It was a beautiful day in Crisfield September 4 for Smith Island Crab Skiff Association racing at the 74th Hard Crab Derby. The seven skiffs that made the trip to Crisfield were Slippery Eel, Fiddler on the Bay, Capt. Lawse, Gone Crab Skiff Krazy, Down Necker II, Rock My Fish, and Swamp Rat.
In race one, Bob Wallace took an early lead and held on to win followed by Joe Strohmer in Rock My Fish. A hard charging Matt Graves in Fiddler on the Bay passed John Pepe in Slippery Eel at the finish line to take third.
In race two, Joe Strohmer in Rock My Fish came from mid-pack to take the lead and the win. He was followed by Matt Graves in Slippery Eel and Bernie Bean in Capt. Lawse.
For race three, the Crab Skiff National Championship, Matt Graves in Slippery Eel, and Bernie Bean in Capt. Lawse came from the back of the field to take first and second respectively. Matt had a two- to three-boat length lead at the finish. Third was Tuffy Garrett in Swamp Rat.
Both the fans and competitors enjoyed the competition.
This year’s trophy presenters from the Miss Crustacean pageant were Victoria Travers, Miss Congeniality; Noel Atkins, First Runner-up and Miss Photogenic; and Marissa Landon, Third Runner-Up and Miss People’s Choice.
The Smith Island Crab Skiff Association would like to thank the City of Crisfield, the National Hard Crab Derby committee, and the Miss Crustacean pageant for all their support.
Find out more information on the Smith Island Crab Skiff Association Facebook page.
By Paul Denbow