Charlotte, NC 2007

written by Terry Lewis

The trip to Charlotte started by an early departure of Glory Days (Marty & Claire Ferry) and Jitterbug (Terry Lewis with her friend, Roseanne Jones) from the Eustis area around 7:30 in the morning of Thursday, September 6th . In short order, going north on Rt. 19 in the Ocala Forest, our little caravan of two became three when we found ourselves behind one expertly traveling wooden boat of some sorts going up Rt. 19 like the wind. I kept trying to see who this wooden masked marvel was that was running block like some pro NFL player but they were too fast to see. I was pretty impressed that a 'woodie guy" was actually traveling so (shall we say?) expertly through the forest! Upon crossing Rt. 40, we picked up a fourth Charlotte-bound boat, Fire It Up (Phil & Jeannie Jordan).

Hitting Georgia required the first necessary break and, to my surprise, I learned that our wooden NFL blocker was none other than fellow Skiffer, Dick Daly, with Wild Goose. He tried saying that his wife, Linda, was the driver…….. Mmmmm??!!!  After hitting the Charlotte area and getting checked into the hotel, we found our fellow skiffers and friends, Cliff & Kathy Ennis, Mike & Terry Howick, and Bill and Nancy Bryant. Naturally, a few refreshments reclaimed all of us weary travelers and friendships and boat stories (like fishing tales) ensued! The official partaking of the Charlotte Boat Show ensued!

Thursday night was a wonderful cocktail party hosted by Pat Crusse and his family at his shop.  He has quite a restoration business and was a wonderful host! I met Ed Longino who is one of the coordinators of the Boat Show. What an enthusiastic host (and appreciate host of having Skiffs at the show)! He showed me photos of prior Boat Shows and gave me a couple of posters from the 2005 Show which featured JS-44 on the poster and shirt. Ed knew that this was my first boat show with my new boat, Jitterbug JS-3, and thought I'd appreciate seeing prior year's photos of Skiffs which I certainly did! The other folks we met that night were equally as welcoming! 

Friday morning was our "putting in" and running about a little bit prior to scooting over to Queen's Landing where the Show was taking place. It was obvious that water levels were extremely low and we were all cautious venturing into the Boat Show area. The Skiffs were being docked on the back side of the docks that run parallel with the shore. This required being "walked around" the end of the dock as water was so low and we could see major boulders underwater. We got docked in the order for which we came around the back side of the dock.  (Naturally, since I have what I call "docking issues" anyway, I was extremely cautious. We ended up rafting off of one another and, while the docking situation was not ideal to say the least, there was really no other option. The Boat Show Committee Guys (I called them the Great Guys in Blue) were there 99.9% of the time to help all the boaters get in and out. We could only have empathy for the Committee in dealing with the low water levels.  Naturally, once we get all settled and docked, I am "itching" to get out and go boating! Go Figure!!

I had also been dying to hear if my boat made that famous Speed Skiff sound that is so distinct of waa waa waa (Ok-how would I describe "that" sound on water!!??) at speed. I pestered Marty to drive my Jitterbug and I'd ride in someone else's Skiff so I could hear that "sweet sound" from my boat! Marty said something to the effect of "let's do one better and you can make that sound yourself."  so...while everyone was visiting with one another and catching up on news, Marty took me out for another Skiff Lesson. Marty started out driving and really put Jitterbug through the paces (she probably thought Sandy was back!) and I just sat there thoroughly, totally enjoying the entire sensation and ride. At one point, Marty asked me if I was OK with the speed and task being put to Jitterbug…. With a nod, we were off again harder and faster and Jitterbug was in her element. When we stopped, Marty informed me that I was not my usual attentive gauge watching rider self but the look on my face was yet another "God, I love that boat and pinch me, it's mine!" look! Then it was my turn to drive……..

 Shall we say that we came back in after Skiff 103 me shaking with excitement, and Marty with a bruised knee (or should have had one after what I did to it) and I had a smile a mile long. Along with "docking issues," we can add that I have 5,000 RPM issues but found that with Marty's foot on top of mine, Jitterbug can see 5,000 plus some. (No-we didn't hit the 6,700 rev limiter but I think it was close!!). Amazing how well that boat handles on top of the water and with one hand on the wheel since the other was pounding Marty's knee! 

Friday night was a beautiful cocktail party at a yacht club just south of the Show. We enjoyed hors d'oeuvres that were "works of art" and also wonderfully delicious! I saw quite a few people that I have met in previous Sunnyland Boat Shows on Lake Dora. It seemed like I was having regular "I know you somehow" conversations and learned that most of these great folks were guest at my home ACBS Chapter, Sunnyland, Boat Show and that I've welcomed them to our Show in my capacity of the Reception Committee but I digress; I'll get back on track……….. 

After the cocktail party, most of us Skiffers ended up at a steak house that was next to our hotel. The restaurant had a Western theme and Bob Thibaudeau rode the wild bronco buck horse pretty expertly! My guess is that it was similar to Skiffen! We ran into the Charlotte Show crowd already dining and joined their table of 20+. Gee, for a Western restaurant, that Southern hospitality was out in great force!!

Saturday was another beautiful day on the water and at the Charlotte Boat Show. There was a nice crowd and nice co-boaters. The participants of the Show partook in an Officially Opening by way of a boat parade. Us Skiffs, lead out the parade and I think all of us showed our American Colors which I found quite touching. I must say that it appeared that the Skiffs are a highlight of the Show. I don't know this as fact, but it sure appeared that way. On Saturday afternoon, we had a great and good-distanced boat ride to a restaurant called the Rusty Rudder for lunch. It would have been more perfect had Glory Days, JS-30, not had a technical difficulty and if our other Skiffers of Kathy & Cliff Ennis, Bill & Nancy Bryant, and Mike & Terry Howell had come along too. A special thank you to Bob Thibaudeau and Pat Crusse's son for navigating us back to and from the Show and the restaurant! It's a bummer that not all the Skiffs went to lunch but a special thank you goes out to Cliff for planning this Saturday outing. (Next year, we might want to adventure out a different day for lunch like maybe Friday as I think the spectators thinned out after the Skiffs left out…) I apologize to the Charlotte Show folks if that was the case!