Every summer, Rocky Mountain Classics Chapter’s biggest show of the year brings everyone together for a high-altitude celebration of wood, water, and camaraderie—and Grand Lake never disappoints. With 18 boats in the water and two on land, 2025’s show was their largest yet, full of sunshine, surprises, and stories we’ll be telling for years.
A Rocky Start to a Smooth Weekend
The weekend kicked off Friday with plenty of anticipation and just a touch of chaos—wouldn’t be a boat show without a few challenges. Bob Phillips had a particularly harrowing journey up I-70 when a tire blew out on his trailer. Not just any trailer, mind you—this one hauls the Shearwater, a 120-year-old steam launch with a trailer nearly as old (and English to boot, making tire sizes a logistical puzzle). After what felt like a treasure hunt across Denver, Bob tracked down the last tire in the metro area that would fit. By 9 p.m., he and the Shearwater arrived safely at Grand Lake.
Meanwhile, Wayne Spaulding’s 1926 Chris-Craft Triple was sputtering with fuel delivery issues, and Allan Dowsett’s Pops had water coming in through the stuffing box. Not exactly the relaxing start anyone hoped for—but thanks to Thom Buckley, the tide turned. Thom helped Allan tame the leak in Pops, and by Saturday, he and Wayne had replaced an ancient fuel pump with a modern electronic one. By Sunday, Wayne was roaring across Shadow Mountain Lake, racing like nothing ever happened.
Dockside Cheers and Club Connections
Back at the docks, it was all hands on-deck Friday afternoon. A big thanks to Mike Iverson and past-president Roger Miller for coordinating the docking ballet. With help from the Yacht Club and a stunning weather forecast, the tone was set for a great weekend.
The weekend’s first official event was a mixer with the Grand Lake Yacht Club, who graciously hosted the group on their beautiful lakeside property. It was the perfect spot to mingle, make new friends, swap boating tales—and recruit a few new members. A casual pizza party followed, complete with the honorary club drink, a round (or three) of Tuaca.
Showtime on the Docks
Saturday morning arrived quickly and with excitement. By 9 a.m., the show was officially underway. Behind the scenes, an amazing team of volunteers made it all happen. Wendy Divita, Rosemary Iverson, Diane Waco, Laurie Brown and Kenda Fuller held down the fort at the membership table, while Lisalynn Buckley, daughter Sydney, and sister Marciann worked the docks handing out People’s Choice ballots and engaging young visitors with kids’ activity workbooks.
Visitors packed the docks, snapping photos, asking questions, and in Bob Phillips’ case, even climbing aboard the Shearwater to blow the steam whistle and “let off some steam.”
Familar boats were welcomed—Oh Kimi, Shadow, Dena Jo, Hank, Ball Four, Wonder Years, and Jeff Dwight’s Century Resorter. The Chapter was also thrilled to see Pops, One of My Girls, and Wonder Years back after repairs, and newer members Alex and Cayla Warneke returned with baby in tow and their boat Betty Lee. One standout debut: Carter Childers’ hand-built lobster yacht Joan Marie, all the way from Utah. Welcome aboard, Childers family!
Youth Engagement and Family Fun
Dozens of kids completed their activity books, which required them to speak with boat captains—sparking some great intergenerational conversations.
Many kids of club members pitching in too. Morgan Divita helped with the Poker Run, Alec and Andrew Stiller were a huge help with setup, and Sydney Buckley and husband Mark continued their tradition of helping wherever needed. It’s good to know the next generation is already getting their sea legs.
Parade, Poker, and Party
After a fast-moving morning, the boat parade began. President Jeff Waco led the way in Wonder Years as the boats made two celebratory laps past the crowd before heading off for a scenic tour around Grand Lake.
From there, the Poker Run began. Captains collected cards at various stops, including houses hosted by Greg Finch and Scott Schell. Wayne Spaulding added a twist by offering a “wild card” to those who could find him floating somewhere on the lake. The day ended with a traditional dinner at the Sagebrush, where members swapped stories and toasted another successful show. Roger and Tracy Miller, visiting from Minnesota’s Land-O-Lakes Classic Boat Club, presented our chapter with a burgee—an honored gesture among clubs.
Of course, putting on an event of this size doesn’t just happen. A huge thank you goes to John Stiller for his tireless work behind the scenes organizing the show. From logistics to laughs, John helped keep everything afloat (figuratively and literally).
Grand in Every Way
All told, Grand Lake gave us another unforgettable weekend. From tire blowouts and fuel pump replacements to wild cards and warm reunions, this event had everything we love about the Rocky Mountain Classics. Here’s to smooth sailing ahead. See everyone next year!
Same lake, same joy.
Visit the Rocky Mountain Classics webpage for more great shows, cruises and to to join this chapter of ACBS.