The Deal Island 50th Annual Skipjack Race -2009

 The Deal Island 50th Annual Skipjack Race -2009

Once again, I can only give you a sneak preview of the event. You will have to go to the Daily Times (see side bar) to see the rest of the photos. Look for the "Photo Gallery." If you don't see the photos, please return.

Skipjacks worked the Chesapeake Bay for oysters during the 1800's and early 1900's. The skipjacks used sail power and had push boats to get them out of the harbor. In the late 1800's there were 1000 skipjacks working the bay, hauling in around 15 million bushels of oysters. By 1910, there were 2000 skipjacks on the bay. Today, there are less than 30.

The last skipjack, the "Nathan Dorchester", was built in 1991, by the Dorchester Skipjack Committee. They built it in the traditional way, and members of the committee compete in the skipjack races on Deal Island each year. All you boating and boating history fans should check out their site. You can order a video of the actually building.

Aren't they amazing?

And this is "Daddy Art" Daniels getting ready for the race today. At 88, he is the oldest working skipjack captain around. Though skipjacks come from all over the area, "Daddy Art" was born and raised on Deal Island, and helped organize the skipjack races some 50 years ago. In 50 years, he has missed only one race and won 9 races. Oh, and his skipjack,the "City of Crisfield" was build in 1949. Read more about Daddy Art.

I can't tell you won the race. You will have to race on over to the Daily Times site or buy a paper.