'A family affair'

CAMBRIDGE — The Cambridge Classic Power Boat Regatta continues to be a family-oriented racing event, uniting hundreds of people of all ages from across North America.

Since the first race in 1911, families have continued to gather each year in Cambridge to enjoy the high-speed racing on the Choptank River and the camaraderie the event provides. Coordinated by the Hydroplane Racing League, there were around 70 boats at this year’s event competing in five different classes and nearing speeds of 140 mph.

The weekend event attracts a large number of families and, according to many in attendance, the sport is considered to be a family affair, with an interest in boat racing being passed down through generations.

“I’ve been coming here since the year I was born,” said boat racer Owen Henderson of Brockville, Ontario. “I used to just run around wishing that one day I could get to drive.” Henderson added that his dad, two uncles and cousins race.

With many families with children in attendance, the event space at Great Marsh Park included various activities catering to kids. Between the races, kids were occupied by the Kids Zone, equipped with toys and fun gadgets, an ice cream truck, food trucks and a concert that kicked off the weekend Friday evening.

Sandy Kennedy of Delaware said she first attended the Cambridge Classic when she was dating her husband. This year, in what she believed was her 38th year at the event, she watched her son and nephew race.

“My husband used to race and now my son races and I’m sure my grandsons will probably be the next generation. In our family, we have four generations that have raced,” said Kennedy.

Participants enjoy returning to the Cambridge Classic each year to reunite with their friends since it holds a special place in many of their lives.

Anna Ebeling of Easton said the Cambridge Classic has become a family tradition for her young family. “It’s really just the people getting together and seeing all the generations come together and having a lot of fun,” Ebeling said.

While many spectators were returners to the event, others were attending the races for the first time. Despite being new to the Cambridge Classic, Mathew Perry of Coos Bay Oregon was aware of the family influence on boat racing.

“I love the ambiance and the fact that a lot of the racers out there are second, third generation racers. They keep it in the family,” Perry said.

Perry was intrigued by the powerboat racing event and the stacked roster of drivers. He also enjoyed the opportunity to get outside and be entertained by the high-horsepower boat races.

“The thing I like most about boat racing is it’s something my family has always done and it’s how we bond with each other,” said Brendan Ebeling of Cambridge, who has raced in previous years. “Cambridge is very special because it’s our hometown race.”