November 8th – Thunder Storm Of Varnish In Tavares Florida.
They come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing in common. FUN!
If the cold weather is starting to bum you out we have the perfect solution. The Classic race boat association brings us….The Tavares Fall Thunder Vintage Regatta on November 8th . And if thats not enough there are two more one in Jan and the ultimate in March right before the Lake Dora show. DID I MENTION THE LAKE DORA SHOW? Yes I did… You are seeing the first mention of it. This is like cheating on winter.
These boats are INSANE FUN!
BRING THE KIDS, BRING YOUR MAMA, CAUSE ITS VINTAGE THUNDA! OK.. did ya read that in a thundering voice? Anyway. These race boats are insane fun to see and best, hear. For those of you that don’t know anything about Tavares Florida. Its a fantastic setting for these races. Warm, friendly and full of nice places to visit.
Drama can happen even at the ramp!
Also.. if you are thinking of going to the huge season opener of summer in March, this is a cool way to scope out places to stay. You can click here for more info on the Fall Thunder Vintage Regatta. BE THERE! That was in the thundering voice again by the way.
Oh yeah!
FRIDAY! FRIDAY! FRIDAY! November 8th BE THERE!
Oh it’s so thunderific! (Thundering voice not included)
Looks like a great event with way cool boats but that thundering voice so early in the morning is making me wince. Is it ok if I read it more quietly?
If you need a crane at the launch ramp, you are doing it wrong.
You’re so right. Way more fun when drivers launch them like Amphicars.
m-fine, Made me think of the Dos Equis “unmasking hour” commericial…
Some of the boats have to be launched by crane….hydros for one
I still don’t see why a crane is needed, but hey, if it helps, why not. Plenty available in Florida.
The hydroplanes are lifted in and out of the water after each heat (run) so they can be serviced between heats (runs).
Many of the trailers that are used to transport the hydroplanes are not conducive for use at a traditional launch ramp.
Imagine the chaos if 30 or 40 race boats were launched and retrieved at the launch ramp 3 or 4 times a day for each heat, while keeping the races (demonstrations) on schedule for the spectators?
Many of the larger race boat events utilize multiple cranes to keep the event running smoothly and on schedule.
Although I won’t be in Florida this winter with my vintage hydro White Lightning CE 52, I would like to encourage an extended discussion between the vintage raceboat restorers and the woodyboater / ACBS contingent. We run our boat 5-7 time a year here in the Midwest, but also display it more times than that at classic shows as a static display boat, usually by invitation. Greg Lewandowski (Hello Greg) always has some of us at the Algonac show, where many of the mahogany boaters stop by and make us feel welcome.
I believe the two camps could benefit from more interaction which in my estimation would be mutually beneficial. By the way, I am also restoring a 1955 Lyman Islander, a task I enjoy as much as restoring my vintage hydro.
Anyone else have thoughts along these lines? Or am I out in left field, an anomaly (I like that word), having a strong interest both in the classic woodys and in the vintage hydros.
Unlimited hydroplane event at Lake Chelan, WA – Circa 1959.
Vintage hydroplane trailer.