More than 50 spectators gathered at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Keyport pier to watch the 6th annual bathtub race, Aug. 30.
Bathtub racing started in Nanaimo, British Columbia, and involves the use of a bathtub boat; this year’s event drew 14 participants.
According to Margaret Johnson, event coordinator, bathtub racing has been around since 1967.
“Each year we travel from Canada and visit Naval Undersea Warfare Center for the bathtub racing event,” said Johnson. “Boaters will each do
15 laps and race around the buoys set in the water; this course is about three miles long.”
The competition was divided into two classes: stock-modified and the super modified bathtub racing. Brian Stoochnow from Vancouver, British
Columbia, came in first place for the super modified bathtub race.
“It’s always a fantastic feeling to win first place,” said Stoochnow. “What I enjoy most about visiting this base is the hospitality of such great people
in the United States of America and this is a fun friendly competition.”
For Capt. Jonathan Dowell, NUWC Keyport commanding officer, the event was a great way to celebrate Labor Day weekend.
“Every Labor day weekend we sponsor this race,” said Dowell. “Events like these are awesome because we share comradeship with a community
who all share a conmon interest. It’s a great way to enjoy the friendship we have with another country, our neighbors in Canada.”
The top three winners each received a trophy and after the race everyone enjoyed a barbeque.
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen a bathtub race,” said Master-at-Arms Seaman Robert Westfall, Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Security. “It’s
unbelievable; I didn’t know people could build boats out of bathtubs.”
For Master-at-Arms Seaman Kenneth Boggs, NBK Security, the bathtub race was fun to watch.
“This is cool to see something different and I get to watch something new,” said Boggs. “I haven’t seen anything like this before and it’s well
put together.”
The next big event at NUWC Keyport will be a change of command ceremony for Dowell, scheduled for Sept. 18 at 10 a.m.