Woods & Water II The Emergence Of The The Super Boat Event
Sunrise on Gull Lake
I have been reporting on so called shows now for close to 20 years here at WoodyBoater. And I have noticed a pattern of sorts. The biggest one is that that many of the shows are in fact not shows. I know I know, Hold on. For example, There is the Lake Dora event which is the opening of the season, It’s THE Opening, and for sure more of a gathering, and annual event. Like a birth day. We measure the start of our year with the Lake Dora Annual Gathering.
Lake Dora Florida. In 3 months!
Then there is the plethora of smaller local shows, these are shows, and tells, and designed for that purpose. They are income and interest generators. By the way, these are some of my favorite places to go. You really get to meet folks, and see the area. Many of these shows are a reminder of the areas history as well.
Algonac
Clayton
And then there are the larger more iconic events. Clayton, And Algonac in mid summer, they are more of a ritual, and pilgrimage.
Lake Tahoe
Of course there is Lake Tahoe, which is the West Coasts premiere event, and our communities pinnacle of judging, and status. Our Pebble Beach.
And then there is the ACBS International – A week of deep immersive classic boatness. Meetings, seminars, adventures, socializing, and awards. The rap up event of the season.
Another leap for classic boating
And now a new category is emerging. The Super Boat Event. One could say, Like the Olympics, it’s not annual, its every 4 years or so. An event so special that it takes that long to plan, and execute. AND this is the most important part. Has a special magic that happens. It just does. And you can’t make magic happen. It just does. In my short time here in this amazing community, I have seen 5 of these events. One at Tahoe, Muskogee, One in Lake Huron, and now 2 on Gull Lake. This last one being one of the most impressive of all these special super events.
The combination of all the ACBS, and some extremely passionate folks are the ones that make this happen. The boats are just the thing that connects us all, it’s the people, you! And the setting that make these super events work. If you are still wondering what I am talking, or writing about, here is an amazing 3 minute recap of the Woods And Water II super event. And yes, I had to make sure I didn’t type supper event, which is also true BTW, but, would have maybe taken this all down a rabbit hole.
The video was produced by Allen Media Production
I think that’s a pretty accurate assessment of the world of classic boating events.
BTW, I can’t get the video to play. It seems to think I’m a Bot!
It does play, try on youtube.
I got it to play in my phone. Great video!
“10,000 lakes; 10,000 clicks” SL
Super boat event for sure, with so many outstanding boats in one area its hard to beat Gull Lake. That video some’s it up nicely and is so well done. I love going to all these events its were I get to see all my friends from all over north America. Such a great group of people. Looking forward to the 50th anniversary in Clayton.
In Michigan not only do we have Algonac but also Hessell which is an experience not to be missed. In 2023 we had the International show in Bay Harbor, which was great and well organized, and noticed that other boaters were already talking about Gull Lake in 2024. Based on the excitement we decided to tow “In the Mood” to Minnesota and it was well worth it. As we all know the antique/ classic boat world is full wonderful boats and people and if you don’t go to the shows, you are really missing out.
Now onto 2025!!
Glad you all came and stayed in the neighborhood (house) right down the street from us! It was a great event! Ryan
Woods & Water II: Still a “pinch me” week. Every minute of it. Huge thanks to every individual who made it happen.
❤️