History of Riptide #3

The Chesapeake 20 “Riptide #3”was built in 1938 by Cap’n Dick Hartge, a well-known local boat builder in the West River, Anne Arundel County, MD.  The boat was built for Midge Phillip who later sold her to John Allen Coughlin.   Riptide finished sixth in 1939 West River Sailing Club Summer Series with Wilbur Phillips; fifth at the Annapolis Yacht Club Regatta in 1941; and third in Gibson Island Regatta in 1941.

According to David Coughlin (grandson of William Coughlin), his grandfather and uncle Edmond Coughlin sailed Riptide after John Allen Coughlin went to war, and they sailed her again from 1945 – 48.  John Coughlin had lent the boat to Ellen & Cynthia Claytons who arranged for and donated Riptide to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum prior to which she was completely restored and in mint condition.   Riptide was donated in the name of John Allen Coughlin who was killed in 1944.  John had joined the Army Air Force and was stationed in Kunming, China.  He was a waist gunner on a B-26 bomber and his plane was shot down in 1944 while bombing a Japanese convoy off the coast of China.

Prior to the donation, the condition of Riptide did not make her an accurate, authentic representation of the classic lines as designed by Cap’n Dick Hartge.  Riptide was hogged, needed much work on the hull and rigging, and new fiberglass on the hull and deck.  Someone had also apparently attempted to build a cabin on her.   This work was carried out at the Hartge Yacht Yard under the supervision of Buddy Hartge who delivered Riptide to the CBMM where she was on display in the large shed which was recently torn down.    The donation and display of Riptide is also intended to pay tribute to Cap’n Dick Hartge in his role for growth and development of pleasure boating on the Chesapeake Bay.