Share: 

Businesses make a splash at Dewey canoe race

Rusty Rudder takes bragging rights for the year
The Rusty Rudder celebrates its first-place finish at the Dewey Business Partnership’s annual canoe races July 15 at the Lighthouse in Dewey Beach. Shown are (l-r) DBP Executive Director Kelly Ranieri, and the Rusty Rudder’s Ryan Konopelski, Kelsey Hands, Rachel Zane and AJ Tazelaar. ELLEN MCINTYRE PHOTOS
Ellen McIntyre
July 18, 2025

Seven teams fought for glory in the Dewey Business Partnership’s annual canoe races July 15, at the bayside beach between the Lighthouse and Rusty Rudder.

In a nail-biting final heat, the Rusty Rudder overtook The Starboard for first place, winning bragging rights for the next year. 

Four of the other teams comprised fellow hospitality workers from Dogfish Head, the Lighthouse, Dewey Post and Paradise Grill, while one, Town OARdinance, included Mayor Bill Stevens and other town officials. Each team had two men and two women.

In addition to earning the first-place badge of honor, Team Rudder, made up of Ryan Konopelski, Kelsey Hands, Rachel Zane and AJ Tazelaar, received a prize package and four free crab cakes from Woody’s, a total of $100 in value. Queen’s “We Are The Champions” played as the team received gold medals.

 

The Starboard’s Tess Boone, left, and Alex Shives hold their oars in the air to celebrate their win against Town OARdinance. Mayor Bill Stevens and Dewey Beach Patrol’s Hadley Rhue trail in their wake.
The Lighthouse and Dogfish Head battle it out in a close race.
A crowd at the Rusty Rudder cheers on the restaurant’s team.
Rusty Rudder team members hug each other and celebrate after their first-place win.
The Starboard placed second overall and received some hats and merch as prizes. Shown are (l-r) Daniel Shives, Izzy Friedrich, Dewey Business Parternship’s Kelly Ranieri, Tess Boone and Alex Shives.
Dogfish Head placed third. Shown are (l-r) Courtney Bender, Jackson Griffin, Alex Bell and Izzy Sek.
The Lighthouse placed fourth. Shown are (l-r) Carly Cicconi, Tyler Kreps, Beau Minner and Becky Robertson.
Paradise Grill’s Tanisha Washburn cheers on her teammates, Jess Poole and Dennis Smith, as they paddle back to shore.
Representing Paradise Grill are (l-r) Tom Neugebauer, Tanisha Washburn, Jess Poole and Dennis Smith.
Representing the Town of Dewey Beach is Town OARdinance. Shown are (l-r) Dewey Beach Patrol’s Hadley Rhue, Town Clerk Kate Banaszak, Mayor Bill Stevens and town code enforcement assistant Manny Gomez.
Paradise Grill’s Dennis Smith and Jess Poole row back to shore.
The Dewey Post team and friends are all smiles after their race. Shown are (l-r) Skip Allen, Lo Skarda, Garrett Baker, Max Dawson, Julianna Walsh and Kirdy Ward.
Rusty Rudder teammates AJ Tazelaar, left, and Rachel Zane return to shore with a strong lead.
The Starboard team members Tess Boone, left, and Alex Shives paddle back to shore.
Team Rudder struggles to get control of their boat.
Team Rudder came away with the crown. Shown in back are (l-r) AJ Tazelaar, Chris Perez, Rachel Zane, Tony Angelone, Ryan Konopelski, Meggin Holtzclaw, Kelsey Hands and Peyton Holtzclaw. In front are DBP Executive Director Kelly Ranieri and emcee Steve Capik.

Most Popular

Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State - Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, then completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she covered the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets including The Washington Post and Fox Sports. Her variety of reporting experience covers crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware native, Ellen is happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.

Most Popular