In the colorful world of sailing, where tradition meets humor, the "pickle boat" holds a unique place. The term, which designates the last boat to finish a race, carries with it a rich history that stretches back to the early days of rowing and yachting. Over time, this title, and the tradition of honoring the last finisher with a jar of pickles, has become a symbol of perseverance and sportsmanship. Today, the pickle boat tradition continues to thrive, finding its way into prestigious races such as the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, and more recently, the Buccaneer 18 North American Championship (BNAC).
The term "pickle boat" originally came from rowing races in England during the 19th century. In large crew regattas, teams would race with their best rowers, but leftover rowers who didn’t make it into a main team would be thrown together to form the final team of the day, called the "pickle boat." This team was not expected to win, but they competed nonetheless, making up a “motley crew” much like the bits of food pickled and preserved from a meal. Eventually, the term was adopted into sailing to refer to the last boat to cross the finish line. Over the years, many regattas have embraced this title as a lighthearted way to recognize the perseverance of those who finished the race, regardless of their placement.
The Chicago to Mackinac Race and the Pickle Trophy
One of the most storied and challenging sailing events in the U.S., the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac (often called "The Mac"), has wholeheartedly embraced the pickle boat tradition. The race covers 333 miles, taking sailors from the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago to Mackinac Island, Michigan. With unpredictable weather conditions, including high winds and storms, the Mac is as much a test of endurance as it is of sailing prowess.
For years, participants in The Mac have known that finishing the race, regardless of speed, is an achievement. With this mindset, the tradition of awarding a "pickle trophy" to the last-place finisher has become a beloved part of the event. One notable example is when a crew that came in last received a green Heineken DraughtKeg in place of a traditional trophy. This playful gesture underscores the humor and camaraderie that the pickle boat tradition fosters among sailors.
The pickle trophy recognizes not just the time spent on the water but also the resilience and determination it takes to see the race through to its end. Sailors often endure equipment malfunctions, unpredictable weather, and mental fatigue, yet they persevere. The pickle boat and its corresponding trophy remind sailors and spectators alike that the journey is as significant as crossing the finish line.
The Buccaneer 18 North American Championship and Larry Schmida’s Pickle Tradition
The tradition of awarding a jar of pickles to the last-place finisher made its way into the Buccaneer 18 North American Championship (BNAC) in 2022, thanks to Larry Schmida. Schmida, a key figure in the Buccaneer sailing community, introduced this tradition as a way to infuse humor and camaraderie into the competition, following the well-established pickle boat practice in other regattas. The 2022 BNAC was the first time a jar of pickles was officially awarded to the last-place finisher, creating a fun new custom that reflected the inclusive and good-spirited nature of the Buccaneer 18 Class Association.
By adding the pickle trophy to the BNAC, Schmida not only celebrated the perseverance of those who may not have finished first but also strengthened the sense of community within the Buccaneer 18 class. This practice embodies the spirit of the pickle boat—an acknowledgment that finishing a race, even in last place, is worthy of recognition and, most importantly, a good laugh.
Pickle Boats and Pickleball: How a Name Spanned Two Sports
The influence of the pickle boat tradition extends beyond the world of sailing and into other sports, such as pickleball. While many believe that the popular game was named after the Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles, the true origin of the name is tied to sailing. Joan Pritchard, wife of Joel Pritchard, one of the creators of pickleball, coined the name in reference to the term "pickle boat."
Pickleball, much like the pickle boat, was a blend of elements taken from other sports. Combining aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, pickleball was created in 1965 when Joel Pritchard and his friends sought to entertain their families using leftover sports equipment. Joan Pritchard’s inspiration for the name stemmed from the way the sport was pieced together from various sources, just like how a pickle boat is formed from leftover rowers. This connection highlights the creative and improvisational spirit that gave birth to both the sport and its name.
A Symbol of Resilience, Humor, and Sportsmanship
Whether in rowing, sailing, or even pickleball, the idea behind the pickle boat tradition remains the same: it is a celebration of perseverance, resilience, and, perhaps most importantly, humor. In sailing regattas, a jar of pickles or another quirky prize for the last-place finisher reminds everyone that participation is what matters most.
This tradition has evolved to include other humorous awards, such as wooden spoons, all of which underscore the sportsmanship that is central to sailing. Finishing last in a regatta, especially a challenging one like the Chicago to Mackinac or the Buccaneer 18 North American Championship, requires a strong will and determination. The pickle boat, and the trophy that accompanies it, recognizes this effort in a lighthearted way, turning what could be a disappointing outcome into a cherished moment.
The Historical Roots of the Pickle Boat
The pickle boat’s origins can be traced back to English yachting, where the last boat in a race was sometimes referred to as the "fisher boat." These boats were said to stop and fish for herring, which were then pickled, further delaying their return to port. This association with pickling herring eventually led to the adoption of the term "pickle boat" in both yachting and rowing
Today, the pickle boat remains a celebrated part of regattas worldwide. Whether through the history of fishing for herring or modern traditions like the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac or Larry Schmida’s introduction of pickles at the Buccaneer 18 BNAC, the pickle boat continues to bring humor and a sense of community to sailing.
Conclusion: The Joy of Finishing, No Matter Where
In sailing, as in life, the journey is often more important than the destination. The pickle boat tradition, from its historical roots to its modern-day incarnation, celebrates the spirit of perseverance. Whether at the Chicago to Mackinac race or the Buccaneer 18 North American Championship, finishing last is not about defeat—it’s about the effort, the community, and the ability to laugh at oneself. Thanks to sailors like Larry Schmida, this tradition continues to grow, adding a jar of pickles and a sense of humor to the sport of sailing.