purchasing a Tohatsu 6HP 4-Stroke outboard motor for your Cocktail Class Racer, or you are thinking about it, no doubt you already know your Tohatsu will need a Remote Control (RC) Adapter installed to convert its throttle/shift operation from tiller control to remote control.

The Remote Control (RC) Adapter Kit that applies currently to your MFS 6D(W)S or DS motor is Tohatsu P/N 3GR-83880-0.

Some Cocktail Class Wooden Boat Racing Association members may opt to have the RC Adapter installed by their Tohatsu dealer.

Note: A typical price for dealer installation is $170. This is Scott’s Cove Marina’s installation charge for RC Adapter Kits on motors purchased by CCWBRA members. Scott’s Cove Marina (located in Chance, MD) is a preferred dealer for CCWBRA of Tohatsu motors, accessories, and service.

And no doubt some Cocktail members will be hell bent on installing the RC Adapter Kits themselves. If that applies to you, be aware that the kits do not come w/ installation instructions or even a parts diagram, which of course would be very useful.

Have no fear! The following information may help you complete the installation:

1. An official parts catalog can be found on-line for the 6hp Tohatsu. It includes a diagram (Fig. 14) and parts list for the RC adapter.

To download the Tohatsu Parts Catalog go to: https://tohatsuoutboardparts.com/Parts%20Catalogs/TOHATSU/4-Stroke%20&%20TLDI/Parts%20Catalog%20MFS4D-5D-6D%20(2020)%20-%20(002-21046-0BX).pdf

Note: The parts diagram (Fig. 14) and P/N listings for the RC Adapter Kit start on Pg. 49.

2. A step by step installation guide can be found in 2014 SailNet.com article, which includes thumbnail photos. It’s not official, but it is handy.

To find the 2014 SailNet.com article, go to: https://www.sailnet.com/threads/adding-remote-control-to-tohatsu-6hp.171362/

Thanks to Kim Granbery for finding this 2014 SailNet.com article, since edited. It is based on Model C motors, but applies equally to the current Model D.

The RC kits are fairly straightforward to install, with patience. And this supplementary information will make it easier.

Here is a YouTube video that is helpful for review of general scope of a RC Adapter installation.  Clarification: The person in the video is not affiliated with Cocktail Class Wooden Boat Racing Association, and the RC Adapter is being installed on a motor for a boat that is not a Cocktail racer.  The CCWBRA provides this video link as general information, but is not recommending the video as an technical step-by-step instruction of procedure, methods, and tools for use in your installation.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS on coordinating the RC Adapter Kit installation with motor break-in procedure:

Note that the very first step in the RC Adapter Kit installation is removal of the tiller.

The break-in procedure for a new Tohatsu motor involves operating the motor at limited RPMs for a total of 10 hours. I don’t know about others, but I did not look forward to driving around in a Cocktail racer for 10 hours total at restricted speed. So, I opted to perform my Tohatsu’s break-in in a larger boat BEFORE installing the RC Adapter. That way I could use a tiller control for the break-in. If you have access to an alternative boat (small fishing boat?) to use for break-in, you may be grateful for an immensely more comfortable ride for that first 10 hours on the motor. Using your small fishing boat may also necessitate keeping the tiller in place for the break-in period (unless it’s equipped for RC throttle/shift/steering).

If you install the RC Adapter Kit yourself, it’s easy to schedule engine break-in before RC Adapter installation. And if instead, you plan to request the dealer to install the RC Adapter, first consider how you are going to perform the break-in. And then perhaps you might consider taking delivery of the motor, performing the break-in first, and then returning it afterwards to the dealer for installation of the RC Adapter (if dealer is agreeable).

10 racers along with 13 cocktail boats defied triple digit temps to attend the 2022 3rd Annual  Commodore’s Cup hosted by the Maryland Yacht Club located on Rock Creek just off the Patapsco River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.  Dating from 1909, the Maryland Yacht Club is one of the oldest continuously existing yacht clubs in the Mid-Atlantic coast.  Racers participated in mixed weight classes, using double elimination style brackets, a la NCAA to advance to the next round. This gave cocktail racers the opportunity to compete against individuals they typically do not meet on the race course.  The second elimination round gave another chance to those who did not advance in the first round.  Three boats raced three one lap sprints in the finals.

Tohatsu 6 HP and post ’79 OMC classes continue to be the most populous.  In the Tohatsu Mixed class Tara Carew took first despite her boat not being ready to race.  She borrowed Ms. Stoli from Peter Urbani, and left Annaliesse Cantera in Rolling Thyme and John Sanguineth in Dark & Stormy to fight it out for second and third respectively. 

