ACBS’s newest chapter is the Northern Europe Chapter. Chartered in May, 2023, the chapter fulfills an over decade long interest for antique boaters in Northern Europe, and particularly Sweden and Norway, to join ACBS as an official Northern European Chapter.
In the winter of 2022/23, Torben Kasimzade approached ACBS from his home in Germany asking if forming a Northern Europe chapter was a possibility. Lora Nadolski Hanson, ACBS Executive Director, connected Torben with Bjørn Baaken, a Bay State Chapter member who is originally from Norway and was also interested in forming a chapter in Europe.
Together, Bjørn and Torben contacted Jani Vahto from Finland, who was at that time hosting one of the world’s largest Instagram social media pages on classic boating.
Convinced that they could get enough people interested in joining, they needed one more influential person from the Swedish classic boating community to help. When Anders Værnéus agreed, the four spread the word about ACBS along with many other “Nordics”.
Once chartered, the Northern European chapter established a website, created a logo, and elected a board. Today, the Northern European chapter has nearly 30 members from Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, France and the USA. Some list Northern Europe as their primary chapter, and others are secondary members of ACBS “Nordic”, enjoying the new friendships and beautiful boating in this part of the world.
In summer 2024, the first official meeting took place in Stockholm at the Classic Poker Run organized by Anders and it was amazing – even the weather was perfect! The goal of bringing different, very national classic boating clubs together, was clearly visible. Plus, with ACBS having now two chapters in Europe (France Chapter), ACBS is truly growing internationally and the friendship between the two European chapters is also growing in the most wonderful way.
In the future, ACBS Nordic hopes that the variety of cultures, classic boat designs and the many new events these countries have to offer will attract more members, not only from Europe but also from the US who will see Europe as an attractive destination to come and enjoy boating.
Starting a new chapter from scratch, even with the most wonderful support from HQ and the Executive Board, says Torben, has been challenging. Consider the differences in time zones, cultures and even language. And, now that the chapter is formed, keeping it’s members connected and growing is the next challenge. The chapter looks forward to meeting as often as possible and even attending an ACBS event — in person.
The ACBS 50th Anniversary Celebration taking place in September 2025 in Clayton, New York certainly couldn’t be more attractive, Torben adds. While the Nordic Chapter doesn’t want to promise too much too soon, they are sure that some of their members will be in attendance! ACBS members are invited to practice greeting someone in Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Icelandic and German. And, Torben adds, some friends from France will also attend the jubilee, so you might as well practice your French as well!
When meeting up in Stockholm a few weeks ago, it was, for many, the first time that members from the club had seen each other in person. Elodie and Xavier flew in from France, and Torben had a 17 hour drive with his trailer combo to get to Stockholm – only to find out that the boat could not take part in the big event due to engine problems.
However, meeting up with Anders and Bo and other Swedish ACBS Nordic members and even recruiting new ACBS Nordic members couldn’t have been a better, first-ever event of the ACBS Nordic club.
Afterwards, it was clear to everyone who participated and everyone who saw the images something good is growing! Something that is worthwhile putting energy and effort towards. Hence, ACBS Nordic is currently planning for summer meetings in Turku, Finland, Greifswald, Germany, and again, Stockholm, Sweden. ACBS members are invited with open arms to come and join in on the fun. That’s the true ACBS Nordic spirit!