Leonardtown , MD – Bash of the Bay was a 2-day event hosted by Southern Maryland Boat Club that took place over the weekend on October 5th & 6th, 2019 The event took place at Historic Leonardtown Wharf, where Vintage Race boaters from around town came to enjoy some fun on the water and put on a wet show for St. Mary’s County residents.
The boats were split up into individual classes, where they would then head out on the water and give it their all competing against one another. Each class ran 2 heats, one morning heat and one afternoon heat beginning at 11 am and ending at 4 pm with an hour lunch break in between. Where the pits were opened to the public to get up close and personal with the racers and their boats.
The 1st class was the E&G Class. This class featured V-bottom & Tunnel Hulls from the 1970-80’s, ranging from 13-15 ft powered by 60-85 hp (40-69.99 cu in) outboard motors with speeds reaching up to 65 mph. The 2nd class was Family J & Sport J Class. This class featured vintage V-bottom & Tunnel Hulls from the 1970-80’s ranging from 15-16 ft, powered by 140-150 hp (90-99.99 cu in) outboard motors with speeds reaching up to 75-80 mph. The 3rd class was Formula 1 Large Tunnel Hulls. This class featured vintage Tunnel Hulls from the 1970-80’s ranging from 15-16 ft powered by V6 (200 hp) outboard motors with speeds reaching up to 90 mph. The last class was the T Class Switzer Wings. This class featured vintage flying wings from the 1970-80’s powered by Twin 150 hp motors with speeds reaching up to 90 mph.
Even though they weren’t technically “racing”, the boaters were very competitive during their boat expeditions and put on a great show. While some boats had mechanical issues and were unable to compete, it didn’t stop the others from getting out there and giving it their all. It was quite the show, and quite the turn out.
Photography & Story Written by: Amanda Holt – staff@thebaynet.com
