9/1/2025: Ida May Wins the 66th Annual Deal Island-Chance Lion's Club Skipjack Race

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The skipjack Ida May, captained by Shawn Ridgley and owned by the Gladden family, claimed victory at the 66th Annual Deal Island-Chance Lion’s Club Labor Day Skipjack Race on September 1, 2025—her 7th win in the past 9 years. The crew included Meghan, Ella, Robert, Keith, Bill, David, Tara, Missy, Alain, and Joey.

This year’s race was one of the most thrilling in memory, tense from start to finish. Winds held steady at 10–15 knots, gusting up to 20. Ida May prefers gentler breezes, and even with three reefs tied in, the conditions pushed her to the limit. At times, the rails dipped beneath the waves and the boat heeled hard, making for a white-knuckle but exhilarating ride.

Ida May had a near-perfect start, crossing the line as the starting gun fired. The Annapolis Maritime Museum’s Wilma Lee and Tilghman Island’s Rebecca Ruark managed to pass us on the first leg toward the red 16 buoy. With her full sails flying, Rebecca Ruark surged past Wilma Lee to take the lead.

After rounding the first buoy, the fleet turned south with the tide, giving a smoother ride. Ida May sailed strong and gradually closed the gap on Wilma Lee, though Rebecca Ruark’s massive jib made her seem untouchable. Near the red 14 buoy off Deal Island, we finally overtook Wilma Lee, stealing her wind in the process. But fortune turned when Rebecca Ruark misjudged the buoy and had to circle back. That mistake opened the door for Ida May to catch and pass her.

As we attempted a tight turn around the buoy, the strong tide stalled us, allowing Rebecca Ruark to slip back into the lead. Refusing to give up, we shook out a reef to gain speed. The final leg was a beat into the wind, demanding endless tacks. With sharper sailing and fewer maneuvers, Ida May gradually reeled Rebecca Ruark in. After several close crossings, we overtook her for good and powered to the finish.

It was a fierce, hard-fought contest, easily one of the most exciting victories in Ida May’s history. Congratulations to Captain Shawn Ridgley and the entire Ida May crew! Thanks to Tim Mangus for the great photos of the race.  And special congratulations to Mary Sue, Missy, Tara, and David Gladden. On to Sandy Point!

https://www.wboc.com/news/skipjack-race-brings-tradition-competitio...