Tahoe 2025 – “Cornerstones In Life”

GAAAAAAAr Wood!

A huge thanks to Steve Lapkin for sending in a complete report from Lake Tahoe. Steve bring the romance of copy and artistry of images to it all. HEy, would you rather have another toilet seat story? Ya, there is that low bar to jump over, and now, the highest. Take it away Steve.

Always a classic

Cornerstones in life and fundamental principles or aspects that serve are the foundation for a fulfilling and successful existence. These can include elements like love, faith, and the gospel…or other key areas like hobbies, work, relationships, or personal or professional growth. Ultimately, cornerstones are the essential components that give meaning, purpose, and stability.

Aaron bailey left with Roy Dryer right

The Lake Tahoe wooden boat ‘scene,’ dating from the early 1970s, has been a cornerstone in the veteran boat world thanks to its God given charm and the thousands of individuals who have contributed to the growth and preservation of mahogany floating masterpieces located there. Among the contributors/players are/were J.P. Obexer, who established a Gar Wood dealership at Homewood in the early 1900s. Thence, the myriad of personages who acquired, and passed along, the various vintages and models that we are blessed with to this day.

Proto and 007

Now, today, set in stone for posterity, is further recognition and accolades for the 51st anniversary celebration of wooden boats with the successful presentation of the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation’s Concours d’ Elegance. The featured class was Gar Wood…but every other brand was present.

To TO dash

toto 1937 – orignally a 28 foffot landau sedan

As you will see here, the visuals included represent the cornerstone(s) of the agenda as well as further confirmation of some priceless moments and achievement in the woody boater world. I wish to focus and compliment the following:

Love it. Simple and timeless graphics

J.P. (Jake) Obexer established his boat company at Lake Tahoe. Dating from 1911, it stands to this day, perhaps the Western United States’ original Gar Wood dealer. On display at Obexer’s this past weekend were no less than 25+ exquisite examples of the Gar Wood vintages and models. Respectfully, and humbly, included were Toto and Sheecog…. first shown (50+years ago) to the public at the first wooden boat gatherings, at what was then called the Chambers Landing Antique Boat Show (the forerunner to the Concours.) Toto and Sheecog, then, were owned and maintained by Stanley Hiller, Jr. (dec.) and now adeptly preserved by his sons, Steve, and Jeff. Having been in storage for several decades, here they are for your ogling. (Note: to MS and fellow tribesmen…perhaps future features on the respective histories of both vessels – down the road/lake.)

uniquely the bird

pre arrival view at Obexers on Thunderbird

ONE with Tahoe and the Bird

Bill Watson CEO

Another cornerstone/milestone for the Concours this past weekend was the celebration of the 85th anniversary for Thunderbird. To commemorate the occasion, I approached Bill Watson, The Bird’s CEO, to include an exclusive transit to the show from its Lodge property to the venue. The visuals, here, are unrivaled. A classic Tahoe mirror-lake day. Feast!

Proto – 18′ Prototype cobra – 

As the Concours has been a cornerstone for judging of our craft, this year’s honoree for “Best of Show” honors was bestowed upon Proto, the 18-foot Chris-Craft Cobra prototype. Additional honors included “Best Chris-Craft and “Best in Class” credits. It should be noticed that, as the prototype for the model, Proto – quite possibly – is the cornerstone for the design. Owned by Brett Sargent, of Spokane, Washington, her years’ long care and maintenance has been the diligent, combined efforts of Allen Mackin (formerly of Katz’ Marina Now Woodport Boat Works) and now Aaron Bailey, of Grass Valley, California. THEIR pooled efforts have produced and resulted in this accomplishment. Bravo to alls!

Sheecog – left – 1928 28′ baby gar 40 sedan

Please join in celebrating these monumental cornerstones in our niche. SL