DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

Novice to experienced oyster shuckers will go head-to-head on Sunday in a battle for the title of “Fastest Shucker on the Shore.”

Depending on the number of contestants, three or four shuckers will compete at a time during the ninth annual competition, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at the West Ocean City Greene Turtle. The shucker(s) who cleanly open the most oysters in each three-minute round move on.

More than 3,000 oysters were shucked and eaten last year. Tom Creveling, representing Harrison’s Harbor Watch, won the 2010 and 2011 events. Last year, he narrowly edged out Jeb Vetock, also of Harrison’s Harbor Watch. Creveling shucked 61 oysters in the final round, while Vetock opened 59.

“That was the closest it’s ever been,” said Chad Rogers, Greene Turtle West general manager and contest organizer.

Both shuckers are set to participate this year, Rogers said.

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