Don’t let the headline fool you, it’s not a chess metaphor for the demise of the Spartan Powerboat Club. Founded in the 2018 by New Jersey-based performance-boat owner Del Flores, the organization is alive and well—even more so now with Checkmate Boats of Washington, N.C., on board as a sponsor for the outfit’s coming event season.
And Flores, who was introduced to Checkmate Boats principal Pete Caldwell through John Herrmann of Checkmate dealer and club sponsor Total Marine, couldn’t be happier about it.
“Pete and I forged a friendship immediately because we have a lot in common,” Flores explained. “He’s actually from Toms River (N.J.) and his grandfather still lives there. Jim Caldwell, Pete’s grandfather, was a frogman in World War II. He even opened a museum in Toms River dedicated to the history of frogmen.”
Thanks to Pete Caldwell, the Checkmate brand of affordable, compact powerboats is on the rise and had a new build on display at the Miami event. Flores said that in addition to their love for powerboats, he and Caldwell have much in common.
“I really gravitated toward Pete because we both share the ambition of powerboating and manufacturing,” he said. “Pete is working his tail off promoting the Checkmate brand. I tip my hat to him because the recognition he’s receiving from the boating community is well-deserved
“If you ask me to describe Pete Caldwell in one word I would say ‘integrity,’” he continued. “He’s proud of his family name and stands behind his product. It’s refreshing to do business and have conversation with him because he’s a straight-shooter and all-around good dude. And he’s a friend.”
