Past Award Winners

2023

White sailboat with an American flag docked in a marina, surrounded by other boats and masts

BEST IN SHOW – Ralph Rodheim Perpetual Trophy

JOIE DE VIVRE - Ted Harris & Rusty Areias

Originally called Amelia Marie, she was later purchased by Theodore Brix, a Fresno businessman. She was relaunched 63 years after her first launch in the San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta at the Stephens Boatyard. The launch event was attended by Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, 2 US Congressmen, and former Congressman George Radonovich, among others. Joie De Vivre is now owned by Ted Harris and Rusty Areias.

Sailboat docked in calm blue water under a clear sky, with masts and rigging visible.

2023 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

ASTOR - Straman Family

The Astor, an 86-foot schooner with a rich history, was built in 1923 in Farlie, Scotland, by Wm. Fife & Son. With teak planks over English oak frames and bronze rivets, she's a magnificent vessel. Originally ordered by Dr. McCormick of Sydney, Australia, she had five owners, each leaving their mark. Notably, Peter Warner raced her to fame in the Sydney to Hobart race. The Astor eventually found its way to California, where it's been lovingly maintained by the Straman family.

2019

Wooden tour boat with white hull floating on blue water near a rocky shoreline.

BEST IN SHOW – Ralph Rodheim Perpetual Trophy

THE CONQUEST - James R. Wolcott

This classic power cruiser, with a length overall of 50 feet and a beam of 11 feet, calls Newport Beach, California, its home port. Designed by Stephens Bros., it features two Chrysler Hemi 331 engines with a total horsepower of 220, running on gasoline. Built in 1929 in Stockton, California, this vintage vessel is currently owned by James R. Wolcott.

White wooden motorboat cruising on blue water with a rocky coastline in the background

FIRST RUNNER UP

ATHENA - Wayne Ettel

Athena is a 1929 47’ Stock Tri-Cabin Cruiser built by Stephens Bros. of Stockton, CA for Frank A. Cressey Jr. who was the founder of the Modesto Gas Co and a member of the St. Francis Yacht Club. Originally powered with twin F-6 Scripps 80hp gas engines, in 1950 she was repowered with a pair of gas powered Chrysler 160hp Majestics.

Red and white cushioned boat cockpit with nautical decor and an American flag at the bow

SECOND RUNNER UP

THE GIG

The Gig is a 1947 Stephans Brothers Captain’s Tender. She was commissioned along with her sister ship Queenie by two Newport Beach brothers, twins living on Lido Isle, who wanted matching launches, ac-cording to local legend. Queenie has been moved to Ventura, but The Gig resides in Newport. She has been restored twice by her current owner.

Sailboat deck in marina with yachts and docked boats in the background

MOST DISTINGUISHED PROVENANCE

PIXIE

Pixie, a 26-foot custom fishing launch, crafted by the Wilmington Boat Company in 1926, has a rich history. Acquired by C.M. Cotton of Balboa, California, in the early 1930s, this mahogany vessel remains preserved rather than restored, maintaining its vintage charm. Remarkably, Pixie is still cherished within the same family, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Sailboat crew racing on choppy water, raising a red, white and blue flag under full sails

LONGEST DISTANCE

SALLY

Sally, a ten-meter class sloop designed by Starling Burgess and built in Germany in 1927, boasts an impressive history, including her time on Long Island Sound and a resurgence on the California coast. Following a substantial two-year rebuild in 2012, she continues to shine on the racing circuit, often winning accolades at the San Diego Yacht Club, remaining a timeless symbol of sailing excellence and classic charm at 94 years old.

Wooden motor yacht on calm water with two people on deck and a flag flying overhead

BEST ON LAND

LORELEI - Rob & Colette Kaimakis

Lorelei, a 35-foot cruiser crafted by Chris Craft in 1937, hails from Seattle, boasting dimensions of 36 feet in length, 11 feet in beam, and a 35-foot waterline length. She glides on a shallow 2-foot 6-inch draft and is powered by a Mercruiser 8.1 gasoline engine. Proudly owned by Rob and Colette Kaimakis in the U.S., this classic vessel continues to grace the waters with timeless elegance.

