Southern New England Chapter

Boat Registration, Model Makers and Awards

 Throughout June and into the first couple of days in July, we had a steady stream of inquiries and boat registrations come in.  This year, as in other years, we had new boats register and there was a total of 19 boats judged – a few more than last year.

The weather on Friday July 7^th didn’t really cooperate until later in the afternoon when the rain stopped and boats started to be launched.  By the time the Essex Lions were ready to serve dinner the skies had brightened and the rain had completely stopped.

It rained slightly overnight, but boats started arriving early and we were able to get everyone launched in time for the 9:00 show opening to the public and the beginning of judging.  Attendance was a little sparse at the beginning, but by lunch time we had a good crowd, with people milling about on the museum lawn, the docks and the Lay House lawn where there were some vintage cars AND boats as well as the museum staff working on a couple of skiffs.

Matt Barnes, Chief Shipwright at the Mystic Seaport gave a wonderful slide show presentation on the restoration of the Mayflower II.  If you haven’t been to Mystic recently, please make a point of going and seeing the work that is being done on the Mayflower II – it is amazing!

The Mystic Model Makers outdid themselves again with the models they brought this year.  Their newest model maker, Abby Gerrity (age 11) joined the group with her model of a 1934 Hacker Craft 24 foot race boat.  It was busy around the table with many pictures being taken and questions asked.

Donahue’s Madison Beach Grille again did an outstanding job with cocktails and dinner.  Dessert was a big hit with chocolate mousse and strawberry shortcake parfaits.

Chief Judge David McFarlin explained the judging criteria and thanked the judges for their participation.  Several of our new chapter members’ entries won awards and there were a couple of multiple awards. A total of 9 first place awards were given as well as 8 2^nd place awards.  The complete list of awards will be posted on the Chapter website shortly.

My thanks to the Connecticut River Museum for the beautiful venue and to all the volunteers who helped launch, dock and coordinate the boats and trailers as well as those who helped out during the show.  Without the team work of our many volunteers our show would not run as well as it does.

The date for our 34^th Vintage Treasures Antique and Classic Boat Show will be the weekend of July 13-15, 2018 on the grounds of the CT River Museum.  I look forward to seeing everyone in November at the annual dinner (more information to be forthcoming) and at next year’s show! Lynn McFarlin-Chapter President.