The ship hasn’t sailed yet: Join in on the Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race

ROCHESTER — Every year since 1934, the Mattapoisett River has seen the craftsmanship of local boaters put to the test. Generations have floated, sank and tipped over into the rushing water on their way to the finish line of the Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race — 2025 is no different. 

For Rochester’s Bill Watling, it’s generational. As organizer of the race he helps to ensure everything runs smoothly while also participating each year. His love for the event started when he was small watching his father and former organizer, William D. Watling, race.

William said he started because it was what kids did for fun. His father and brother were participants which led him to start competing in 1964. He retired in 2000 and now helps build boats around town. 

“There wasn’t soccer and there was just baseball — that was it,” he said. “It was kind of a neat thing to do.”

William recounted some interesting instances of the past races over the years that have long since been changed — like when participants had to give winning trophies back to the race committee for reuse every year. 

He also recalled dealing with the different challenges brought on by the Mattapoisett River, including its varying depths.

“One of the races we took a course we hadn’t taken because we saw other kids do it — it was a short cut,” he said. “We hit the bank and I was in front. I jumped out and I was in knee deep water. I hear this sploop! And I looked over and my buddy was completely underwater when he stepped out.” 

Although the rules and regulations of the race have shifted over the years — the community aspect has remained the same. What started as a 4-H event has moved to being sponsored by local groups like the Rochester First Congressional Church Men’s Brotherhood, Rochester Firefighters Association and the most recent and current sponsor the Rochester Fire Department. 

Each year boats and their builders must adhere to the guidelines of the race in order to compete. Children as young as 7 are invited to paddle in the Mattapoisett River Racer division with a rule of two people per boat. 

There is also a kayak division for those not keen on getting in the woodshop where racers must be above the age of 18.

The Watlings suggest that new racers start with the basic boat plans provided by the organization. A lot goes into the building process and the beginner plans will get participants on the water and racing. Bill Watling builds with fiberglass while William Watling prefers wood — it’s all about preference.

Boats built with curves on the bottom are called “rockers,” and can help make navigating curves easier. If the pair is heavier the boat will sink deeper into the water and will need the rockers in order to float — the opposite will need to be done if the pair is lighter.

“That’s why they’re fine tuned to each set of racers,” William said.

It is also important to note that longer boats may get stuck easier or have more difficulty turning in the narrow bends of the Mattapoisett River. The Watling’s recommend racers practice on the course at least once to know what to expect.

Bill has used his expertise and experience to build boats that have brought him across the finish first many times. He even crafts his own paddles.

“I make my boats with different rockers and the widest part isn’t in the middle,” Bill said. “I’m an engineer so I’m always trying to learn and adjust things.”

Sporting multiple wins and records — Bill was on a winning team with his wife, Alyssa, in 2020 making her the first woman winner in race history. Now Bill rides with his daughter, Katelyn. 

The pair won in 2024 and are gunning for a special trophy. Upon winning three years in a row racers will receive the coveted Jim Hartley trophy, named after the founder of the race.

“When Katelyn was old enough she wanted to go with mom,” he said. “So I won and she wised up and said, ‘Well if I’m going with one of them I’m going to go with daddy since he’s faster.’”

Although there are still dedicated participants in the races, the Watlings said the biggest challenges year after year have been getting people to build boats and join in on the fun.

“They get in it for the wrong reason,” William said, “They realize they don’t know the river, they don’t practice and they don’t know how to paddle and then they’re done.”

William wants to see more young people build boats and race. 

“Getting people off the computers and the internet and getting them in the open and fresh air doing hard skills,” he said. 

The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race registration closes Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m. Contestants must be to Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir on Snipatuit Road at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 26. The race will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Bill encourages entrants and those interested to join the Facebook page for the race for questions and updates.