Under 400 hp

 

Last year, the big race was between PARTHIA and ELF, with a rematch hoped for, but no ELF.

However, in Tacoma last year, PARTHIA and CAYOU semed to hit it off -- and to all concerned, it looked like a challenge.

A challenge it was -- and a lot more!

And keep in mind, that PARTHIA was built in 1906!

At the starting cannon,  these two boats did not let go of each other. 

 

Each crew taunted the other, pulling out  secret weapons, like the makeshift "sails" (below left) on CAYOU, made by that great nautical sail making company... Maidenform!

PARTHIA Skipper, Mark Donner later said, " We were so close, I thought we were going to lock tires. "

 

 

As the finish line approached, and running dead even, the crews tried to lengthen their bows, with a broom, and with a pike pole.

The race ended in a virtual dead heat -- both finishing the course in 10:03 minutes. After a lot of deliberation, the judges finally gave it to PARTHIA.

"This race was the most fun I've ever had standing up," said Donner.

 

Yes, there were other boats in the running, in fact, while the two front-runners were busy trying to distract each other -- and slowing each other down in the process, , FLYER was moving up -- but not in time. However,  she did edge out PALOMAR, RUBY VII and THELMA S.

 

Boat

Homeport

Owner/Skipper

Time
1. PARTHIA Vashon Island, WA Mark Donner 10:03
2. CAYOU Port Orchard,WA Thompson Piledriving 10:03
3. FLYER Seattle,WA Western Towboat/Rick Shrewsbury 10:13
4. PALOMAR Seattle,WA David Haizlip 10:51
5. RUBY VII Seattle,WA   11:09
6. THELMA S Everett,WA   11:45

 

Over 400 hp

 

Usually some strong contenders in this heat, four boats left the starting line, with a surprise in store.

 

The ancient MARLIN II, easily the oldest boat in the pack, edged out ISLAND WIND, winner of her heat in Seattle earlier this year.

 

Boat

Homeport

Owner/Skipper

Time
1. MARLIN II Seattle, WA   9:20
2. ISLAND WIND Seattle, WA Island Tug & Barge 9:25
3. DANIELLE Shelton, WA Manke Towing 9:41
4. SCHOLARI    (ST-905) Tacoma, WA U.S. Army 9:42
       

 

 

Unlimited

 

One again, Mike Colyar's black powder cannon goes off as the two boats racing in the Unlimited heat go off the line.

The Army's ST agreed to go against the only contender in this heat -- just to give JUDY M some competition. For some reason, the race was not timed -- !

 

But JUDY M, thundered down the race course, giving families and friends a good ride for their money -- and beating the Army boat.

 

A special thanks goes to Gary Gates, who at the last minute, volunteered his skills, his humor and his Boston Whaler for use as this year's Press Boat. Without him, we couldn't have gotten these in-your-face photos of the tug races.

We also thank the volunteer Olympia Police Harbor Patrol for their invaluable help and cooperation, without of which we could not have provided this coverage.

 

 

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