Mt. Dora 

2004

by Nat Church

WOW!  This year Mt Dora was the largest ever!  28 skiffs and over 800 people registered.  Skip Gillam (JS-11 Sir Alter Ego), and I arrived on Wednesday so we could set up the tent and dock the boat.  Cliff Ennis (Sun Dog) came in Thursday along with a few others.   Friday morning Esther drove up with son Paul and they were ready to enjoy the weekend.  By mid-day most everyone had arrived.  Marty and Claire brought the Scarab and had their Mulford on display.   The dock area filled up fast, and as others arrived, boats went to the beach and grassy areas.  We saw some snakes, but that didn’t seem to stop Donna, since she made Paul carry her piggyback to the boat.  

A hearty welcome to a few newcomers; Les and Fran Ely (JS-16) Rock n Roll along with Eugene Dedeaux.  They plan to join us at future events.

Claire was dressed for the occasion in her cute headdress (crown) and  Marty thought she was Medusa!  Linda had the right idea shading herself while enjoying the day sitting in Outrage.   

Friday afternoon, Tom and Fran Wark hosted a wonderful luncheon for all.  The food was great  as was the company.  Rick and Kim Stowell, Tom’s son-in-law, came in their 1956 Barbour.  Others joining us for the luncheon were Linda Potter, Kay Joslen and Sarah Gould (members of ACBS for 20 years plus). William Mullin and Don Smith also attended. John Gast (JS-9) Poppy’s Bundle from Grand Island, New York won our 50-50.  Thanks again, Tom and Fran for a wonderful outstanding time.  

George and Ginny Baker brought their furry family and George had a blast during the photo shoot.  The boat looks great!

 Tom Donely and his sister Jeanne Swift (Retrospect)  and friends Phil and Jean Jordan with their ski boat (I’m Back).   Jeanne, thanks for all your help setting up the tent. 

Bob and Tami Stevens came with Fred Zieglar (JS-99) Have No Fear.

Kathy Schuler came in with her new boat (JS-81) Whizz Bang.  The first woman in our group to own a skiff.  Congratulations Kathy!!!!!  One of the pioneers of the fiberglass skiff, Chris Ziegler, stopped by to see everyone.

 Following are others who joined us:

Several people who came “boatless”. Kevin Cree from Atlanta is close to getting a boat. Chris Yeager played with the yellow outboard.  Mike and Terry Howick hope to have their boat at the next event.  

 Jimmy and Martha Stewart friends of Skip and Esther, and Fred Vessosi with his two sons, Mike and Tom, joined the festivities.   I know Fred enjoyed the photo shoot.   The boys hope to have their boat, Fast Forward (JS-24) up and running at the next event.  Jim Hassfeld and Judy Alexander brought the 26 ft. launch.  Jim assisted with the photo shoot and brought people over to Tom’s for the luncheon.   Way to go!  Robert Francis, (Blu By U), had to have a tow at the end of the photo shoot..  But... it was sooo good while it lasted! Yes that's Freddie from Illinois riding with Robert. Fred forgot to bring his boat, but I can assure you, he won't forget it next year.

 Bill Steinfield of Myrtle Beach, SC. who raced hydros from 1952-62 had a great time talking with Skip and joining us for dinner at Jeremiahs!.

 It was great to have Jim and Julian Rucki and Brett Mann from California. We so much appreciate their help with the boats.    Thanks again.  Charlie Bolan and family were there, and it appears he is going to be a daddy... again. Congratulations Charlie! Rumor has it Charlie would like to have 3 skiffs by this time next year.

Curt and Lucy Schmitt came boatless but did bring their beautiful motor home.

This year we had the pleasure of having some of the racing greats with us:. Skip Gillam,   Bill Darby, Joe Julian, Jimmy Rucki, and Tom Donnelly to name a few.  It was fascinating to listen to their stories and adventures.

Saturday night the awards dinner was held at the Lake Receptions.  The Hospitality award went to Tom and Fran Wark for their outstanding luncheon on Friday.  Since Chuck Warner had trouble with directions and managed to get everyone lost on one of the past skiff outings, we gave him a map of the St. Johns River!.   Julian Rucki and Brett Mann received the Coat Hanger, Chewing Gum and Duck Tape award for being so helpful in working on the engines.

This weekend was especially enjoyable for me since I rode with Doug Apy in his (JS-1) Jo Carol Too.  He gives an awesome ride!.  Thanks again, Doug.  I also want to thank Dave Rees for taking me to Sunday Church service on Sunday in the cove.  We wanted to join the others in the Doral canal, so after service we headed out. However, it was short lived.   The sin of all sins for a boater happened.....  we were out of gas.!!!!  Oh well, it happens to the best.   Unbeknownst to Dave and I, the posse was sent out to find us.  We were brought in on a pontoon, so it was no problem. 

Sorry for the confusion, but it was comforting to know that we were being searched for.  Thanks to all for your efforts!.

I want to thank everyone for all their planning, and especially Marty and Claire for all they do for the “Skiffers.”  Skip couldn’t have gotten through the weekend without the help and assistance of Jesse Thrash.  He towed up the 7 liter, Sea Ya Later, and was assisting Skip all throughout the show.  Jesse knows his way around the boats, since he has been a part of the racing circuit for many years.  Heartfelt thanks again Jesse. 

Mt. Dora was a huge success, and next year will be even better.  So until our next event......Sea ya,

Nat Church