2018

White sailboat docked in a marina with other boats and colorful flags under a bright blue sky

BEST IN SHOW

BIMINI BABE - Jim Connoly & David Pyle

Bimini Babe, Rybovich's 13th sportfishing boat, was commissioned by celebrated fisherman Robert E. Maytag. She's one of the earliest Rybovich vessels still in operation, part of the successful 36-footer series. After a significant refit in 2004/2005, she received recent upgrades to her electronics and paint, maintaining her classic presence on the water.

CAPTAIN'S CHOICE AWARD

ASTOR - Jim Straman

She has raced and won the KKIYC’s America Schooner Cup Race 5 times consecutively. She also has won the Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s Opening Day Race 8 times. She also cruised the South Pacific for six years. As the designer/builders of some of the finest yachts ever built, the over 150 year legacy of the Fife yard is extensive.

Wooden tour boat docked on a waterfront with people aboard and buildings in the background

HONORABLE MENTION

HUMBLE - Victoria Fash

In her day, Humble was considered the most beautiful yacht on the Thames River. She hosted many distinguished guests, including English and European Royalty. In fact, she was so popular that the Prince of Wales commandeered her for a grand European tour in the early 1900s. Built in Kensington England, circa 1902, Humble is believed to be the largest surviving electric boat of her era.

White yacht on blue water near a green hillside under a clear sky

HONORABLE MENTION

SUMMER PLACE - Paul Marshall

Summer Place is a 1951 William Garden Design built by the Vic Frank Company in 1963. The two collaborators are considered to have been at the top of their respective fields and Summer Place is a beautiful example of what they could do together. She is powered by a modern Caterpillar 3126B 6 Cylinder diesel and cruises easily and economically at 12 knots.

2017

White motor yacht docked on calm water, with U.S. flags and people on deck under a blue sky

BEST OF SHOW

GALATEA - Brad Avery

Galatea, a 53.5-foot classic boat from 1967, has a rich history. Originally commissioned by William Hanna of Hanna-Barbera fame, it's one of 12 trawler yachts from that era. Despite refurbishments, the boat retains its original name. It offers an impressive range of 2,800 miles, traveling from Newport Beach to Alaska without refueling, despite a top speed of 8.75 knots.

Wooden boat with orange deck and white hull floating on calm blue water near a harbor

Best Powerboat

PHANTOM - Rick Ingold and Dean Kiser

Phantom, the 60th boat restored and preserved by the team of Richard Ingold and Dean Kiser, was a labor of love. Although initially hesitant about her purchase, co-owner Dean Kiser grew deeply attached to Phantom's beauty and history. Phantom, recognized as the best powerboat at the 2017 Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival, was a testament to the art of preservation in the face of aging workers in the wooden boat industry.

Small inflatable boat with people beside sailboats in a sunny marina, U.S. flag in foreground

Best Sailboat

DORADE - Matt Brooks

Dorade, a historic 87-year-old sailboat designed by Olin Stephens, holds an impressive racing legacy, including a 1931 Transatlantic Race victory. Owned by Matt Brooks and Pam Rorke Levy since 2010, she underwent meticulous restoration and earned accolades at the 2017 Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival. Dorade competes worldwide, showcasing her vintage charm.

White motor yacht with people aboard cruising on blue water near rocky cliffs

PEOPLE'S CHOICE - SPORTSFISHER

Drambuie - Alan Baron

Drambuie, a vintage 1956 Rybovich Sportfish, was discovered by owner Alan Baron on eBay. This classic boat, originally built for Dr. Jack Kevorkian's family, holds a rich history that includes ownership by the Roebling family of Brooklyn Bridge fame. Restored and modernized by Baron, Drambuie now calls Little Balboa Island her home.

