Bud Caldwell

Alex "Bud" Caldwell can be seen sailing "ONION TRUCK" many days of the week and is a regular on the race course. Bud joined the Kettenburg yard as an employee in the mid 1940's. Long time friends with such greats as George Kettenburg Jr, Paul Kettenburg, Morgan Millar, Charlie Underwood and others from Kettenburg Boat Works, Bud spent decades building PCs and several other K boats. To this day, Bud can easily tell you minute details, particular to each individual boat, with a memory so clear that he can probably tell you what he "had for lunch that day when we were building number 38....". When he is not surfing, Bud continues to keep people out of trouble by helping work on their boats and doing repairs. He has been responsible for "roping and epoxying" many of the boats that are in our fleet today. With a permanent smile on his face and warmth in his heart, he is always there to offer guidance and assistance. To this day, he does all repairs and maintenance on #21 and can often be seen hanging off the Bosun's chair tending to the mast. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who could or would say a disparaging word about Bud. The love and respect that locals have for this man spills out from everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him. The San Diego Yacht Club has acknowledged Bud's efforts by placing his name on the club "Honor Roll" award board.

Bud sails regularly with long time friends Morgan Millar and Pete Peckham.

Return to Roll Call of Honor Home