2005 Charlotte Antique and Classic Boat Show

Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Chapter of the ACBS

 Roll your curser over the photo's for additional info.

Wow!  We finally made it!  A group of us have been attempting to go to this show for a few years, if it wasn't one thing, it was another (a hurricane) that prevented us from attending before.  Funny thing I mention hurricane, as we were getting ready and packing everything earlier in the week Ophelia was hanging off the coast of Florida, literally hanging.  Not moving at all.  Do we go?  Do we stay?  What if?  Forget it, let's evacuate with the skiff to Charlotte! We're gone! 16 of the Skiffs registered for the show are Sunnylands Chapter Skiffs.

Danny and Nicol Mann (not skiff owners yet) started off by swinging by us at 7:00 am sharp.  Phil and Jean Jordan joined us at Route 40 & 19.  Cliff and Kathy Ennis joined in at Green Cove Springs, hhmm, this was becoming a caravan!  Destination:  Mooresville, North Carolina some 525 miles north northwest of us.  As we entered South Carolina Marty's phone rang, it was the Vezzosi brothers they were 10 miles behind us on 95 and would join the caravan shortly.  Mike Howack called and he was 50 miles north of us and would stop along the road for a roadside pic - nic with Terry and wait for us. That we knew was a joke... About 9 hours after leaving, we pulled into the hotel parking lot.  We were finally there!  Great!  Let's park the trucks and boats, check in and get reacquainted with our fellow skiffers.  We had a few hours to kill before heading to the Thursday Night Early Arrivers Party at Pat and Shari Crusse's shop Crusse'n Classics. 

Crusse'n Classics is a boat restoration shop, and a very nice shop I might ad.  A special thanks goes out the Crusse's for their generous hospitality for opening their shop to everyone, the food and the beverages.  All evening long the skiffs were arriving and instead of checking into hotels many came right to the shop (not to miss a party) with skiffs in tow.  The group was growing by leaps and bounds, historically about 40 people show up for the party, but the skiffs were in town and know how to party and the final headcount was about 100.  Rumor had it that 22 skiffs registered for this show at by this time about 13 were accounted for.  Others were planning on arriving early the next morning.

At the party, the show poster was unveiled and what a surprise to see a skiff on it.  More surprising was that it was our first Puppy Love.  We finally met Ed Longino, the show organizer, as well as many of the local Blue Ridge Chapter members of the ACBS.  It was truly appreciated the way everyone had welcomed our skiff family to their chapter's event.  Anything we wanted or needed that weekend was either at our disposal or arrangements were made in a timely fashion to honor every request!  They are the epitome of southern hospitality.

It was starting to get late and since it was a long day we were getting tired, except for those who were truly in vacation mode.  Most decided to head back to the hotel, after a quick stop for Marty's midnight snack.  I was off to get a good night sleep.  Others decided to stay up partying at Hooters, the parking lot and/or the hotel lobby and enjoy their first night of vacation!

Friday

Most of us had no trouble getting up bright and early to get ready for the day. Freddie Ziegler "Have No Fear" wouldn't move his boat, let alone start it until he located some Tylenol for his head. We launched the "Puppy" without a hitch and idled to the docks until local knowledge was shared with us where the sand bars were. One dock was set aside and dedicated for the skiffs but there was not nearly enough room for the 18 skiffs at the show. Our first test of cooperation was met so swiftly by Jim Templeton "Mr.T " (Dockmaster),  & his staff, I thought he misunderstood our needs. My first suggestion was to use the beach across from the docks and have the Chapter supply a shuttle boat. To my surprise that idea was unacceptable to Mr. T, and his dock staff. They immediately directed our overflow boats to another dock. Why did I feel this was odd? Because at most shows the Skiffs, even though they pay as every other boat, are treated different.  The Blue Ridge Chapter treated not only us but everyone on a first come first served basis. Boats that were moved to the parking lot commented to me they weren't going to leave the slip if they were in the water anyhow so why take up the dock space! Skiffers go to shows to use their boats and party. A skiff idle at the docks is a broken skiff. Either 5 members are attempting to get it running again, or it's put on the trailer for display. My hat is off to the chapter for their can do attitude to accommodate active boaters.

