GeorgeFest & SKIFF's, Eustis Florida, February 24, 2007

I thought I would get there early and help with the course setup, docks, whatever because we had exhibitions scheduled at 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 PM.  I arrived at 9:30 am, but I was on the wrong side of the parade route.  The parade started at 10:00 am and what streets weren't blocked, were lined with people.  I watched some of the parade and saw Phil Jordan's skiff Glory Days go by.  Looked Good!

We all finally reached the ramp at about 11:00 am, launched and made tracks for our reserved docks at the Crazy Gator.  Skiffs in attendance were Heartbeat, Outrage, Flyin' Pony, Orange Crate, Glory Days, Senti-MENTAL-Value and Have No Fear.

It was a great day.  Our Sponsor,  River Side Bank, (who donated gift certificates at the Crazy Gator), observed that every time were out, the Sea wall became crowded and they were very pleased.  Between events, the Crazy Gator had a reserved table waiting for us and were surprised to find it available when we finished.  It a great place on the water edge with good food and great people.  We all agreed that the most fun was giving rides between demonstrations.

It is amazing, the people that came to the docks to check us out, although we should be used to it by now.  I took a women out who was there in beautiful old Inboard Shepherd.  She along with her daughter and son-in-law convinced herself that she should go for a ride.  She was very surprised as a passenger, She couldn't believe the speed, the ride and handling.  I then convinced her that she had to get behind the wheel.  She did and summed it up by saying, " Now I know why you guy's enjoy them so much".

A fellow showed up from Long Island, his name is Philip Archamone.  I thought he looked familiar.  Two years ago at Mt Dora, I gave him a ride and then let him drive Heartbeat.  He said he left there on a mission to get a Skiff.  He did, he found a Baron and is now  re-powering it and working with Sked for some custom parts to install a velvet drive transmission.  It's not the racing events, but events like Mt Dora where people are not only enjoying their Skiffs, but taking the time to introduce interested parties to, what I along with growing number of other people believe, is a Fun Boat. 

For the three shows we put on, we donned Life Jackets and Helmets for effect.  The course was short and the speeds slow.  It was only a show.  Like I said, the fun was at the docks talking to people and giving a few rides.  We were ask to do a photo shoot for a local paper.  Billy Russell took the photographer in Flying Phony, and I took the reporter in Heartbeat.  Marty Ferry gave the reporter the background and history of the Skiffs.  We did a few laps and we appeared on the Front page of the Sunday paper.  The article wasn't correct, but what the heck, it was front page and better than a stick in the eye.  I think we will be more apt in the future to do these kind of events, ACBS events and just general get together.  Events where there is really no agenda except to put some hours on our Skiffs, meet people and maybe show off a little.

These boats are fun!  Tavares and Mt Dora, are next.

Regards,

Paul Nowack

Photos courtesy Matt Stowers