Running Back To Algonac – “Where It All Began”

This weekend we are reporting Live-ish from the 26th Annual Chris-Craft Plant Jamboree in historic Algonac, Michigan – “Where it all Began.” The event, which is hosted by the nice folks at the Michigan Chapter ACBS promises to be another big success.

Many of the boats attending the show were born here in Michigan many years ago, some right here in Algonac at the historic Chris-Craft plant. And thanks to fellow Woody Boater Chad Durren, we get to see some great images of the show from earler today.

The Michigan Chapter ACBS describes it this way – Algonac, Michigan has historically been an area that has attracted boating activity because of its geographic proximity to Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the “Flats”. It provides a large area of open water for all types of watercraft to travel, while still being somewhat sheltered from rough water and weather conditions. This is evidenced by it being the location of many boat builders such as Gar Wood and Chris Craft. The area still boasts a very large population of antique and classic boats and restoration shops, due to the history, inherent knowledge, and love of wood boats by many local boaters.

Lyman is the Marque boat for this year, and the organizers are expecting a good representation, many of which will be traveling by water from Ohio to participate. Check out this awesome yellow Lyman Cruisette (I think it’s a Cruisette) that Chad spotted earlier today.

Get out the Drool Cup Matt… I know these have become your new “favorite” wooden boats.

And while were on the subject of our favorite boats, here’s another contender, a classic Chris-Craft Sportsman.

And any time you are attending a boat show anywhere near the Great Lakes, your bound to see some big, elegant cruisers too!

Since we Michigan Chapter members pride ourselves in using our boats regularly, the show includes a Friday afternoon cruise of the St. Clair Flats area, and a Sunday morning run down the South Channel for brunch at the Old Club on Harsens Island. Although there is no longer an annual parade, we did put a large flotilla together to celebrate the dedication of the “Legends of Algonac” statue at the 2010 show. Attendees and show participants can take a free shuttle provided by the Algonac Historical Society and view this beautiful statue of Chris Smith and Gar Wood, as well as tour the adjacent Algonac Museum. (Michigan Chapter ACBS)

Thanks go out to Algonac Boat Show Chairman & Fellow Woody Boater Greg Lewandowski and his team for organizing the event.

Stay tuned to Woody Boater throughout the weekend for more updates from the 26th Annual Chris-Craft Jamboree in Algonac, MI. We are also hoping to do a Live-ish report from the Bay Harbour Vintage Car & Boat Festival in Northern Michigan, 250 miles up the peninsula.

Texx