Champ Boat Races in Savannah, Georgia

November 2006

As you all know, there has been interest in having River Skiffs  perform flybys during the time in between races, or as filler if the water conditions are to rough to race.

 This finally came about last weekend In Savannah,

5 Skiffs were invited to participate and the following boats showed up. 

Breakin Water,

River Rat,

Georgia Peach,

Glory Days

and Heartbeat.

The event was held at the Westin Resort located on Hutchinson Island, across the river from downtown Savannah.

This site was impressive, as were the rigs the Champ Boats showed up with.

Friday night those of us that were there, took a water taxi across the river to downtown to enjoy dinner at one of the local establishments.  Dave Yeager was the official host and found a great local place for us to enjoy and test the food.  Concurrent with the race, there was a Sea Feast Festival going on with lot's of vendors set up, but as the temperature was only in the 50's we decided to find a indoor restaurant.

The plan was to put the Skiffs in the water early on Saturday morning and leave them tied up behind the docks, ready to go at a moments notice.  We were scheduled for one time slot on Saturday, but ended up going out twice as the water was to rough to race.  We tried to stay grouped, side by side in the turns etc., but, it was rough, considering the rollers and currents. Still, we all came back in safe and with smiles on our faces.

The crowd waved upon our return, and there were the usual questions, both at the dock and in the Pits,  " What are these boats?" Mark Breeze and I found ourselves answering questions from the curious till 9:30 Saturday evening! Dave being single, established a certain group of his own.
 

All in all it went OK for a first event together.  I met a lot of great and interesting people and had a great time.

As this was a first time with the champ boat series, I think everybody learned something, and will be a lot smarter the next time.

What was different was, we were considered a welcomed addition with no talk of regulations...

Paul Nowack