08/25/2026
Photo album from the Rhodes 19 Nationals in Chicago. Look for Redline, the last boat Peter Kovats restored.
https://brycekiesel.shootproof.com/gallery/4a8fb4a6-7919-4fef-a090-f9aab7030545/
From Stan Knapczyk, 2026 Rhodes 19 National Regatta Chairman
The 2026 Rhodes 19 National Championship Regatta is in the books and it was a huge success. With the Chicago skyline as backdrop and ten races over three days, the racing was excellent! Day 1 brought light to moderate winds in the 4 to 10 knot range out of the northeast with calm seas. Constant attention to weight placement to keep the boat properly heeled and balanced was critical to success, with four WL4 races for the day.
Day 2 stayed out of the northeast but brought increased winds of 10 to 17 kts and 2 to 4 ft waves. This made for a wetter and more exhausting day as full hiking was in order along with crew balance on the foredeck during jibes for all four WL4 races.
Day 3 brought very light winds from the south-southwest resulting in all of the racers struggling to get their boats moving fast. Those that went west towards shore found a nice wind line and jumped to the front. After completing one WL4 race, the RC called for a second. But half way through the second race, the wind nearly shut off leaving many barely moving. The RC shortened the course to three legs and then sent us in for the awards.
The competition on the racecourse was fierce with five different boats winning races. In the end, the top two finishers, both local Fleet 12 boys, were separated by only two points. (note - see above photo) Congratulations to Bob Bernstein and crew Tom Veed of White ( #1652) for bringing home the National Championship Trophy edging out Bart Wurtzebach and crew Paul Wurtzebach of Eyeball ( #1224) who brought home the Cressy Trophy.
Third place went to William Colehower and crew Charlie Quigley of Epictetus ( #1341) while fourth place went to Dave Hickey and crew Maureen Hebert of Strawberry Bitch ( #2324). Rounding out the top five was Stan Knapczyk and crew Lottie Knapczyk and Arthur Keska of No Worries ( #804).
Bob Bernstein (1) also captured the Robert Jenson Masters Trophy which is awarded to the highest finishing skipper over 60, while Bart Wurtzebach (2) took the Don Quixote Trophy, awarded to the highest finishing competitor who has never finished in the top five in a previous National Regatta.
The Nationals Regatta Novice Trophy (highest finish for a competitor who has never competed in the event previously) went to Claire Unterseher (6) and crew Kate Unterseher and Chiara Marengahi (aka Kiki) of Redline while the Travel Trophy (awarded to the competitor who has traveled the farthest with the greatest effort to attend) went to William Colehower (3).
Finally, the President’s Trophy was presented to Richard Dunne for his many contributions in recruiting and building Fleet 12 and the R19 Association over his 50+ year Rhodes 19 racing career.
On the social side, we had some great times getting to know our fellow racers. A big THANK YOU to Karl and Liz Johnson for hosting everyone at their place on Wednesday night. Karl smoked up some fantastic BBQ and all of us went back for seconds.
The Thursday evening dinner event was fantastic. The food provided by the galley was delicious and everyone was in a good mood and let loose on the dance floor to the music of Stan Karcz. Some great raffle prizes, like shrouds and sheets, were won and there was a silent auction for the two donated sails. Molly McMahon took home the Doyle jib and Claire Unterseher took home the UK spinnaker. We were able to get the spinnaker measured and approved and Claire was able to fly it on Friday. I saw it go up on the way out to the racecourse Friday and I thought the spinnaker colors, green and yellow, were perfect for Redline as the only boat with a yellow hull. Kind of like it was meant to be.
2026 Rhodes 19 National Championship
