NEWS RELEASE
ANCHORAGE MAN WINS HOMER CHAMBER’S 2026 BAY WELD BOAT RAFFLE
HOMER, ALASKA — The Homer Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Robert Kusmider of Anchorage is the winner of the 2026 Homer Chamber Boat Raffle and the proud new owner of a fully loaded 26-foot Bay Weld Cuddy Cabin boat valued at over $250,000.
Kusmider’s winning ticket was drawn Friday, August 21, at Grace Ridge Brewing in Homer. He purchased the ticket in February at the Anchorage Boat Show.
“We couldn’t be happier for Robert and his family,” said Homer Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brad Anderson. “We hope this boat provides them with many years of adventures and great memories on Alaska’s waters. We’re also incredibly grateful to everyone who purchased a ticket and helped make this year’s raffle such a tremendous success.”
The 2026 Boat Raffle sold out ahead of its originally scheduled drawing date, allowing the Chamber to hold the drawing early and give the winner an opportunity to enjoy the boat during the remaining summer and fall boating season.
This year’s raffle boat also showcases the exceptional marine trades businesses and skilled tradespeople found right here in Homer. Homer has earned a well-deserved reputation for the quality and expertise of its marine industry, and this boat is a great example of the craftsmanship, products, and services available through members of the Homer Marine Trades Association.
The 2026 raffle was made possible through the generous support and partnership of Bay Weld Boats, Honda Marine, All Seasons Honda, South Central Radar, Aurora Trailers, NOMAR, and The Kachemak Gear Shed.
“The boat raffle is much more than a fundraiser for the Chamber,” Anderson said. “It gives us an opportunity to showcase Homer’s outstanding marine industry throughout Alaska while generating important funding that allows the Chamber to support our local businesses, promote Homer as a destination, host community events, operate our Visitor Center, and advocate for a strong and diverse local economy.”
Proceeds from the annual Boat Raffle are a major source of funding for the Homer Chamber of Commerce and help support its mission of serving Homer’s businesses, residents, and visitors—a tradition the Chamber has proudly carried forward for 77 years.
The Homer Chamber of Commerce holds Alaska State Gaming Permit #599.
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Chamber is proud to introduce our 2026 Boat Raffle. In partnership with Bay Weld Boats, this year's raffle boat is a 26', fully loaded Cuddy Cabin Boat powered by twin Honda 150 motors. The boat includes an enclosed, heated cabin, a dinette area, forward bunks, a TUFF aluminum trailer, a $10k Garmin electronics package, a Fusion stereo system, and a portable, compostable toilet.
And best of all, the CHAMBER PAYS THE IRS TAXES!
Tickets are available at the Homer Chamber office or online via the button above.
The boat in this year's raffle is proudly built and outfitted in cooperation with many members of the Homer Marine Trades Association: Bay Weld Boats, All Seasons Honda, South Central Radar, Aurora Trailers, NOMAR, and The Kachemak Gear Shed.
Permit #599
