A very light winter in the Northeast was conducive to a strong turn out for Finger Lakes Chapter Annual Dinner Meeting and Silent Auction. The president’s cup this year was awarded to the very deserving De Anne Townsend, wife of chapter president Roger Townsend. As we all know when one member of a couple takes on a large responsibility it becomes a joint effort with the unofficial officer’s contribution often going unacknowledged. Congratulations De Anne, we know Roger could not have done such a marvelous job without you. Guest speaker Donald G. Hester, through the use of slides, poetry and narration, presented a very different view of tall ship sailing. A tasty dinner and very productive board meeting rounded out the evening.

The Okanagan Antique & Classic Boat Society was invited to have a booth at the Vancouver International Boat Show in February of this year. “This was something we had dreamed about, so were delighted to be there. We were able to show 2 Grenfells, antique woodies made in Vancouver BC. We also displayed photo albums and handed out information slips to the visitors. As we were the only woodies in the show, we naturally drew the crowds and were a source of great interest. The spectators could hardly believe the finish on the boats, and I am sure that after all the stroking the finishes received, another coat or two of finish will be required for this season. Interest was high regarding wooden boats redeemed from destruction and regarding the Society in general. We had a very rewarding few days at the show.”

On Sunday, July 22, a flotilla of tall ships sailed into Algonac, MI, and docked along the boardwalk overnight. The ships were escorted by several Michigan Chapter boats. ACBS was asked by the Algonac Historical Society to help guide the boats into Algonac. Members that participated were the Beatties, the Riharbs, the Eversoles, the Floods, the Pepkes, and several others. There were hundreds of spectators lined up on the shoreline of Algonac and in many boats on the St. Clair River watching the ships sail in. It was magnificent to see the ships up close and actually help them find their spot along the boardwalk.

At one of the most heavily attended “non-boating” events in years, recently published Chris-Craft Boats co-author, Jack Savage, addressed Indiana Chapter members and guests. Jack journeyed from New Hampshire and was pleased with both the turnout and the interest in his books and Chris-Craft experiences. Following a cocktail hour and dinner, Jack did an excellent job of entertaining everyone with Chris-Craft facts and interesting trivia, followed up with great photos in a slide show. Fortunately he’d brought numerous copies of both his books, the new Chris-Craft Boats and also his earlier book Chris-Craft, as most in attendance wanted to purchase signed copies. Some of those who attended drove over two hundred miles and all agreed it was a great evening and definitely worth the trip.

The Mid American Sail and Power Boat Show hosted the first annual championship model sailboat race and design contest for the Jr. Craftsmen of the North Coast Ohio Chapter. Seven youngsters from the North Coast Youth Group who were winners from two local contests competed at this contest in the paint and design category and they also competed in the final championship race for the year 2001. The race was held in a pool 40’ by 80’ by 18” deep. The sail boats raced on the 40’ side; wind power was supplied by two 4’ farm drying fans. “Next year I would like to see other chapters get involved with the Pinewood Sailboat Derby held at the Cleveland site”, says Les Demaline. “First place winners from the racing and design classes would compete at the annual final contest held at the International Expo Boat Show. I would hope we could have at least 20 sailboats competing. Youngsters who cannot make it to Ohio could send their boats and I would see that they make it to the contest.” The IX boat show hosts approximately 450 boats and 150 retail marine dealers and approximately 150,000 people attend this show.