Tobler-fine Reports In Again From Keuka Lake!

K LAke

Looks like Tobler-fine and M-fine sent us all in a full report to finish up the big New York show on Sunday!

tobler 77

Returning to Keuka Lake for coverage of the 31s annual classic boat regatta, Tobler decided our day should start early with the first signs of light. The overnight rain had ended and it was a beautiful calm morning.

We decided to make the 15 mile trip to Hammondsport by boat today and the boat of choice was our 1976 Penn Yan Explorer Tunnel Drive. You can see the reflection of the tunnel that keeps the prop up and away from danger.

K LAke house

Upon our arrival in Hammondsport, the docks were active and the race boats were heading out on to the water to get warmed up.

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Well, some got going early while others enjoyed the views for a bit. Funny thing is its pointing more Easterly.

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Woodyboater and defending 2013 outboard champion, Bernie LeMay is out early to psych out the competition.

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Westerly finally makes it out and then points in a Southerly direction.

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And before you know it, they’re off for the first heat of two laps around the short course. Sweet Pea, a 1970 Century Cheetah takes the early lead with a Lyman racer and the Chris Craft close behind.

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Bernie was now showing off his great speed from 2013 and instead was checking out the local real-estate market. Perhaps he is planning to move here soon? Cant’ say I blame him!

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The show sight in Hammondsport is small, but the lake has hundreds of classic wood and glass boats if you know where to look. Some even came out to watch, like this couple and their dog in their awesome finned classic glass.

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After the short course, it was time for the big boys to play. The long course race goes to the Bluff, where the three branches of the Y come together, and then returns to Hammondsport for a chicken BBQ. Can’t beat that…except with bacon or chocolate, but I digress.

One of the first competitors was a Raveau named Reflections, seen here reflecting before the race.

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He took off at the start and flew down the course with purpose. He went so fast he actually blew the cover right off his engine!

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In the inboard class, a modern Garwood named Wood Too tore up the race course.

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Reflection was not the only Raveau competing and not the only racer to lose something. This guy was lucky to make it back on the trailer. He had a mid-race collision with something in the water and finished the race with a large hole in the bottom!

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YIKES!!!!!!!

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Finally, I’d like to congratulate this year’s Best in Show winner, a lovely local Garwood named Blythe Spirit. Tobler was a big fan of the teenage human Blythe so he was very excited to see her namesake boat take the big prize.

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Thnaks to everyone who came out this year and a bigger thanks to the guys at Wine Country Classic Boats who do a fabulous job hosting every year. A MUCH bigger Tobler and I plan to see you all again next year.

Fine tobler

m-fine and Tobler – fine

15 replies
  1. Troy in ANE
    Troy in ANE says:

    NICE / COOL / FUN / AWESOME !

    Looks like if you are going to that show you sure don’t want to miss Sunday!

    Oh and one more OUCH!

  2. m-fine
    m-fine says:

    Troy, it is definitely a two day show. The docks were full on Saturday with boats and people, plus all of the land displays were there. On Sunday there are fewer boats on display, with many pulling out early or simply returning to their lifts and boat houses Saturday night. On the other hand, seeing the boats out on the water, either racing or watching the race beats dock shots any day. The ability to go by boat on Sunday and find a place to dock is also nice so we could split our time on land and on the water, and also have a place to keep our gear and a safe quiet spot for the pup to take his mid morning nap.

  3. Chad
    Chad says:

    Sure looks like you had a great time. Beautiful boats and beautiful location. Thanks for sharing!

    • m-fine
      m-fine says:

      Is that a Newfy with a summer hair cut? Great dogs, there was a black and white one in Hammondsport that was super nice to Tobler. Unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of her.

        • m-fine
          m-fine says:

          He looks like a bison! A Newfy was one of the breeds I was considering, but our last Berner was such a great dog, I had to get another one.

          Here is Mo-b (moby) patiently posing for a Christmas card photo around 2005…

  4. WoodyGal
    WoodyGal says:

    Another beautiful day on Keuka Lake with m-fine and his faithful companion Tobler-fine! A nice two day show with a variety of boats and activities, Blythe Spirit is beautiful and the Reveaus’ are intriguing. Have enjoyed watching them at the CRA races.

  5. Bernie L.
    Bernie L. says:

    Great 4 days at Keuka thanks to the nice members of Wine Country. Recommend to anyone to spend extra time there. Just wish I took my rod holders and dipsy divers, I saw some great catches with even a 5 pound smally caught from the docks. Next weekend, Lake James in Angola, Indiana. Anyone want to race?

  6. Alex
    Alex says:

    As with boats, regardless how big your dog is, someone’s got one bigger.

    Any Mastiffs out there in WoodyBoater-land? Anyone got a bear/dog named “Commander?”

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