The Ragtime Legacy
Guided by passionate stewards and crew members, Ragtime has sailed against the odds, claimed unexpected victories, returned to races from which she was once banned, and proven that the true spirit of sailing isn’t just about winning—it's about defying limits, taking risks, and making waves.
Dive into her history and discover what makes her the icon she is today.
1960s
1963
Construction and Initial Ownership
Designed by John Spencer, Infidel was built in Auckland, New Zealand, and owned by Sir Tom Clarke. It became one of the early forerunners of the ultralight displacement boat (ULDB) design, which Ragtime later helped popularize and inspire. These ULDB 'sled' boats are now all the rage in downwind racing, with their ability to achieve high speeds efficiently.
1967
Refused Entry into Sydney Hobart
Infidel was barred from the Sydney Hobart Race due to new regulations by the Royal Yacht Squadron, which required a thicker hull. The changes specifically targeted Infidel, which was deemed a “bay sailor” and unsuitable for ocean racing.
First Win
After two seasons of intense racing and learning, Tom Clarke's crew mastered Infidel, outpacing Ranger—a boat unbeaten for over 30 years. Infidel won the Keelboat Fleet Championship in New Zealand, finally beating the long-dominant yacht, Ranger.
1969
infidel becomes ragtime
John Hall and a business partner purchased Infidel for $25,000 and brought her to Newport Beach. Known for owning boats with musical names like Concerto and Intermezzo, they continued the theme by renaming Infidel to Ragtime, reflecting their love for music. Until Hall's purchase, Infidel relied solely on wind for power. He installed the first engine on Ragtime.
1971
New Syndicate, Same Spirit
Ragtime was sold for $27,000 to a Long Beach syndicate, comprising Bill Dalessi, Barney Flam, Mort Haskell, Stan Miller, Chuck Kober, and Jack Queen. They hired Dick Deaver as their sailmaker and sailing master. The syndicate made minimal modifications, adding only a new radio and spinnaker. They were first to finish in every race they sailed, starting with a series of Mexican races in late ’71.
1973
Historic Transpac Victory, Shocking the World
Ragtime won the prestigious "Barn Door" trophy in the Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Hawaii, beating Windward Passage by a mere 4 minutes and 31 seconds. Ragtime’s elapsed time was ten days, 14 hours, and 40 seconds.
1974
New Ownership Again
Ragtime was sold to Bill White and Bill Pasquini for $50,000, creating a new era under their leadership.
1975
Transpac Victory Again
Ragtime became the first monohull to finish first in the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, breaking the streak of catamarans and trimarans. She also won the "Barn Door" trophy at Transpac again, beating Windward Passage for the second time. Modifications included new sails and rigging to maintain her competitive edge.
1976
New Ownership & Modifications
Jim Phelps of Long Beach acquired Ragtime from Bill White and Bill Pasquini, bringing in new partners Dick Daniels and Eldon Hickman, who later bought him out. They upgraded the yacht by installing a taller rig for increased sail area and switched the steering from the original tiller to a wheel.
1977
Challenged by a New Rival
Ragtime secured first place again in the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race in April. Later that year, she placed 3rd at Transpac, with Pasquini and White as owner/skippers following Merlin, the 1st place winner designed by Bill Lee to specifically beat Ragtime in Transpac.
1979
Donated to UC Irvine
Ragtime places 2nd in the Newport to Ensenada race behind Drifter. The owners then donated Ragtime to the University of California, Irvine, marking a new phase in the yacht’s storied history.
1970s
1980s
1980's...
"Ragtime Girl" Painted
During the 1980s, Pat Farrah commissioned renowned yacht artist Gary Miltimore to paint the famous "Ragtime Girl" inside the boat. Known for his vibrant and detailed maritime art, Miltimore was a beloved figure in the yachting community, recognized for his work on many Southern California sail and power boats, and his lively personality made him a memorable character in the sailing world
1981
Transpac: Rudder Failure, with a Strong Finish
Hickman and Daniels chartered Ragtime back from UC Irvine for the 1981 Transpac. Despite a broken rudder 150 miles from the Diamond Head finish.
1983
New Owner and a Return to Newport
Dennis Durgan chartered Ragtime from UCI for the 1983 Transpac, an experience that inspired him to purchase her after the race. Durgan, who served as Dennis Conner's tactician during Freedom's America’s Cup victory, later returned Ragtime to Newport as her new owner and skipper.
1985
A New Chapter with a Co-Founder of Home Depot
Ragtime was steered by two-time Congressional Cup winner Dick Deaver, in the April Newport-to-Ensenada race—finishing first in her class by five seconds over Christine, a more modern ULDB boat. Dennis Durgan sold Ragtime to Pat Farrah, Co-Founder of Home Depot, for $140,000. Farrah embarked on his first Transpac Race with Ragtime that same year. He docked the boat at his home in Alamitos Bay.
1987
Continued Competition with Farrah in the Transpac
Pat Farrah continued to race Ragtime, entering the Transpac again under his ownership. Under Pat Farrah's ownership, Ragtime underwent a significant $1.4 million overhaul. Upgrades included a scoop transom extending her length to 65 feet, a deeper keel with a lead bulb, and a mast extended to 70 feet, aiming for a Transpac victory.
