Live-ish From The Classic Raceboat Association Spring Thunder Regatta On Lake Dora, FLA

JS-69 Whizzbang – Katherine Shuler – Jersey Speed Skiff

As promised, here are a few photos of the action from Saturday at the Classic Raceboat Association – Spring Thunder Vintage Regatta on Lake Dora, Florida. The event, which ran from March 15-17th at Wooten Park in Tavares Florida, is presented by the Classic Raceboat Association (CRA) and sanctioned by American Power Boat Association (APBA).

On Saturday afternoon the nice folks from the CRA arranged for to us to join the official photo boat inside Turn 1 of the demonstration course so we could capture a few photos of the over 75 Vintage Race Boats that were on hand for this years big event – and we appreciate everything the CRA did to make that happen. The water was flat and the boat racers took full advantage of the almost perfect conditions to get out on the water and exercise their boats in a safe and fun environment.

The Jersey Speed Skiffs are always fun to watch at speed with their powerful V-8’s and nimble handling.

JS-9 Disorderly Conduct – Kenny Gallup – Jersey Speed Skiff

JS-70 Daze of Thunder – Richie Weber- Jersey Speed Skiff

And the little “B Runabouts” with their high revving outbaords are exciting to see and hear (and smell).

A Pair of B Runabouts Having Fun – Natural Beauty (back ground) Ghislain Freniere / Harold Kelly

#835 Rayner Blair – E&T Tunnel (I think)

#121 O’Berry Marine / Steve Larkin – V4 OMC – Velden

We always love to see the sleek and historic Raveau outboards gliding across the water – I think we have to add these to our “must ride” list for the future.

Steve Koenke – Raveau 20 Foot Racing Runabout

61-S Bomb – Allen Gammon – 16 Foot J-Sport Raveau

There was a variety of vintage hydroplanes at Lake Dora this year and you can never get enough of these powerful race boats mixing it up during the demonstration runs.

E-50 Hot To Trot – Ruth & Leo Croisetiere – Karelson 280 Hydro

E-156 Sin – Paul Scopinich – Lauterbach 280 Hydro

E-42 Go Go Girl – Steve & Brian Maloney – Lauterbach 280 Hydro

F-222 Opechee – Hal Laduc – Hallet 280 Hydro

Thanks to everyone at the Classic Raceboat Association, Bill John and the army of volunteers that continue to make this event such a great success.

And to the boat owners for keeping these wonderful vintage race boats alive, and bringing them out to Tavares for everyone to see and enjoy.

Also thanks to the City of Tavares and the many sponsors who support the Vintage Raceboat event.

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