“Boat Stories” From Sandpoint – A Perfect Theme For An Antique & Classic Boat Show
Sandpoint’s unique boardwalk and proximity to downtown is a perfect venue for an antique & classic boat show.
As we know, the one thing that all antique & classic boats seem to have in common, is that they almost always have a story. And the story stays with the boat (or follows the boat) throughout it’s life as it’s passed on to it’s various owners (or caretakers). And even today, through the power of the Internet, many owners continue to uncover new information about their boats and past owners. It’s often amazing to hear some of these stories, the remarkable history of an old boat and the where it’s spent it’s life. Mostly good stories, and a few not-so-good stories too, but that’s just part of the story.
And as we know, one thing that all antique boat shows have in common is that the boat owners are usually happy to share their stories with you at the dock, providing you are in the right place at the right time. So with that in mind, the creative folks at the Inland Empire Chapter ACBS thought this would make a great theme for their 11th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Fellow Woody Boaters Paul & Karen Harrison were on hand for this years big show in Sandpoint, and between spending their time presenting their freshly preserved Chris-Craft Barrelback and manning the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club desk, and collecting some winning hardware, they were able to snap some great photos of the show and send us this timely report from Sandpoint. – Texx
“Boat Stories” From Sandpoint, ID
by Paul & Karen Harrison
The theme for the 2013 Antique & Classic Boat Show at Sandpoint, Idaho was “Boat Stories”. Along with each boat registration the owners were asked to submit a short story (90 words or less) about their boat. The verbiage was added to the boat placards and generated much interest and conversation on the docks.
It was one of the most interactive and evocative themes noted in any recent boat shows, and it clearly touched a chord with participants and spectators alike. Boat show chairperson Mike Moen noted a common theme amongst the 45-odd stories submitted – the genesis of many were childhood memories and early family experiences involving many different kinds of boats. That said, there were numerous different stories presented on the placards and expounded upon during conversations on the docks.
ACBS HQ Director BK Powell with “Bon Bois” his 1955 Chris-Craft Sportsman
One of the most moving was one written from the perspective of a boat – “Bull Moose Junior”. The boat was ordered new by Lyman dealer Jim McGoldrick in 1965 and has been in the family ever since. Last year, Jim went for a ride in “Bull Moose Jr.” with his friends and returned home after a nice excursion on the river. Later on that day, Jim went down to the boat to check on things and was later found passed away aboard his favorite boat.
Jim was 94 years old and was a lifelong race and recreational boater and a very active member of the inland Empire Chapter of the ACBS. It was a very touching tribute to a man, and his boat.
Sandpoint is located on beautiful Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced: pond-o-ray) in Northern Idaho and is home to a very active and thriving ACBS chapter. Apart from the beautiful topography of the area and the lake itself, one of the most noteworthy things is the variety of boats – just wonderful.
73 years ago “Aphrodite” – this beautiful 1940 Chris-Craft 34′ Express Cruiser was delivered by train from the Chris-Craft plant in Algonac, MI to Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho. Her current caretakers are Pierre & Kathleen Bordenale.
Of the 45 boats entered, there were no two of anything – no duplicates at all. This variety, and the fantastic boardwalk and harbor, which is home to the show, make this a very unique and interesting event. From a great welcome banquet on Friday to the dock show and parade on Saturday to a poker run and day full of on-water activities on Sunday, this show has something for everyone.
It is an extremely spectator-friendly location which enjoys great support from the town and the local Chamber of Commerce – a big plus for any boat show!
Awards were handed out, stories told, acquaintances renewed. This lovely low-key and wonderfully successful event seems to embody what the spirit of our hobby is about – variety, nice boats but most of all – fun and friendship.
From small outboards to large cruisers, this show had it all. Thanks to the Inland Empire Chapter of the ACBS and it’s President Michael Boge and Boat Show Chairman Michael Moen for this unique and most enjoyable show.
Paul & Karen Harrison
_________________________
List of Award Winners with a few “Boat Stories”
Most Unique Name:
Rob-Your-Dough-4 a 1958 21ft Century owned by Tom & Betty Robideaux
Best Presentation:
One Particular Harbour a 1953 22ft Shepherd – 1105 owned by Mike & Carol Wilson
Youth Judging:
Bull Moose Jr. a 1965 25ft Lyman Sleeper owned by Mikki McGoldrick & John Rovtar
Best Century:
Wildwood 1964 17ft Century Resorter owned by Don & Emily Robson
Most Original (ACBS Award):
Swift a 1958 Penn Yan Swift owned by Phil & Linda Currie
Best Chris Craft:
Shady Lady a 1955 22ft Chris Craft Continental Hardtop owned by Tim & Deb Salt
Best Non-Powered:
Endeavour a 2010 15ft Endeavor owned by Andrew & Sheena Kerfoot
Best Outboard:
Flyer owned by Doug Brooke, which is a recreation of a 1930’s Bruce Crandall designed Flyer outboard utility runabout.