1989
Farrah & Elias Partnership
Pat Farrah and Mike Elias of Long Beach sailed Ragtime in the Transpac Race, marking Farrah's third attempt with the iconic yacht.
1991
Major Overhaul and Transpac Race
With Ragtime’s famous overhaul complete, In the same year, Pat’s son, Mike Farrah, sailed Ragtime in the Transpac while Pat competed with a newer boat, Blondie.
1997
New Ownership
Scott Zimmer of Balboa Yacht Club purchased Ragtime from Farrah, racing her locally and in the 1997 Transpac.
1990s
2000s
2001
7th Transpac Entry
Patricia ‘Trish’ Steele and Owen Minney chartered Ragtime from Scott Zimmer to compete in the 2001 Transpac Race, marking the yacht’s seventh appearance in the race.
2003
Auction and New Ownership
Ragtime was sold at a minimally advertised county auction, with only a small notice in the Los Angeles County Times. Chris Welsh, Jon Richards, Alan Peterson, and Scott Zimmer were among the few bidders. Alan, dressed in a shirt and silk ascot, represented their bid. Almost ready to pull out, Zimmer convinced them to increase by $10,000, ultimately winning Ragtime for $125,000 in a quick auction with just 4-5 participants. The boat was in poor condition at the time.
2005
Transpac and Upgrades
Welsh, Peterson, and Richards raced Ragtime in the 2005 Transpac. Welsh took sole ownership, installing a new rudder, keel, carbon rig, and new sail package. Besides the owners, crew included Hubert Laugharn III, Jim Meyer, Stuart Parsons, and Tom O’Keefe.
2007
Another Transpac Race with Welsh at the Helm
Now the sole owner, Chris Welsh raced Ragtime witha new rig in the 2007 Transpac.
2008
A New Record is Set in the LA to Tahiti Race
Welsh and Ragtime took on the LA-Tahiti Race without a navigator, facing challenges including a blown engine, a broken mainsail batten that needed repairs in the "doldrums," and a leaking keel sealed with actual USD coins. The Crew: Chris Welsh, Daniel Capunetto, Genny Tulloch, Erik Berzins, Matt Paskerian, Hubie Laugharn, and Mark Ivey.Despite these setbacks, the crew finished 7 days ahead of expectations, setting a new record finishing in 14 days, 16 hours, 24 minutes, and 23 seconds.
Back to Her Roots: New Zealand & Australia Races
Chris Welsh sailed Ragtime back to New Zealand, briefly rebranding her as "Infidel," and won the IRC division in the Royal Akarana Yacht Club’s Fusion White Island Race. Then, with a crew of G. Tulloch, S. Willis, D. Vaughn, J. Jourdane, P. Tyler, G. Cunningham, J. Wallace, R. Masters, and P. Woods, Ragtime returned to the Rolex Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race—where she had been disqualified in 1967—and took 1st in the IRC 2 class, finishing 18th overall.
2009
More Global Ventures
Ragtime returned to the U.S. for the 2009 Transpac Race and St. Francis YC Rolex Big Boat Series, marking her 15th Transpac. During this time, Welsh met Tina Roberts and began planning new ocean ventures.
2011
Expanding Horizons
Welsh takes on the Double-Handed Guadalupe Island Race with Mark Ivey and wins 1st Place. Welsh remarked, “Double-handing Ragtime is like wrestling an alligator.” Later that year, Welsh purchased Steve Fossett’s Cheyenne (formerly PlayStation) and the Deep Challenger submersible from the late explorer’s estate. The catamaran Cheyenne, fully carbon fiber and 125 feet long, held the 2001 Atlantic crossing record. Welsh also announced Virgin Oceanic with Richard Branson, aiming to explore the ocean’s depths.
2013
Ragtime Relocating to San Francisco
Ragtime moved from Southern California to the San Francisco Bay, where she competed in events like the Bridge to Bridge Race and Three Bridge Fiasco.
2014
A Shift in Business Focus
With Welsh busy on new ocean ventures, Ragtime sails in the Southern California regatta circuit. While a larger-than-life presence on the water, Ragtime has no notable wins. Welsh and Branson parted ways after facing continued technological challenges in their venture.
2018
New Submersible Business
Welsh, now partnered with Tina Roberts, purchases Deep Flight, a company known for its winged submersibles, operating in the Maldives, Philippines, and Japan.
2018-2022
"On the Hard"
Ragtime was stored “on the hard,” undergoing maintenance and awaiting her next adventure. Welsh’s plans for her next largest refit are delayed by the pandemic.
2010s
2020s
2021
Chris Welsh’s Passing
Ragtime’s owner, Chris Welsh, passed away unexpectedly. His longtime girlfriend and business partner, Tina Roberts, took on the stewardship of the beloved yacht, determined to honor Chris's legacy and continue his dreams for Ragtime. Ragtime moved to a Southern California boat yard for 27 months of the most intense refit of her life.
2024
Celebrating 60 Years on the Water
Ragtime is embarking on a new chapter under Tina Roberts. A relaunch is planned for fall 2024, highlighting Ragtime’s preserved heritage while preparing her for future adventures.