The 6th Annual Bolivar Rig Run and Stretch Race took place on Saturday under perfect weather conditions. Hardheads Ice House & Grill sponsored the races, bringing blue skies, favorable wind conditions, and a large crowd to boost excitement and support. This year brought 30 catamarans to participate in the regatta, the largest attendance to date, according to Jim Denys, Commodore of the Bolivar Yacht Club. The colorful sails decorated the shores as the captains and crew readied their boats for the noon start, attracting more viewers and passers-by. When the crowd counted down and the starting horn blew, about half the boats with either one or two-men crew took off for the traditional race around the offshore oil rig. Shortly after the start, one boat had a rigging failure but was able to make repairs in order to continue. About 15 minutes later, the remaining craft set off on the 16-mile stretch course, adding an extra leg around the wreck off the Bolivar Flats.
A few catamarans capsized during the race but were able to get righted and continue on the journey. A US Coast Guard craft was offshore to assist any boaters in trouble, and the Crystal Beach Fire & Rescue inflatable rescue craft was cruising among the racers to offer assistance if needed. Sitting and standing onshore was a crowd of supporters watching the sails shrink into the distance.
The atmosphere was festive as Hardheads set up their party trailer serving hot dogs, drinks, and favorite beverages. It took less than an hour for the first vessel to cross the finish line, followed minutes later by the second. After all boats returned, judges reviewed the times and determined the winners. Jim Denys thanked the sponsors, participants, safety crews, and visitors for a great event. He then presented trophies to the winners of the 6th Annual Bolivar Rig Run. Congratulations and see you next year!
Hardheads owner Jason Kaptchinskie and BYC Commodore Jim Denys
Read more on the Bolivar Yacht Club Facebook page
WINNERS
Traditional Course – First Place: Team Brian skippered by Ernest Langford with crew Jeremy Pickens (50:06 Minutes)
Traditional Course – Second Place: Johnny Cash skippered by Todd Gardner and crew Steve Johnson in (50:45)
Traditional Course – Third Place: No Gunn Control boat skippered by Dick Gunn (57:19)
Stretch Course – First Place: Rauch Team skippered by Ricky Richardson (1:29:38)
Stretch Course – Second Place: White Cappin’ skippered by Rennie Ihle (1:41:20)
Stretch Course – Third Place: The Young and The Restless skippered by Ernie Luce and crew Brandon Buckley at (1:48:57)
Final Finisher: Tipsea, skippered by Mike Doyle and crew Tristan Doyle
RANDOM SHOTS
[Aug-17-2020]
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Thanks Big Jim for another great event, and thanks Tom for great Photos and coverage !
Tom great seeing you Saturday at the races. As always you do a great job covering the Hardhead’s Bolivar RIG RUN event. Save the date, August 14-15, 2021.