Best Cruiser:
Best Non-Professional Restoration:
Skipper’s Choice:
Andante a 1948 33ft Chris Craft owned by Bill & Suzanne Brooks
Best Contemporary:
Tutta Bella a 1992 28ft Stancraft owned by Murray & Alice Danzig
Best Pre-war Utility:
Baldwin’s Barnacle a 1930 18′ Launch in the care of Dick & Louise Werner
Best Post-war Utility:
Coeur D’Legacy a 1960 17ft Chris Craft owned by Mike & Barbara Moen
Best Pre-war Runabout:
People’s Choice:
Best of Show:
Satin Doll a 1940 19ft Chris Craft Custom Barrelback owned by Paul & Karen Harrison
Best Post-war Runabout:
Lady Silkforth a 1951 20′ Chris Craft Riviera owned by Gary Hammond
Chairman’s Award:
No Hurry a 1969 32ft American Marine owned by Ron & Rita Mickelson
Thanks to Paul & Karen for sharing this story with us today, and also a “Big Woody Boater WooHoo” to them for their triple win with “Satin Doll”. And congratulations to all the winners at this years event.
And a special thanks to the folks from the Inland Empire Chapter ACBS and their many volunteers for staging another impressive boat show in Sandpoint.
We need to point out that the Inland Empire Chapter ACBS is directly involved as the host Chapter for this years big ACBS International Meetings and Boat Show just down the road in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and the special pre-events in Priest Lake, Idaho which is just a “Hoot and a Holler” from Sandpoint. So you know that these events planned for September 15th to 21st are in good hands.
For more information on the 2013 ACBS International Meetings and Boat Show you can Click Here to go to the ACBS HQ website in Clayton, NY or to the Inland Empire Chapter website noted above.
Texx
_______________
What a fantastic idea for a show!
I think the stories are often the best part.
congratulations to all and particularly Paul and Karen for the beautiful restoration after their barrellback sank a year ago in a bad storm. Brought back to life in even better condition than it was before!
Wonderful report Karen and Paul! It’s great to see the Inland Chapter instituting a requirement that all participants provide a written story board for their boat.
I personally believe that story boards (complete with QR code linking to same information on the chapter website ) should be mandatory at all ACBS public shows, as should the presence of a “boat ambassador” (either in the boat, or on the dock) at all times…. BTW perhaps the Harrison’s could favour us with a story on Satin Doll’s restoration … it sounds like an engaging tale on its own!
Ditto!!!
Diverse boats, great stories, good pictures, who could ask for more? Maybe a story about Satin Doll? Congratulations to all.
In the story about shady lady, Somebody put there orange toenails in the pic. Shady Lady indeed….
It wasn’t me!
Not sure who the foot belonged to but I left it in the shot for character.
It belongs to that shady lady and WB cub reporter, Karen Wendy Harrison!
Thanks Paul and Karen for bringing your beautiful “Satin Doll” down to the show and for the very impressive coverage of the show. Where do you find the time?!!
It was a great weekend. The weather could not have been better and Sandpoint could not have been more supportive. The crowds were bigger than we’ve ever seen. They must have heard that Captain Bill Brooks was finally done with “Andante” and bringing her to the show. My hat is off to Bill and Sue Brooks with the restoration of “Andante”. A lesser man(with supportive wife) would have quit along the way. She is beautiful!!
Congrats to all the winners and we look forward to seeing everyone at the International Show in CDA.
Wes Yandt
IEACBS
What a great idea having those unique place cards printed up like that!!! I would love to see every show do something like that. Getting spectators involved to feel free to ask questions is always hard, and I think this opens the door for a more interesting event and a learning experience for both the exhibitor, and the spectator.
Very creative idea, my hats off to your chapter for a job well done.
Great idea on the boat card “library shelf” graphic. I’m a sucker for the 2 beautiful sedan cruisers.
Lets see, Paul H. sittin’ in the shade with a cooler spinning Craft Craft yarns while Karen’s sweatin’ out great photo ops and collecting info on the show, that sounds about right, lol.
Great coverage.
Paul and Karen, thank you so much for writing this, and for taking and submitting so many photos. I’ve bookmarked the page to read it all tonight in Hessel. The Boat Stories concept is so inspired! Especially looking forward to reading through those.
Man, I can’t wait till I can get away long enough to go to that show. Looks like a great time!
Great job Paul & Karen!. I have always done up a story board for all my boats. People spend a lot of time reading them and asking questions. Not so much time looking at boats without any history or story.
After being involved in the Sandpoint Show from the very first one, I do have to say that this was a home run! Yep….the “Boat Story” theme was a stroke of pure genius. At the Welcome Aboard Party after the river cruise, a gag was brought forth involving a well used lapstrake dingy, well…when the tarp was pulled back, unbeknownst to all, a little tiny mouse had been living under the tarp! You should have seen our (and it’s) suprise…it was so funny, we nearly all pee’d our pants. Next years show will sell out fo’ sure……Terry D.
Absolutely the best show on record. The efforts of Michael Moen, show chairman, & Michael Boge, club President were clearly evident. Congrats fellas ! Clearly, the community of Sandpoint loves and supports the show.
What a great weekend !
MV “Andante”