In the Post ’79 Mixed class balky engines and missed turning marks were major influencers.  Despite being aced out in the second bracket by Lou Linden in Mrs. Smirnoff, Tom Kerr in Rajic made a comeback in the second round to gain entry and ultimately win the Post ’79 final over Zach Ditmars in Molotov and Linden in third place.  Kerr doubled in Late Classic Mixed, bringing it home ahead of Ditmars again and Benji Cantera who placed third in Iceman. 

Many thanks to Carl Treff and Maryland YC for hosting CCWBRA for this event, to Kimberly Schubert and Nancy Linden for managing the scoring table, as well as Jeff Weeber and Keith Carew for running the starting system.

For upcoming events, visit the Cocktail Boat Wooden Boat Racing Association calendar at https://ccwbra.com/events/

Commodore Cup 2022 Race Results:

6hp Post ’79 Mixed
1. Tom Kerr, 46 Rajic
2. Zach Ditmars, 67 Molotov
3. Lou Linden, 66 Mrs. Smirnoff

Tohatsu 6hp Mixed
1. Tara Carew, 35 Ms. Stoli NFL
2. Annaliesse Cantera, 114 Rolling Thyme
3. John Sanguinetti, 810 Dark & Stormy

6hp Late Classic Mixed
1. Tom Kerr, 46 Rajic
2. Zach Ditmars, 67 Molotov
3. Benji Cantera, 113 Iceman

8hp
1. Peter Urbani, Ms. Stoli NFL

6hp Early Classic Mixed
1. Tom Kerr, 46 Rajic

Click here to see the results from Commodore’s Club 2021

Camp David Cup Kicks Off Racing Season in the Mid-Atlantic Region – Trophy goes to Frank Cantera

The second annual Camp David Cup Race started off the Cocktail Racing season in the Mid-Atlantic Region on June 18 in beautiful, clear, cool, but windy conditions. As predicted, a dry cold front passage the night before dissipated the previous day’s searing 95 degree heat in exchange for 15 MPH NNW winds gusting to 25 MPH. Freeman Creek, located on the Sassafras River, the site of Dave Cantera’s Camp David is oriented north and south so the wind created chop deep into the creek. Despite less-than-optimal conditions, 11 racers from as far away as Florida, thrashed 11 boats and each other in four classes for a shot at the Camp David Cup. The Cup is a perpetual trophy awarded to the overall winner of the regatta with points for all 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes, encouraging entries in multiple classes. Last year it was won by Frank Cantera and John Rigdon.

Most of the morning was devoted to the first tech inspections of the year and racers sorting out boats that had been idle since last year, while racers and organizers alike watched to see if the wind would moderate. Lunch was included in the registration and everyone chowed down on pulled pork and all the trimmings. As luck would have it the wind did not diminish, but did veer to the WNW which reduced the chop on the course to an acceptable but still bone jarring level. First race off was the Tohatsu 6hp, the most populous class of the day. You can find the complete list of results below.

Post ’79 Mixed, the second largest class went off next with two preliminary heats and a final. Ray Crowley of Florida battled Lou Linden of Baltimore in the second preliminary heat taking one win while Linden took the other two sprints. Linden sparred with Benji Cantera and Frank Cantera, finally winning all three sprints to take home the blue ribbon for the first time while the Cantera brothers taking 2nd & 3rd. In addition to racing in several classes, Benji Cantera was also the official Race Director for this event, with Captain Peter Urbani calling in an audible from Utah due to some airline cancellations.

Frank Cantera won the 8hp Mixed Class and took 3rd in the Post ‘79 Mixed and Tohatsu 6hp Mixed Classes to claim sole title to the Camp David Cup this year! The awards were given out after yet another wonderful complimentary meal, this time baked Rockfish caught out of the bay the day before by who else but the Canteras themselves. Throughout the day there was time to look over the Cantera’s museum quality collections of antique outboards and outboard racing and P.T. Boat ephemera as well as a 55’ 1950 Trumpy motor yacht and a 62’ 1926 Elco cruiser. All in all, a great way to kick off the Cocktail Racing Season on the Chesapeake. Special thanks to Lena Cantera for hosting the wonderful luncheon and dinner.