By 10:00 am the rest of the skiff arrived by water.  Accommodations were made for everyone and we wound up using 1 full dock and 1/2 of another.  It only took a little while to get everyone set up with their dock lines, bumpers, name plates, chairs, coolers, umbrellas, and tool boxes.  Let the partying begin!

 Some highlights of the day include:

   Marty blew that alternator belt again and his pit crew jumped right on it hot motor and all to fix it.

   Bill Bryant on "Falcon” took Marty on a run and as they were returning they were having some trouble and diagnosed the problem as some loose wires.  Can you imagine the look on everyone's face as they saw Bill grinning from ear to ear and Marty's feet where his head should be! Marty was holding the wires to the switch under the dash.

Phil's "Glory Days" looked as good as ever, has an oil leak that's driving him sleepless.

Jeb Bodsky admitted that he put a coat of wax on "Georgia Peaches" deck Thanks to Phil!

   Huck assumed his usual position on "Cloud Nine" (butt sticking out of the engine) but only for a little while - not all day long, looked like a timing issue.

   Skip with "What was I Thinking" lost a prop on the back chute, (What a splash)!

   Sandy McGugan with "Hops A Lot" couldn't say no to spectators asking for a ride. His fan club knows our email but now knows his also.

   Chuck "Hot Tub" burnt a coil., got towed in and also needs more weight for the umbrella so Linda doesn't play Mary Poppins again!.

Met Nicol, Paul Mezyk's new squeeze! (Paul is Skips son) & Timmy's dad. Early observation, is a an inspiring future dancer!

Dick & Linda Daley with "Justa Fishin boat" (the other new skiffers in the group) had fun changing boat slips a couple times, but running strong all weekend. Welcome aboard. Famous saying, "Did you get any good pictures of me? He'll learn...

Mike & Tom Vezzosi's "Senti Mental Value" Thanks Dad  looked good with the new paint scheme, number and name. Finally met Tom's wife and 2 daughters, Nicole & Maddi. Now, a tranny sure would make docking easier.

Gary Jones "Red Baron" will be getting a new battery! Gary laid low but put lots of time on the water.

Doug Apy with "Jo Carol Too" I never see him carrying a fuel can, what's up! I always see him on the water!

The weather was beautiful and Lake Norman is even prettier.  The public was not expected to arrive until Saturday to view the boats, so we had an opportunity to go for a lake cruise.  About 8 boats left Queens Landing and headed out to the lake.  As we were traveling along we passed other boats, canoeists, and jet skis and as we passed each they stared in awe.  It is an awesome sight to see a group of skiffs traveling on the water.  After about 15 minutes of driving, it dawned on me (and probably the others too) that we should turn around and start to head back to waters closer to the marina because one could easily get lost out on Lake Norman's 500 miles of shoreline!  Heading back I guided Marty and the rest of the group back to home base.  Turn here, I remember passing that house, hang a right past the tower, and finally the marina was in sight.

Mooresville is quite the developed area and as such many of the ladies at the show headed out to go shopping.  After 4 hours, Kathy Ennis and Terri Branch came back with one small bag each.  I was quite surprised, but they assured me it wasn't the size that mattered!

At 4 PM we were scheduled to give a group of children from Dove House skiff rides. I was so moved by the courage of these children, that this was a big highlight of the weekend for me. I will not share my personal emotions I had while with these children.  Although it was reported that some of the kids that took a ride on the woodies were crying to go for a skiff ride as the group of skiffs blew past them!  We told them to come back on Saturday and we would take care of them.  That done, it was back to the hotel for a quick shower and cup of coffee, then off to Dale Ernhardt Industries reception party and private tour.

 Awesome, amazing, inspiring, massive, were just a few of the adjectives the guests could get out of their mouths before, during and after the tour.  There were about 100 people at DEI and they broke us up into 2 groups.  Before being split, we were congregating in the "car" room.  There were about 15 race cars in this room and everyone was admiring them from every angle, some more than others.  Marty got yelled at as nothing but his butt was hanging out the driver's window and not to be outdone, Chuck was also scolded for playing with the flaps.  Boys will be boys I guess.  After admiring the cars, it was down to business, the first group got the tour; the second group went up to the trophy room for what was advertised as heavy appetizers.  Well, I have to say that I was in awe as we entered the room!  Mahogany tables, leather high back chairs, a full service bar, and a buffet table that looked at least 1/4 mile long.  There was everything from cheese and crackers, coconut shrimp, and a beef carving station.  Bellying up to the bar, I decided to test the system, Can I have a Coors Light please :)

