The 42nd  Annual Riverboat “Classic” pushed off from the dock on Thursday, Oct 23 and cruised the smooth waters of Saint John for 4 days… but it’s now safely settled back into its berth once again.   

We enjoyed welcoming 52 teams and 225 participants to our club in Saint John.  We sailed some relatively smooth waters this year with just a few sailors feeling the effects of some strong breezes at the rail this year.  A week later, we trust that you have found your shore legs once again.   It was a pleasure to welcome old friends and meet many new ones.  We enjoyed great food from the galley, entertainment on the top deck, and great curling in the ice shed. 

Congratulations to Team Mawhinney from host TSA Curling Club. Successfully defending their 2024 championship with another win this year!  In their post game interview, they admitted a few breaks along the way and tipped their hats to all the teams they faced in the “A” section for all the tough games. 

TSA had a strong showing this year as they claimed 3 of the 4 semi-final spots.  In the first semi-final, the veteran crew of Team Beck found themselves in uncharted waters and fell to Captain Blanchard’s memorial tribute team led by Jason Vaughan.  In the other semi-final battle, Mawhinney got the win against this year’s NB representative at the upcoming Canadian Curling Club Championships, Team Sherrard.  Good tuneup for them as they head off to the nationals in just 2 weeks.  Great games and good battles in the finals this year!   Congrats to all teams on a great curling weekend!

Some highlights from the 42nd cruise:

– Honorary Captain Mike McGowan (Kentville) was selected to assist this year’s captain on the bridge.  Mike’s 24 years of Riverboat cruising experience was invaluable to the captain and crew and we were proud to welcome him to the crew.

– In our 25 year alumni presentations, we elected 3 sailors to this prestigious club:   Ross Woodworth, Captain 26 Greg Hanlon, and Captain 29 Dave Hansen

– The Saint John Riverboat Classic 2025 Anchor Award.  Thank you for supporting TSA and the Riverboat for so many years – Jeff Dutch (Belfast) – his 41st year of attendance!

– Captain 8, Terry King, was presented with a “Captains Wheel” trophy to thank him for his dedicated service guiding the crew behind the scenes for over 25 years

– TSA’s new partner LVIV Catering, did an awesome job on all meals but especially on that fantastic salmon dinner on Friday night!   Welcome aboard!

– Amazing Chicken ‘n Ribs Dinner from Montana’s on Saturday evening.  Many Thanks! Captain Ron!

– The 14 lb lobster draw was won by Jerry Blanchette of Team Broomstones!  Hope you enjoyed that delicious seafood “snack”!   Many thanks for bringing and cooking it to perfection, Captain Brian Guptill !!

Regarding prizes and winners from the finals on Sunday, here are the results:

Section Winners

Section “A” – Winner sponsored by  Lester Trophies  – Team Mawhinney, TSA Curling Club, NB

                       Runner-Up sponsored by  All Coverage Insurance   – Team Vaughan/Blanchard, TSA Curling Club

Section “B” – Winner sponsored by Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits – Team Sherrard, TSA Curling Club, NS

                       Runner-Up sponsored by Holiday Inn Express  – Team Beck, Bridgewater Curling Club, NB

Section “C” – Winner sponsored by Jack Lewis Memorial  – Team Kodors, Beresford Curling Club, NB

                       Runner-up sponsored by Cox & Palmer – Team Lister, Capital Winter Club, NB

Section “D” – Winner sponsored by Coast Tire & Auto Service – Team Girard, Victoria Curling Club, Quebec

                       Runner-up sponsored by Scotiabank  – Team Carson, Belfast, USA

Section “E” – Winner sponsored by Ritchies Flooring Warehouse – Team Archibald, Gloosecap Curling Club of Kentville, NS

                       Runner-Up sponsored by Greg MacVicar / Snap-On Tools – Team Munro, Gage Golf & Curling Club, NB

Section “F” – Winner sponsored by Five & Dime – Team McKinnon, TSA Curling Club, NB

                       Runner-Up sponsored by Graybar  – Team Michaud, Miramichi Curling Club, NB

Section “G” – Winner sponsored by Moosehead Breweries – Team Appleby, Gage Golf & Curling Club NB

                       Runner-up sponsored by All Tech Environmental Services  – Team Cumby, Glooscap Curling Club of Kentville, NS

Section “H” – Winner sponsored by Rockwood Golf Club – Team Graham, TSA Curling Club, NB

                        Runner-up sponsored by  Jim Knox/Remax   – Team Horsman, TSA Curling Club, NB

 2025 Riverboat Classic All-Star Team

Our all-star team led the field … and not always for their curling skills!  Here they are:                

Skip – Charlie Kodors, Team Kodors, Beresford Curling Club

Third – Chris Cogswell, Team Munro, Gage Golf & Curling Club

Second – Robert Michaud, Team Michaud, Miramichi Curling Club

Lead –  Wes Booth, Team Cumby, Gloosecap Curling Club of Kentville

Thank you to all sponsors that help us so much with this event.  Here’s the lineup of our great Section Sponsors for 2025:

Next departure :   October 22-25, 2026