About Ragtime
Ragtime is a legendary racing yacht known for her radical design and risk-taking spirit. Built in 1963 by John Spencer in New Zealand, she broke from convention with her ultralight monohull design.
She quickly became a force in competitive sailing, winning historic races like the Transpacific Yacht Race in 1973 and 1975. Over six decades, Ragtime has embodied innovation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of adventure. Now, under the stewardship of Tina Roberts, Ragtime is getting back on the waves to inspire a new generation of sailors, celebrating her 60th year with a fresh chapter of exploration and competition. Follow Ragtime as she pushes boundaries and redefines what's possible on the water.
Facts & Figures
| Yacht Name | Ragtime |
| Sail Number | USA 7960 |
| Year Built | 1963 |
| Boat Designer | John Spencer |
| Boat Yard | New Zealand |
| Rig Type | Sloop |
| LOA | 65’ / 20m |
| Width | 11’9” / 3.61m |
| Carbon Mast | 75’4" |
| Carbon Boom | 26’ |
| Fixed Steel + Lead Keel |
0+
ocean miles sailed since 1965
1963
MAIN SAIL
720
SQ FT
2024
MAIN SAIL
1029
SQ FT
THE RACES
Legends aren’t built by playing it safe—they’re forged by those who dare to rewrite the rules.
1967
Keelboat Fleet Championship (New Zealand)
Ragtime (then named Infidel) won this race, marking her first major victory by beating the long-dominant yacht Ranger.
1973
Transpac
Ragtime won the prestigious "Barn Door" trophy, beating the larger Windward Passage by just 4 minutes and 31 seconds.
1975
Transpac
Won the "Barn Door" trophy again, becoming the first monohull to finish first in the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race.
Newport to Ensenada
Became the first monohull to finish first, breaking the streak of catamarans and trimarans.
1977
Newport to Ensenada
Ragtime won again.
2008
LA to Tahiti
Set a new record time of 14 days, 16 hours, 24 minutes, and 23 seconds despite significant challenges, including a blown engine and a broken mainsail.
Fusion White Island Race
Won the IRC division, marking a successful return to New Zealand waters.
Sydney Hobart
Returned to this race, from which she was banned in 1967, and won the IRC 2 class, finishing 1st in her division and 18th overall.
2011
Double-Handed Guadalupe Island Race
Won 1st place, proving her capabilities in double-handed racing.
Ragtime’s Owners
1963–1969
Sir Tom Clarke
Sir Tom Clarke
Original owner of Infidel, partnered with John Spencer, an unpretentious, practical boat designer, to build the boat in Auckland, New Zealand.
1969–1971
John Hall and a Business Partner
John Hall and a Business Partner
Purchased Infidel for $25,000, brought her to Newport Beach, USA, and renamed her Ragtime. Installed the first engine.
1971–1974
Long Beach Syndicate
(Bill Dalessi, Barney Flam, Mort Haskell, Stan Miller, Chuck Kober, Jack Queen)
Long Beach Syndicate (Bill Dalessi, Barney Flam, Mort Haskell, Stan Miller, Chuck Kober, Jack Queen)
Bought Ragtime for $27,000 and raced successfully, making minimal modifications.
1974–1976
Bill White and Bill Pasquini
Bill White and Bill Pasquini
Purchased Ragtime for $50,000 and led her to a Transpac victory in 1975.
1976–1979
Jim Phelps, Dick Daniels, and Eldon Hickman
Jim Phelps, Dick Daniels, and Eldon Hickman
Acquired Ragtime and made upgrades, including installing a taller rig and switching the steering from tiller to a wheel.
1979–1983
University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
Ragtime was donated to UC Irvine, where she was occasionally chartered back by former owners for races.
1984–1985
Dennis Durgan
Dennis Durgan
Chartered Ragtime from UC Irvine and subsequently purchased her after the 1983 Transpac race
1985–1997
Pat Farrah (Co-Founder of Home Depot)
Pat Farrah (Co-Founder of Home Depot)
Bought Ragtime for $140,000 and made substantial upgrades, including a $1.4 million overhaul.
1997–2003
Scott Zimmer
Scott Zimmer
Acquired Ragtime from Pat Farrah, raced locally, and entered the 1997 Transpac.
2003–2005
Chris Welsh, Jon Richards, Alan Peterson, and Scott Zimmer
Chris Welsh, Jon Richards, Alan Peterson, and Scott Zimmer
Purchased Ragtime at a county auction for $125,000. Chris Welsh later became the sole owner.
2005–2021
Chris Welsh
Chris Welsh
Sole owner who led numerous races and upgrades. Passed away in 2021.
2021 -
Tina Roberts
Tina Roberts
Took stewardship of Ragtime after the passing of Chris Welsh, planning for a major relaunch in 2024.
2021–Present
Tina Roberts
Tina Roberts took the helm of Ragtime in 2021 after the unexpected passing of her longtime partner and collaborator, Chris Welsh. While Tina’s background is in business, her life has always been defined by pushing boundaries and embracing adventure—whether dirt biking through Ecuador, motorbiking across Central America, shark cage diving in the Pacific, or flying her Cessna over the Badlands. Her drive for exploration mirrors the bold upgrades she’s overseen on Ragtime.
Tina's connection to Ragtime began in 2009 when she met Chris after a race on San Francisco Bay. That encounter sparked a partnership rooted in their shared love for adventure, leading to global explorations and ambitious projects together. After Chris’s passing, Tina took on the responsibility of steering Ragtime’s future, honoring his vision while adding her own ideas.
She has worked relentlessly to preserve the Spencer 65’s historic elegance while incorporating cutting-edge materials and technology to ensure Ragtime remains a leader in performance. Her mission is to reintroduce Ragtime to the world, preserve her legacy, and inspire the next generation of sailors (and risk-takers).
The Ragtime Crew
Steve Jost
For over 70 years, Steve has had a deep affinity for photography and the sea, sparked at age 13 when he received his first camera and learned to sail.
After serving seven and a half years in USAF Intelligence, Steve ran a successful commercial and industrial photography business for 38 years in the Wilshire Corridor of Los Angeles.
Alongside a custom black-and-white photofinishing operation, he catered to the demanding Los Angeles advertising agency market.
In 1999, Steve and his wife set off on an extended cruise to Mexico and South America aboard their 40-foot sailboat, VIVA. At the same time, he transitioned to the emerging world of digital photography.
For the next eight years, they explored the islands and anchorages of the Caribbean and Central America.
After his wife passed away in 2008, Steve returned to San Pedro, CA (near Long Beach and the Cabrillo Marina) to rebuild his photography business. Teaming up with longtime graphic designer Ron Geisman, he began producing websites.
This led to automotive assignments for Shelby International, and he is now collaborating with noted author Randy Peffer on articles for WoodenBoat magazine.