White yacht with wood trim docked at a marina on a sunny day, blue sky and water in the background

Best Owner Maintained Vessel

COMOCEAN - Ron & Cathy Yacht

Built in spring 1953, this 33-foot boat was initially created for Chris Craft's summer shows. It's powered by twin inboard Marine Power 5.7 gas engines and Velvet Drive transmissions. The original colors were black for the hull and aquamarine for the cabin house top, reaching speeds of 31 miles per hour. After residing in Huntington Beach for the past 18 years, it underwent a two-year reconstruction in 1994.

Wooden boat named “DAZZLER” with an American flag at a harbor marina

Cruisers Under 40'

DAZZLER - Kevin Kearns and Henry Durkee

Dazzler, a stunning wooden boat, received the People's Choice Award for Cruisers Under 40' at the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival. Its proud owners, Kevin Kearns and Henry Durkee, have faithfully preserved this classic cruiser's timeless elegance, earning recognition and admiration at the festival.

2016

BEST POWERBOAT

COMOCEAN - Ron & Cathy Yacht

Luxury black and wood motor yacht cruising on calm water at sunset

Best Cruiser Under 40′

NO CORKAGE - Karl & Lori Kreutziger

"NO CORKAGE," a meticulously preserved 1954 Chris Craft Commander, is a 36-foot gem nestled in Newport Beach, proudly owned by Karl and Lori Kreutziger. Its timeless elegance led to winning the prestigious "Best Cruiser Under 40 ft" award at the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival. This vessel is a testament to both craftsmanship and dedicated preservation.

maiden america

MAIDEN AMERICA - Brandon Hamara

"Maiden America," a beautifully preserved 1949 Chris Craft Deluxe, graces the waters of Laguna Niguel. This 17-foot vessel, made of mahogany, showcases timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Proudly owned by Brandon Hamara, it stands as a testament to the art of preservation and the enduring charm of classic boats.

White boat on calm water near docks and waterfront buildings

EUPHRATES

MAIDEN AMERICA - Richard Strand

Euphrates, built in 1949, has undergone a meticulous ten-year restoration, resulting in exquisite woodwork, teak and mahogany accents, and luxurious custom interiors. With re-powered GM V-8 Crusader engines and Velvet Drive transmissions, it embodies the craftsmanship of a bygone era. This vessel stands as a remarkable testament to classic maritime heritage.

White boats docked at a marina at sunset, with calm water and railings in the foreground

EAGLE

EAGLE - Jeffery Kilpatrick

Eagle, a 1971 32-foot Wood Grand Banks trawler in Newport Beach, has undergone a decade-long restoration by owner Jeffrey Kilpatrick. Every aspect of the boat has been meticulously reworked and refurbished, making it one of the best-condition 32' wood Grand Banks vessels in the nation. Kilpatrick's dedication is evident in the extensive exterior restoration, re-engineered components, and overall craftsmanship.

2015

LAUNCHES

HUMBLE - Victoria Fash

In her day, Humble was considered the most beautiful yacht on the Thames River. She hosted many distinguished guests, including English and European Royalty. Her 52-foot hull is built of mahogany on an oak frame. She is powered electrically, by a Nelco 3KW electric motor, with a bank of 24 batteries.

White and orange sailboat docked in a marina with blue water and other yachts in the background

CRUISERS UNDER 45FT

COLNETT - Bunker Hill & Steve Farwell

Colnett is a 42’ motor cruiser which was built in 1924 by Seacraft Corp. in Wilmington, CA. She was built for Mr. Henry Vaughn, with sea trials and commissioning extending into early 1925. The hull is carvel planked with cedar on bent oak frames. Her cabins are built of select teak and her decks are tongue and groove, canvas or fiberglass covered.

Wooden boat interior with green bench seats and steering wheel on the water

RUNABOUTS

FIRECRACKER - Mark & Tracy Widder

In 2003, Mark Widder had a 28-foot replica of a 1929 Chris Craft Runabout, Firecracker, built by Grand-Craft Boats using Honduran mahogany. This unique vessel features a vintage Banjo Wheel and a vintage brass fire extinguisher onboard. Firecracker, with modern Chevy power, can reach 48 knots and has claimed "Best Runabout" at the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival twice.

Wooden rowboat on brick pavement with blue and red cushions and oars inside.

HUMAN POWERED OR SAILBOAT EXHIBITED ON LAND

JOYFUL - Bill Dunlap

Joyful was built in 2014 as a traditional 16’ Whitehall rowing boat (circa 1820). She is lap-staked, planked with Port Orford cedar on yellow oak frames and is fastened with over 900 copper rivets. Her stem and keel are made of oak and her transom, seats and rails our teak. Her topsides are painted white and the interior is varnished.

Two people sailing a wooden sailboat on calm water, viewed from above.

BEST SAILBOAT

BLACK CLOUD - Don Schaffner

The 1959 Thistle class sailboat, originally designed for affordability and compactness, continues to sail, albeit in fiberglass. Owner Don Schaffner emphasizes the enduring appeal of wooden boats for their lasting performance and value appreciation. Schaffner's meticulous restoration efforts included UV protection for the wood. The boat itself boasts dimensions of 17 feet in length and a 6-foot beam, making it a versatile and cherished vessel.

2014

Sailboat anchored in a rocky cove beneath steep hills, with flags and calm water.

COMMODORE'S CHOICE

ZAPATA II - Jim & Marion Jordan

Zapata II is a 1964 Calkins 50’ ketch built by American Marine in Hong Kong. Skip Calkins designed this boat to be a fast, light (22,000 lbs) and easily driven hull with a powerful rig. Construction is strip-planked mahogany over oak frames and built to the same plans as Chuck Ullman’s famous racing boat Legend, which went aground and was lost in the Channel Islands.

White wooden passenger boat cruising on blue water with a hilly coastline in the background

CRUISER OVER 45FT

ATHENA - Wayne Ettel

White and wood sailing yacht docked in a marina with other boats and clear blue water.

CRUISER UNDER 45FT

COLNETT - Bunker Hill & Steve Farwell

SAILBOATS OVER 50FT

ZAPATA II - Jim & Marion Jordan

White sailboat docked in a harbor, with blue trim and colorful flags, beside another boat

SAILBOATS UNDER 50FT

MADNESS - Ralph Rodheim, Bob King, Bill Jacoby

Madness, a Coast Rhodes 33 designed by Phillip Rhodes, was one of forty-two identical vessels built by South Coast Shipyard of Newport Beach. Madness was fully restored by Ralph Rodheim, Robert King and Bill Jacoby. The boat returned home to its original owner, Gavin Herbert, in 2016, and is actively sailed and raced today. Only a few of these gorgeous sailboats have survived over the years.

Wooden tour boat on calm water by a marina, with white yachts and a palm tree in the background

POWERBOATS & LAUNCHES

HUMBLE - Victoria Fash

Wooden boat interior with green striped seats, orange accents, and water visible outside

POWERBOATS & RUNABOUTS

FIRECRACKER - Mark & Tracy Widder

LAND SAILBOATS

BLACK CLOUD - Don Schaffner

LAND HUMAN POWERED

ROCK-A-BYE - Barry Mason

Barry Mason crafted the charming boat "Rock-A-Bye" in 2000, dedicating it to his first grandchild. This skiff/row boat measures 45 inches in length and features a 24-inch beam. A labor of love, it embodies the spirit of handmade craftsmanship and heartfelt family tradition.

MAYOR'S CHOICE FOR BEST POWERBOAT

COLNETT - Bunker Hill & Steve Farwell

Colnett is a 42’ motor cruiser which was built in 1924 by Seacraft Corp. in Wilmington, CA. The hull is carvel planked with cedar on bent oak frames. Her cabins are built of select teak and her decks are tongue and groove, canvas or fiberglass covered.