Dorchester Co. Prepares for Thunder on the Choptank

(CAMBRIDGE, Md) – Crews are hard at work here at Gerry Boyle Park, making sure that people are ready to fill up these bleachers here on the banks of the ChopTank River as they get set for the eighth annual Thunder on the Choptank.

World champion boat racer, and Thunder on the Choptank Organizer, Jimmy Stewart is excited to take part in zipping across the water at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, And competing against some of his family.

Stewart tells us, “…I race in a class called the Jersey Speeds Skips. So we’re a little different from some of the hydroplanes that are here. So we actually have four boats in our family, but only two of them are going to make it out this weekend. But we’ll be here. Super excited to be here…”

While this will be the 8th year for Thunder on the Choptank, boaters past and present, like Allen Nelson, are excited because it’s continuing a tradition of boat racing in Cambridge that dates back over 100 years.

“And so keeping another event here with the Thunder Group is just natural for us and we’re glad to help them out and keep the sport going,” says Nelson.

And those organizing the event are hoping people will continue to come out to help make it a must-attend event of the summer.

Nelson says, “It’s exciting when you see 8 to 10 boats coming at you close to 100 miles an hour for that first turn. It’s very exciting and it’s fun to watch. It’s a sport that is good for the family.”

While Stewart says, “I’m just hoping that everybody takes some time out. It looks like the weather’s going to be really good for this weekend here. So come out and spend a nice, warm summer day here at Great Marsh Park in beautiful Cambridge, Maryland.”

Thunder on the Choptank will take place on Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th, at Gerry Boyle Park.