It all started back in 1978 when a group of folks wanted to have a boat show. The show was to feature both Vintage and recently wooden boats that had been in continuous use, a “user” boat. The show was a great success and the Village of Alexandria Bay has opened their docks for a boat show every year since.
In May of 1980, our chapter founder joined ACBS, by mid fall he was inquiring about forming a “local” charter. The inquiry was received and a long process started. After multiple letters via the USPS (before email) the 1000 Islands Chapter charter was awarded during the 1981 National ACBS Convention in Quebec.
Our Chapter is located on the Beautiful St. Lawrence River, we have Rendezvous meetings once a month from May through September, that a member hosts at their home, often at island homes that we can only get to by boat. At the Rendezvous we have a Chapter status meeting along with a dish to pass with the food menu coordinated by the host and Rendezvous Chair. We try to coordinate luncheon day cruises weekly starting in July when the temperature is warm. These cruises are weather dependent as the river can get pretty mean for small crafts at times.
The boating opportunities in our area are endless. You may cruise for days locally to Gananoque, Kingston, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Alex Bay, Chippewa Bay, Ogdensburg and have great views while cruising. You may choose to venture out and take long multiple day trips such as along the Rideau Canal from Kingston to Ottawa, Toronto, Trent-Severn Canal to Georgian Bay. Oswego, Rochester, Buffalo, etc.
Our area last hosted the ACBS international boat show in 2019 and we are excited to do so again in 2025 when ACBS and ABM will be celebrating ACBS’ 50th anniversary.
If you have not visited the St. Lawrence River, plan on making a trip in 2025. Even if you can’t come to the International show, you could join our Chapter’s show July 26 in Alexandria Bay. The following weekend is the Antique Boat Museum Annual Show and Auction. And, of course the ACBS 50th Anniversary International Show takes place September 15-21, 2025. There will be plenty of on-water events. Don’t forget your nav charts for the area, it can be tricky.
The Host’s for the 2025 1000 Island Chapter Rendezvous are in place with information on this and all of our great events available on the 1000 Island Chapter webpage. With day cruises in July in Ogdensburg, Chippewa Bay, Gananoque and Cape Vincent in the works, you won’t want to miss any of it!