Smith Island Crab Skiff Association

09/23/2024

September 21st not only marked the last day of Summer, but also the last Smith Island Crab Skiff race of the 2024 season. Three skiffs made the trip to Oxford: Swamp Rat with Tuffy Garrett, Twisted Oyster with Ralph Justice, and the hometown favorite Slippery Eel with Bart Eckhardt. While it was a small field, the three skiffs provided some great racing. Four three-lap races were on tap for the day. Race one saw Ralph Justice in Twisted Oyster come from the third starting position to claim victory. In race two, Tuffy Garrett in Swamp Rat held on to a narrow lead over Ralph Justice, but Ralph nipped him at the line to steal the win. Race three saw Ralph Justice again come the third position to claim the win. After a close race with Ralph Justice in Twisted Oyster, Bart Eckhardt in Slippery Eel held on to win race four. Thanks to everyone that came out to watch the races and support the Smith Island Crab Skiffs.

09/02/2024

It was a beautiful day in Crisfield for the running of the Smith Island Crab Skiffs at the 77th National Hard Crab Derby. Five teams made the trip to Crisfield ready to race: Fat Oyster with Peyton Emely, Sea Ya Later with Steve Evans, Slippery Eel with Bart Eckhardt, Twisted Oyster with Ralph Justice, and Swamp Rat with Tuffy Garrett. In race 1, Peyton Emely in Fat Oyster led the field to the start and held on to claim the win. This earned him the Lawson Tyler Trophy. Race 2 saw Bart Eckhardt came from mid-pack to take his maiden win in Slippery Eel and win the Dickie White Memorial Trophy. After a slow start, Ralph Justice in Twisted Oyster turned things around and charge through the field to win the National Crab Skiff Championship. Trophies were presented by past club president and event coordinator Paul Emely and crab skiff Technical Director Joe Strohmer. Join us in Oxford, MD on September 21st for our final race of the year.

08/04/2024

The Crab Slam in Cape Charles was held on Saturday at the Shanty Restaurant. Three skiffs made the trip to Cape Charles: Tuffy Garrett with Swamp Rat, Paul Emely with Fat Oyster, and Bart Eckhardt with Slippery Eel. With a small field, only two 3-lap races were run. In race one, Paul Emely led the field to the green and took a commanding lead as he easily won the race. Paul's advantage did not hold in race two as Tuffy Garrett was able to catch and pass Paul for the win. It should be mentioned that we had a special guest Saturday, former owner of the After Dark and Hot Crabs Cold Beer skiffs, and the association's 2015 President Pete Ginocchio was in town and came by to watch the races. Thanks to all the showed up and to the Shanty Restaurant for hosting this event.

07/09/2024

Our association founder…

With deep gratitude, we acknowledge the generous donation made by Richard & Robin Haddaway Scofield at the corporate level in memory of Dickie White. Your heartfelt contribution not only supports the Smith Island Cultural Center but also creates a meaningful legacy in honor of him. We are profoundly touched by your generosity and are honored to feature this dedication on our website. Thank you for your incredible support and for helping us keep cherished memories alive.

06/10/2024

The Smith Island Crab Skiff Association kicked-off its 2024 season at the Kent Island Yacht Club on June 8th in conjunction with the Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival. Bob Wallace had his skiff Gone Crab Skiff Krazy on display near the festival entrance and it attracted several visitors. We welcomed Bart Eckhardt as the new driver for the Slippery Eel skiff. The other teams racing were Ralph Justice in Twisted Oyster, Paul Emely in Fat Oyster, and Tuffy Garrett in Swamp Rat. Tuffy Garrett led the teams into turn one of the first race and was unable to be caught. In races two and three, Ralph Justice was able to get a good start and catch Tuffy to win both races. Once the races were completed, trophies were awarded to race one winner Tuffy Garrett and second place finisher Ralph Justice by Bill Rothermel. The Smith Island Crab Skiff Association would like to thank Bob Wallace for arranging the event and the Kent Island Yacht Club for hosting us.

10/11/2023

PropTalk's November issue has hit the docks and is now available to read online for FREE at https://www.proptalk.com/read-proptalk-online

Gracing the cover this month is Peyton Emely in Fat Oyster at the 76th National Hard Crab Derby September 2 in Crisfield, MD. Find the full Smith Island Crab Skiff Association race recap on page 54. Photo by Paul Denbow.

09/08/2023

Thanks to Tim Mangus for this wonderful video of the crab skiffs at Oxford.

09/04/2023

The 76th National Hard Crab Derby marked the 25th anniversary of the Smith Island Crab Skiff Association. It all started when a challenge was issued from the town of Oxford to Crisfield to see who had the fastest crab skiff, Oxford showed up with Slippery Eel while Crisfield had Renegade Crab. Crisfield won that challenge even if there were some suspicions that Renegade Crab was not a legal challenger. That challenge led to the formation of The Smith Island Crab Skiff Association. This year’s Hard Crab Derby featured a rematch of sorts with skiffs from Oxford and Crisfield racing at Wellington Beach on Saturday September 2nd. Representing Oxford was John Pepe in Slippery Eel with Crisfield being represented by Peyton Emely in Fat Oyster, Ralph Justice in Twisted Oyster, and Joe Strohmer in Rock My Fish. Exciting racing ensued as Peyton Emely took race 1 with Ralph Justice taking races 2 and 3. The Smith Island Crab Skiff Association would like to thank the National Hard Crab Derby Committee and all the fans that showed up.

09/03/2023

Close racing at the 76th National Hard Crab Derby for the Crab Skiffs.

08/27/2023

On Saturday August 26th, the Smith Island Crab Skiffs held their annual race in Oxford. A small field showed-up led by local favorite John Pepe in Slippery Eel, Ralph Justice in Twisted Oyster, and Paul Emely in Fat Oyster. While the field was small, the three skiffs entertained the crowd that had gathered along the beach on the Strand. John Pepe took home the honors in race 1 with Ralph Justice winning races 2 & 3. Join us in Crisfield on September 2nd for the Hard Crab Derby and help celebrate the associations 25th anniversary.

07/16/2023

The Smith Island Crab Skiff Association held their Jeff Swanson Memorial at Tall Timbers on July 15th. The event marked the return of Joe Strohmer’s Rock My Fish after having to replace the engine and the return of Paul Emely in the driver’s seat of Fat Oyster. Paul must have been fired up as he won three of the races with Tuffy Garret in Swamp Rat taking the win in race four. The Smith Island Crab Skiff Association would like to thanks the fans that turned out and Tall Timbers Marina for supporting this event.

07/16/2023

Good competition and a nice time at Tall Timbers yesterday. Lots of photos to sort through, but enjoy this preview.