From John Seal, Publicity Chairman SML Chapter ACBS
The Smith Mountain Lake Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society recently held its 31st Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show at Crazy Horse Marina. A total of 43 antique and classic boats were on display, providing an up-close look for those attending this annual free event. Boat owners were available to discuss their beautiful boats and answer any questions. The theme of this years’ show was “Double Vision – Celebrating Sister Ships.” Sister Ships are those built by the same factory using the same set of plans. We had 7 different sets of Sister Ships in the water, docked together to make it easy to compare their similarities and differences.
2023 SML Boat Show Amphicar Cruise, Photo Credit(s): Bryce Scott
Of the 43 total boats on display, 34 were displayed in the water, 8 on shore and 1, a 1967 Amphicar named “SPLASH”, delighted the crowd by making multiple round trips into and out of the water throughout the day. There were a lot of new things to see, as 19 of the boats were first time participants in our SML show, many from out of the area. In addition, there were over a dozen beautiful classic and custom cars displayed by members of Lake Pipes, a very active car club based in the lake area.
This was our second year to hold the show at Crazy Horse Marina. Their convenient location, ample parking and inviting, shaded boardwalks combined with picture perfect weather helped drive record attendance of over 2,000. Donations made at the gate and other proceeds will be donated to local charities. One of our newer club members, Jim McCloskey, of Leonardtown, MD, generously matched the donations to charity made at the show, increasing their impact.
Peoples Choice Award, Mazu, Photo Credit: Bryce Scott
People’s Choice, Judged and Captain’s Choice winners were announced at our Awards Dinner on Saturday night. The show was sanctioned by the Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc. (ACBS), an international organization devoted to the preservation and recognition of all types of historic, antique, and classic boats, with 54 chapters throughout North America and Europe. The Smith Mountain Lake Chapter (SML) of ACBS, with over 70 members, manages this show and is very active in restoring, showing, and using their unique boats.ACBS SML 2023 BOAT SHOW WINNERS
2023 ACBS SML Boat Show Winners, Photo Credit : Nadine Breen
Here’s a link to a YouTube video from the show that John Coffman put together: https://youtu.be/srQk_oUO5ss?si=JogCnCK_Af65VyK4
For further show or chapter information check our website www.woodenboats.net
Great video!
As with any boat show, it’s weather dependent, and our weather was fantastic for both days which brought out the crowds. Lots of new boats from out of town made it even more special. Remember the dates for next year (Sept. 13th and 14th). Smith Mountain Lake is located just outside of Roanoke, VA off I-81 so make plans now. Never too early to start thinking of fun on the water in 2024.
How often do you have your boat show?