The morning air over Lake Coeur d’Alene was crisp and bright, and before long it was filled with the unmistakable sound of vintage marine engines coming to life. With glorious sunshine blessing the region throughout the weekend, the setting was nearly perfect for the 2026 Antique & Classic Boat Festival—a celebration of beautiful boats, great friends, and the timeless tradition of classic boating. This year’s festival was made even more special by the presence of several distinguished guests who came to Coeur d’Alene not only to enjoy the weekend, but to help look toward the future of the Antique & Classic Boat Society in 2027.
Friday: A Warm Welcome and a Day of Discovery
The weekend officially got underway Friday morning at the Hagadone Marine Center / Blackwell Island Marina, where skippers began arriving between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to drop off trailers, pick up participant packets, and get their boats ready for a weekend on the lake. Among those arriving were Lora Nadolski Hanson, Executive Director of ACBS, and Bob Shapton, ACBS Director. Their visit was particularly significant as they were in Coeur d’Alene to scout locations and begin preparations for the 2027 ACBS International Show, which will be held right here in Coeur d’Alene. Once the boats were safely launched, Friday quickly turned into an adventure of its own. The morning began with a look at the launch operation before the crew headed over to pick up Lora and Bob at Hagadone Marine. From there, the group enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the StanCraft facility at 10:00 AM, providing a fascinating look at one of the region’s most recognizable names in boatbuilding. Then it was time to head north. The group traveled to Sandpoint, where they explored the city, marina, and boardwalk before meeting up with Petyr Beck for lunch and an outstanding presentation. It was a great opportunity for Lora and Bob to experience another of the beautiful communities and boating destinations that make the Inland Northwest such a special place for classic boats. By afternoon, everyone was back at the Marine Center for the IEACBS meet-up, where Lora and Bob were formally introduced to members of the local boating community. Their visit generated plenty of conversation and excitement about what lies ahead for the 2027 International Show. Friday evening brought everyone together once again at Coeur Custom Woodshop for the official Welcome Aboard Celebration. From 5:00 to 7:00 PM, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music, and plenty of conversation. It was the perfect way to begin what would become an unforgettable weekend.
Saturday: Classic Boats Take Center Stage
Saturday morning arrived with clear blue skies and sunshine stretching across Lake Coeur d’Alene. The docks quickly came alive as registered skippers and their guests gathered at the Marina Cantina Patio at The Boardwalk Marina for the Skipper’s Breakfast. From 8:00 to 9:00 AM, coffee, breakfast, and conversation helped fuel everyone for the big day ahead. At 10:00 AM, the 2026 Antique & Classic Boat Festival officially opened to the public, and visitors began making their way along the Boardwalk to see the remarkable collection of classic and contemporary boats. For boat lovers, it was a feast for the eyes. Polished wood, gleaming chrome, carefully restored engines, and beautiful lines filled the docks. Each boat had its own history and personality, and the skippers were more than happy to share their stories with visitors. While the adults admired the boats, the next generation of boat enthusiasts had an opportunity to get their hands dirty. From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, children gathered on the lawn east of The Boardwalk Marina for the 
annual Boat Building activity. The hands-on project gave youngsters a chance to experience the satisfaction of building something themselves while learning a little about the craftsmanship and tradition behind wooden boats. As the afternoon wound down, the boats remained the stars of the show, but the evening promised another highlight. From 5:00 to 7:00 PM, skippers, guests, and organizers gathered once again at Coeur Custom Woodshop for the Awards Ceremony.
And then there was dinner. The evening’s meal was a standout in its own right, featuring tenderloin accompanied by a world-famous potato bar. Good food, good friends, and stories from the day made for a fitting celebration of another successful festival.
Sunday: One Last Look
Sunday brought another beautiful day to Lake Coeur d’Alene. From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the festival welcomed visitors for one final opportunity to walk the Boardwalk, admire the boats, visit with skippers, and soak in the atmosphere of the weekend. Eventually, however, every good boating weekend has to come to an end. Beginning at noon, the crew at Blackwell Island Marina assisted with boat haul-outs at the north ramp. One by one, the beautiful boats left the water and returned to their trailers, marking the closing chapter of a weekend filled with sunshine, boating, friendship, and memories.
The 2026 Award Winners
The festival also provided an opportunity to recognize several outstanding boats and skippers.
People’s Choice went to Brett Sargent for his stunning 2001 StanCraft “Stiletto.”
Brett and Stiletto also took home the award for Best Contemporary.
The award for Best Boat Presentation went to Chris Craft for the beautifully presented 1928 “Hot Diggity.”
And the highly anticipated Skipper’s Choice Award, voted on by the registered skippers themselves, went to Alan Wardsworth and his 1963 Belmont “Usain Boat.”
Each award represented something a little different, but together they reflected the passion, craftsmanship, and pride that make classic boating such a special hobby.
An event of this caliber doesn’t happen by accident. A very special thank you goes to Daryl Reynolds and Kodie Woodhead for putting together such a smooth, well-organized, and fantastic event. And a heartfelt thank you goes to everyone at Hagadone Marine for their incredible support, hospitality, and dedication to making the 2026 Antique & Classic Boat Festival such a resounding success. From the first boat arriving Friday morning to the final haul-out Sunday afternoon, it was truly a weekend to remember on Lake Coeur d’Alene.