Neal Kramer - Chesapeake 20 Pioneer

Posted in: Racing Legends, 1940s
Neal Kramer died on June 8, 2011.  He was the last surviving brother of the Kramer family in which four of the five raced Chesapeake 20s.  His father, Andrew Kramer who was president of the Annapolis Bank and Trust, financed the construction of twenty Chesapeake 20s in 1939.  Neal raced Penguins and Chesapeake 20 and owned Serenade in which he was a successful racer in the early 40s and 60s.  Below is a more detailed history of his racing in Chesapeake 20s. 

Doug Kolb, Chesapeake 20 Pioneer

Posted in: Historical Race Results, 1940s, 1950s
Doug Kolb was a pioneer in Chesapeake 20s.  He died on April 25, 2005 and his wife, Joan Mary Kolb, died on April 16, 2011.  The family donated is trophies to WRSC and the Chesapeake 20 class.  Doug Kolb raced Jade, #37 from 1947 until 1954 and was a charter boat captain for over 46 years out of Rockhold Creek.  He was active at West River Sailing Club and its commodore in 1953.  His impressive race record from the late 40s and early 50s is below.  Doug Kolb and Jade were featured on the front page of the Evening Star in 1953 at the President's Cup Regatta along with a photo and article announcing the wedding of Senator John F. Kennedy to Jacqueline Bouvier.

Zang's Pier (now Pirates Cove) w/20s

Posted in: 1940s, Classic 20s
Here is a photo of Zang's Pier with Comets, Thistles and Chesapeake 20s docked.  Likely date is 1949 or 50 since Thistles were not produced until 1948 and became an active class in 1949.  Many Chesapeake 20 races were held off Zang's Pier in which there was also a small shed for WRSC, prior to its current club house.

1949 - Thistle Beats Chesapeake 20s

Posted in: 1940s
Sandy Douglas, the developer of the Thistle, came to the Oxford Regatta in 1948 and challenged the Chesapeake 20s to a race in heavy wind.  The planning Thistle wins the race easily.  As a result, some Chesapeake 20 skippers, including Billy Heintz, shifted to racing Thistles.  Article from the Thistle official publication in 1949.

1949 Plans of Chesapeake 20

Posted in: 1940s
Complete 1949 plans of a Chesapeake 20 by Captain Dick Hartge with details of construction including hull, deck and rigging.