This trophy room was also the dining area not only for the VIP guests, but also for the employees.  This was the only place we were permitted to take pictures, I can understand that. After about 1 hour it was our turn for the tour.  We headed downstairs and our hospitable hostess Carol told us some very interesting stories about Dale Earnhardt, his mother, his wife Teresa and building DEI.  We went everywhere, paint shops, fabricating stop, the pit crew practice area, the team shops and many other places that I have no idea what they were.  One thing that impressed me was the number of engines they had lined up in one hallway.  There had to be an easy 50 of them.  I asked the guard if we could just "roll one outside to my truck" he just smiled.  Surprised Roger made it through the tour without being handcuffed.  Not sure why the guard kept close to Roger, but Roger told me he informed the guard that he would keep his hands in his pockets if he just got off his back.  News flash:  Kathy Ennis had her picture taken with Teresa see below right.

It was a long day, but we were not ready to call it quits yet.  Back to the Queen's Landing Tiki Bar for a little more partying and a quick check on the boats.

Saturday arrived like a lion, meaning I stepped outside and it was 69 degrees at 7am, it was chilly to say the least but refreshing because we have yet to break 90 degrees in Florida.. The rest of the early risers were telling tales of the night before and Phil was asking if we thought the boats had a morning dew on them, boy he sure knows how to change a subject. It was about time for us to begin our day of boating. Today is the big day for us and the Blue Ridge Chapter to combine our resources and give the public something to remember, we were both ready.

First order of business was to refuel the boats; I sure did miss having a boat boy that morning. 15 gallons of fuel meant two trips to the trailer. My crew Danny thinks this is a vacation and put in for a 10 am is wake up call, NOT. I wasn't the only one transporting fuel, but I did find a hand truck to make the task easier. Mike from "Re-Run" had Cliff from "Sun Dog" as his boy this weekend while "Sun Dog" is getting refreshed. Guess that last run against "Jersey Girl" was a little much for the tiring Sun Dog.

Jeff Buckley was found roaming around and some of the ladies were commenting about Jeff's legs or shorts or something! It seemed personal so Jeff will have to tell us that one.

I noticed Ed Stanley's JS-65 (Formally Egg Beater) on the dock and "Screamer" on the trailer in the lot. Bob & K'Anne Thibaudeau and their "Ready Oar Knot" JS-9 were attending the first show with us and we all welcomed them and their children. We’ll be putting a page together for them so you can all enjoy their boat too. Let's see, who else was there. Doug Apy and his "Jo Carol Too" along with Roger Harris and "Breakin Water" Did I mention this was Dick & Linda Daly's "Juat A Fishin Boat" first show as Skiffheads also? Dick & Linda live up the lake from us and are longtime Sunnylands Members!

Meanwhile, some of the skiffs were out by 9am attempting to wake-up the tranquility of the area and add some chop to the mirror looking lake. Skiff after skiff was drawn out to the lake by the hypnotic roar of the other boats until the docks were empty. Have you ever noticed the effects the skiffs have on each other as they are drawn to be with each other? The same hypnotic roar draws even the person with little boating knowledge to the waters edge, I know, I witness it all the time. No other boat has this same effect on people. (Paul and Sandy is this roar of engines the testosterone secret?) Others attracted by the roar and without a boat were; Kevin Cree of "Lake Dog", Dave Yeager with "Swamp Rat" and I mentioned Cliff earlier. Julian & Janet Beard were there with their flatbottom "I'm Back"

The skippers meeting was scheduled for 10 AM with our sponsor Ed Logino. Fortunately, by time the meeting was called, we all knew what to expect and were briefed on the noon parade of boats. Chuck from "Hot Tub" suggested we fly the American flag from our boats to show support and as a tribute to our troops. This colorful display of red, white, and blue was our surprise to the Chapter and guests. After the parade laps, I turned the Puppy toward the open water and let her and the flag fly proudly. My lead was immediately followed skiff after skiff. Claire was in the crowd taking pictures, and she said the clapping never stopped. What a combination, the flag and the roar.

