Mike Stoll, left, and Dick Stuik sit in “Saving Grace,” which is owned by friend Mike Kothe of Holland, Mich. (Photo by Sarah Wright)
A number of people turned out to look at the more than 50 classic boats on display during the Antique & Classic Boat Show Saturday, June 28. This is the second year for the show, which is organized by the Indiana Chapter of The Antique & Classic Boat Society and hosted by Oakwood Resort.
While the number of boats was slightly down this year, officials with the Indiana Chapter stated there were more varieties of wooden boats on display.
Boaters from all over Indiana and the U.S., including Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin, arrived at Lake Wawasee to present their boats. The majority of the boats on display were built pre-World War II and pre-1968 when there was a shift to fiberglass boats.
Oakwood worker Katie Strine stated turnout for the 2014 show was more than last year. Weather was a major factor in that with last year’s show being hampered by rain and wind. There were some sprinkles in the morning this year, but the sun came out and with it followed several visitors.
Chip DeBoar of Kalamazoo, Mich., stands beside his boat, “Duchess.” The ship was built in 1904 and was completely restored by DeBoar in 1997. (Photo by Sarah Wright)
For a time, however, visitors had to remain off the main pier after a small section had sank a bit; it was quickly fixed by Oakwood staff.
From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. was an awards banquet, during which awards for People’s Choice; Captains’ Choice; Best Century; Best Chris-Craft; Best Non-wood; Best Lapstrake; Best Outboard; Best Preserved; Best Runabout; Best Utility; Oakwood’s Choice; and Best of Show were given.
Tomorrow from 8 a.m. to noon there will be an open boating and boat parade prior to re-trailer.
Antique and classic boats are a big sport and hobby for many people, according to officials with the Indiana Chapter, with them stating that on any given weekend there are four to five similar boating shows across the country.