Thanks to Matt Perricone, I witnessed the 17th annual tugboat race from an up-close platform, kind of like watching the Kentucky Derby from hind edge of the jockey’s seat.  Cornell won the best vintage tug award today, and if you haven’t voted yet, vote for Cornell for the “People’s Choice” award at next week’s Waterford Tug roundup here.

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And they’re off.

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Fastest tug and winner of Class A (over 2000 hp) was Ellen McAllister.  She also won “best-looking” and a member of the crew had

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“best tattoo.”  Find the text here; scroll down til you see “The Last Watch.”

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Fastest in Class B was Megan Ann, whose very hospitable crew also won another award, to be shown later.

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It was 1901 Urger for the Class C speed award.  To get some sense of Urger‘s first life, appearance and function, click here.

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Nathan E. Stewart, second fastest overall, also won the line throw.

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Now which award might this be?  Best Viking award maybe?

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Karl, fearless Cornell crewman, didn’t win the spinach eating award, but gave the most intimidating pre-contest show.

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The “lil toot” award went to Lt. Michael P. Murphy, named in honor of the Navy Seal?

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“Best spirit” award went to all the Miller Launch boats, here from left to right:  Susan, Catherine, Shawn, and Gabby L.

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After a competition, all is forgiven and affectionate.

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My award for “best decoration” goes to Growler, who counted a Viking among its crew as did Megan Ann although Growler’s Viking identity shifted during the morning.  Growler comes from the USMMA at Kings Point.

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My special award goes to this gentleman–Antonio Alcaraz Arbelo–who traveled from Spain for the race today.  Boluda is a Spanish tug company.  Antonio’s blog is fotosdebarcos.com , great pics even if you don’t read Spanish.  Antonio and Samuel, welcome to the sixth boro.

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More fotos and video soon.    Please inform me if any information is wrong.

All fotos by Will Van Dorp.