Later in the day I received a frantic phone call and it was Nancy from "Falcon". "We're full of water and Bill is beaching the skiff come quick, we're by the bridge". I grabbed Sandy and my pump and off to the rescue we go. First, I'm not a good rider and to be riding with Sandy certain things started crossing my mind. The thoughts were short lived, Sandy knows how I feel, but mostly I knew I was safe because Paul wasn't around. We spotted "Falcon" and Nancy was in CHEST DEEP water attempting to keep the boat from running aground. Bill realized a cooling hose came off and quickly pushed it back on, but they had 4" of water in the boat. They had borrowed tools from the homeowner because Bill forgot his leatherman. The moral of this story, NEVER WEAR A WHITE TOP IF YOU PLAN ON GOING SWIMMING WITH A SKIFFER.

 I forgot to mention, I had the opportunity to take our host Ed Logino for a ride. Ed told me Sandy took him out last year so it wasn't his first ride. In my attempt to give Ed something to remember, I let Ed drive. I think he's still smiling. I went out again with my crew Danny and saw a Marine Police boat going to the docks, I cut the ride short and went to investigate. As in past shows, these officers were curious about the skiffs. Most of our boats are both registered and insured so little problems are encountered. Another officer approached from the parking lot. Let me tell you, talk about down to earth, I took one officer with me and Falcon took the other for a ride. My first lap was a calm 40 / 50 mile per hour and officer John had no problem. My second lap was 60 / 70 and I got the smile and the vigorous head shake, no words spoken. My third lap was lets see what she'll do. During this lap I asked the officer if he was going to shoot me, he noted he was afraid to let go to get his weapon. I slowed down near enough to have witnesses, just in case his hand moved. John's words as he exited the Pup was "I never went that fast in something that couldn't make up it's mind if it was a plane or boat". My next rider was Kathy from "Sun Dog", Actually I let her drive so Cliff would eat his heart out. I had to stomp on Kathy's foot to help her get into it. Once in, she's a natural.

We put the "Puppy" away for the day and worked our way to the Tiki bar for a pina colada. Seemed I was the last one there, as all my friends were already there. Had a couple cool ones, had instructions on how to tie a knot in my cherry stem by Nancy Bryant.... shook my head and left for the hotel room with Claire....

We were getting phone calls that everyone was at the dinner and the skiffers were holding seats for Claire and I. We looked at the clock and thought we had plenty of time before the dinner. We arrived and the Blue Ridge Chapter says dinner at 7 and they really mean it. Ed (The master of ceremonies) was directing tables to the food. After we ate the awards were presented to the winners. Sandy "Hops A Lot" received the award for the "Furthest Traveled". We received the award for "Skippers Choice".  I want to thank all who voted for us, it REALLY means a lot. Whatever your reasons were, Claire and I truly appreciate it. We were totally blindsided and caught off guard when we received the ACBS Blue Ridge Chapters Jack Waligora Sportsmanship Award. The award was engraved with the following statement.

"ACBS Vision Statement"  The vision of the Antique & Classic Boating Society is to provide an organization wherein people with a common interest in the love of historic, antique, and classic boats can come together with friends and colleagues in a spirit of fellowship and fun to share dreams, adventures, knowledge, history and experiences.

It was both humbling and exciting to receive this award.  Many people understand the amount of time, effort and energy that goes into doing what we do, with nothing expected in return.  It is the love of boating with skiffs that drives us.  We truly appreciated having this honor bestowed upon us, especially from a chapter that we are not members of.  They, the Blue Ridge Chapter, also know the amount of countless hours it takes to organize and coordinate events.  This Chapter has recognized what we do for boating and said it best with honoring us with their award. THANK YOU...

Sunday morning came and we had to get on the road towards home. I will not miss the poker run next year, so I'm giving all the winners advance notice. Terry from "Re-Run" was one of the winners and took home $100. There were 5 winners in all - congratulations to all of you. I understand the skiffs followed Chuck "Hot Tub" because he knew where he was going and had his GPS! I also understand Chuck got y'all lost again. It wasn't but a year ago when you followed Chuck in his home waters on the St. Johns River and got ya lost. Have to love boating and all you boaters.........

Claire & Marty

We asked others who were at the event to send us their experiences so you could see the show from their perspective If someone writes an article we'll publish it.

Click here to go to Mike Howick's photo collection from the weekend.

Click here for new members of the butt shots...

Saturday Skiff Parade Pictures