Deal Island Skipjack Races & Festival

Skipjack, drudge boat, oyster-dredge-boat, two-sail bateau are some of the terms used to describe these iconic vessels. Most were about 40 – 50 feet on deck. The long bowsprit made the overall length about 60 – 70 feet.
This annual reunion and celebration of the history, culture, and traditions of the local oystering watermen and their communities brings together many of the few remaining skipjacks and the families that proudly live and work here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland together.
The Blessing of the Fleet is at 8:00 a.m. and the race begins at 9:30 a.m. Labor Day. Afterwards enjoy our festival which includes Car show, kids activities, arts and crafts, and food vendors. There is an Awards Ceremony at 5:00 p.m. A parade is held at 1p.m. the day before and the festival grounds are open with a band/dance starting at 7 p.m.