Camp David 2022 Results:

Tohatsu 6hp Mixed
1. Keith Carew, 35 Stoli
2. Annaliesse Cantera, 114 Rolling Thyme
3. Frank Cantera, 28 Swamp Rocket

6 hp Late Classic Mixed
1. Jack Pettigrew, 82 Havin’ Fun
2. Annaliesse Cantera, 53 Smokin’ Loon
3. Ray Crowley, 37 Chaser

6hp Post ’79 Mixed
1. Lou Linden, 66 Mrs. Smirnoff
2. Benji Cantera, 100 Haul Pass
3. Frank Cantera, 115 Ball Breaker

8hp Mixed
1. Frank Cantera, 350 Shrimp Cocktail
2. Benji Cantera, 28 Swamp Rocket
3. Ray Crowley, 37 Chaser

Overall Camp David Cup Winner
Frank Cantera – One (hard fought) 1st place and two 3rd place wins
Runners Up (Tie) – Benji Cantera and Annaliesse Cantera

Click here for race results from Camp David Cup 2021

April 8-9, 2022

After a year missed, what a day for the Governor’s Cup at Smyrna Yacht Club, April 8-9! The conditions were splendid with plenty of sunshine, temperature in the 70’s, and just enough wind yielding challenging but fun action on the course for the 19 race participants.

The reunion with our racing friends and CCWBRA members traveling from multiple states to Florida began on Friday afternoon when we launched our boats and hit the wakes for practice trials. Never has there been a pre-race turn over, but this year Brad Parlee in #418 Woody took an early Turtle Award.  

Saturday’s race was preceded by a special memorial to our dear friend, Art Carpenter who brought Cocktail Class Racing to SYC. Race commencement included a flower wreath placed on the course around which racers placed flowers as tribute to Art.  

Many thanks are in order to all of those who put time and effort into making this race one of the best Governor’s Cup races thus far. Play by play was provided for spectators gathered at the SYC Tiki. Our Pit Boss and Crew maintained the flow of heats for the 5 Race Classes.

Our Safety Boat Committee was accompanied by Volusia County Fire Rescue boat ensuring a safe day on the water. All aboard the Committee Boat, Mermaiden, enjoyed a breezy day of sunshine out on the water and were accompanied by several other spectator boats from the yacht club.

The 8hp Mixed Class kicked off the race day with 9 boats in 9 heats. Plenty of excitement was on hand with several close races on the course consisting of port and starboard turns, chicane, and a straightaway. Kim Granbery in #3 French took the win in the finals. The 6hp Ladies Class followed with 4 racers in 4 heats. Karen North in #214 Turtle Juice was fast winning most of the heats but Lisa Merilson in #305 Miami Vice took the win the women’s finals with Karen close behind. New to the CCWBRA and first time racer, Suzanne Grantham in #180 Due South put on a spectacular performance with her strategies in the Women’s as well as the 6hp Mixed Classes. The 6hp Mixed Class included intense competition with close turns, close calls, and a tap by Frank Vandall in #110 110% to the starboard stern of Lisa Merilson in #305 Miami Vice while closing in by inches on Mike Brannon in #214 Turtle Juice at the first portside turn mark. The 6hp Mixed Class included 7 boats in 7 resulting in a tie breaker between Ray Crowley in #37 Chaser and Tom Kerr in #46 Rajic to go to the finals. Tom made it to the finals and Lisa Merilson in #305 Miami Vice took the win.  Just as the day was becoming long, Curt Bluefeld stirred up attention flipping his boat before the start line of the Tohatsu Class and was assisted by the Fire Rescue Boat winning another pre-race Turtle Award in #10 Rumrunner. The final class, 6hp Early Classic, included 3 racers, the youngest, Allison Eves from Ft. Lauderdale.

The sun continued to shine throughout the day, and we concluded with an awards ceremony and post-race party filled with island food prepared by SYC Chef, live music, recollections of the close calls on the water, and the reveling in the excitement of CCWBRA racing!

Many thanks to the photographers, Valerie Brannon, Betsy Gregor, and Nancy Franklin for the memorable photos. The amazing footage of photos and videos from atop Mermaiden was provided by Lindsay Whittaker!

As always, it is an honor to host the Governor’s Cup at SYC as race director and as CCWBRA Member At Large.

– Lisa Merilson
#305 Miami Vice

Race Results:

8hp Mixed:

1st Place:  #3 French 75, Kim Granbery

2nd Place: #102 Swamp Donkey, Ryan Parnell

3rd Place: #87 Manhattan, Karen North

6hp Post 79 Mixed:

1st Place: #305 Miami Vice, Lisa Merilson

2nd Place: #180 Due South, Suzanne Grantham

3rd Place: #46 Rajic, Tom Kerr

6hp Ladies:

1st Place: #305 Miami Vice, Lisa Merilson

2nd Place: #215 Turtle Juice, Karen North

3rd Place: #180 Due South, Suzanne Grantham

Tohatsu Mixed:

1st Place: #28 Swamp Rocket, Fred Allerton

2nd Place: #110 110%, Frank Vandall

3rd Place: #500 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Rick Loewen

6hp Early Classic:

1st Place: #46 Rajic, Tom Kerr

2nd Place: #3 French 75, Kim Granberry

3rd Place: #660 Bloody Mary, Allison Eves