JS-39 UFO (the first of four)

Owner:  Tom Donley

E-Mail:  skif3839@starpower.net

Year Built:  1969

Hull Design:  Zbranak

Power:  Stock Chevy 283

Resided In:  Annapolis, MD on the South River

History:  (The following information is a result of an interview with Tom Donley Jr. and Jeanine Swift on October 20, 2002.)(Information pertaining to the wooden boat supplied by Rob Garratano)

This Jersey Speed Skiff was built and purchased from Joe and  Freddie Zbranak of Linden N.J. around 1971.  The mold they used was taken off a wooden skiff that they had/raced that was shortened and dropped a plank. The wooden boat was built by Joe Clayton of Keansburg, N.J. It was orange and hence the name "Orange Crate" (pictured at the right).  After I bought it, I kept the hull orange, but changed the name and number to "UFO" - JS39.  This was the first of 4 "UFO's".

After racing the boat for two years, with my sister Jeanine as crew, the boat was sold to Bob Marsch.  I sold the boat because I ordered a new boat (a Moore Craft).  I'm not sure if Bob sold it directly to its current owner, or if there was another transaction in between.  But currently, the boat has been restored to her original condition along with the original name of "Orange Crate".  Many of you have seen the restored "Orange Crate" out on the racing scene these days.

One of the more memorable stories on my first "UFO" is a race that Jeanine and I participated in 1971 in Baltimore at Cox Point.  We were coming around turn 3 as two boats were in front of us, we got caught in between the wakes....the boat went left and Jeanine and I were thrown out; yes, we experienced a wing-out!  The picture above was taken during that weekend.  Also in 1971, I won the High Points for Region 4. 

Jeanine adds in the following:  I remember the first race on "UFO", not only was it my first race but also my first ride on a Jersey Speed Skiff.  The event took place at Ken Island and as 12 boats were coming up to the first turn, one boat went completely over the top of us - never touching the boat, driver, or crew!

Accomplishments: