St. Michaels, Maryland

June 13 - 15, 2003

TO SEE THE ON THE WATER PHOTO COLLAGE TAKEN BY GRAY MESSICK - CLICK HERE

The boats that showed up were:

        with his two sons Thomas and Mike

In addition, there were many crewmembers and support staff that showed up, including:

We set up Skiff Beach at the floating docks, which were added to both ends of the museum’s "T" dock. We split the boats up on both docks so the rafting was avoided. The mood was set as "Skiff Beach" with newly purchased "Classic Racing Skiff" banner and palm plants, and did we ever draw a crowd!

We took out (or introduced) 78 riders to the world of Jersey Speed Skiffs between Friday and Saturday - this is the count of the people who signed the waiver. We lost 2 sheets, so there was probably more. It was not uncommon to refuel 2 or 3 times over the weekend. Funny thing, all the breakdowns and tows were because we ran out of fuel, (That's Marty getting towed below and Bill Russell getting towed below right)

Friday afternoon Bud Bender granddaughter Carolyn and her boyfriend Mike arrived. Let the party begin!

We arranged for Bud to drive Sir Alter Ego since it had a bench seat and Bud could take granddaughter Carolyn for her VERY FIRST SKIFF RIDE. Skip rode mechanic, and Carolyn sat in the middle. Claire was in the front cockpit filming so Bud could take the video back to the senior center and nursing home to PROVE he was KING FOR THE DAY (bragging rights you know). I had boyfriend Mike with me (racecar builder) and off we went. The Skiffs gathered around Bud like all baby ducks that follow their mother.

You see, the interesting thing here is, Bud at 85 and hasn’t driven a Skiff for over 20 years. He vowed to make it a goal to drive a skiff again at 70, than at age 75, than at 80. It was not until he reached 85 when he was able to accomplish his goal, of driving a skiff once more.

In the meantime in the front cockpit, poor Claire… Bud steadily pushed the petal on Sir Alter Ego till she was doing a comfortable 40 plus miles per hour. It wasn’t long till Bud felt the wind in his face again and the satisfaction of listening to the open pipes. As the skiffs lined up on both sides of him, his smile grew larger and larger and is one I will never forget. Not to mention the smile on his granddaughter Carolyn’s face was just as large. The glow of youth returned to Bud at that moment. The sight to see Bud driving his youngest granddaughter and their smiles were priceless. Finally, Bud asked Skip "can I see what she does?" And Skip gave the nod. Hey! What about Claire in the front cockpit?? Hang on baby!! After a not so mild lap, Bud dropped Claire off on a 60’ boat that was watching the Skiffs having fun. We found out they knew one of the Skiffers and had no problem ‘rescuing’ Claire. Claire had no problem going either. Now Bud was free to air the Skiff. We chased him about 70 mph all around the bay. He showed us what hot laps were all about. Using that 60’ boat as his turning buoy, Bud was free once more. Mike my rider was so impressed with the power and speed he will be looking for a Skiff and changing his fun time activities.

We returned to the docks and it was time to download this man of 85 and let him relax in some shade. The crowd flocked to him as if he just won the equivalent of the Indy and Daytona 500, back to back - another priceless moment. It appeared as if Bud grew -- not only in size but also in confidence – nothing could hold him back now. He showed us all another of life’s lessons – you’re never too old to do anything or accomplish your goals as long as you keep them in sight.

For the remainder of the day, the boys and their boats took rider after rider showing the public and the show organizers the meaning of Skiffing.

Friday evening back at the hotel, Jeannie Swift and her crew were BBQ’ing on two grills for 50 or so people who had dinner with us. It was a typical event Jeannie does every year and many thanks to her and her partners because it gets larger and better as each year goes by.

Bud and his family arrived for dinner and everyone had good food and drink. Just when you think nothing can top what had happened during the day, Bud reached into his pocket for a harmonica and he started playing it. It was another one of those priceless moments -- watching the crowd surround this old man once again. As the party drew to a close, some of us stayed up late that night talking about what ifs and where we would like to be when we grow up.

It was truly a WONDERFUL DAY and as I closed my eyes an image of an infectious smile kept popping into my head and I thought …

Saturday morning came quickly… to quickly for some. By 6:00 a.m. the parking lot at the Best Western was bustling with activity – loading cars, checking boats, icing coolers, and making repairs. The day had a full list of activities planned – pumping out bilges and drying boats from the affects of the previous night’s storm, setting up skiff beach with chairs and umbrellas, skipper’s meeting, photo shoot, giving rides and the Wine and Cheese party in the evening.

Marty and I arrived at the show grounds at 7:30. I was also on the ‘breakfast selling’ committee that morning and I was also getting my new boat, Lena Dolores judged. I decided to send Marty to the kitchen to help while I prepped my boat. About 15 minutes later, Marty appears on the dock with cups of coffee stating he was ‘fired’ from his duties. You see, Marty wanted to be the boss and the 4 women that were already there had other plans in mind. Anyway, Marty was now free to do what he wanted.

One by one the participants crew members, family and friends starting arriving. I guess it was about 8:30 a.m. before the first skiff fired up her engine and went for a ride to wake the ‘neighbors’ up. Shortly thereafter, a few more skiffs went out to play.

Opening ceremonies for the day started at 10:00 a.m., and after the conclusion of the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, our skippers meeting began. Marty and Chuck Warner as hosts of the event ran the meeting. They began by outlining the day’s events. A parade through the harbor, the photo shoot location and time, and some safety issues. The local Marine Police were scheduled to talk about where we can and shouldn’t run the boats wide open, but they were late in arriving. Marty filled in nicely for them since he spoke with them on Friday. A racecourse was set for the day that was carefully placed by the Marine Police for everyone’s safety.

After this, Chuck made a presentation to Bud Bender, on behalf of all of the skiff family, thanking him for all of his contributions over the years to the sport of Jersey Speed Skiffs. Bud was presented with a jacket that had his name embroidered on the front and Bender Speed Skiffs on the back. Not only was Bud speechless, but there was not a dry eye in the house during the presentation. It was truly an emotional moment, one that makes you think about the how you impact others in the world. After the tissues were thrown away – the day was officially started!

The Skiff Beach Dock was busy all day long! People coming and going, boats coming and going – some with assistance (being towed). Spectators, photographers, thrill seekers, and people looking for rides all gathered on the docks throughout the day.

The rest of Bud Bender’s family arrived on Saturday including his daughter Linda and her husband Tom, and his oldest granddaughter Mary. Rides were given to all! Once again, Bud was treated like a King this day. He was in his element once again, and he continuously had a smile on his face. Bud made many new friends this day, and had the opportunity to renew old friendships.

At 1Pm the Skiffs were loaded once again for the parade of Skiffs through St. Mikes Harbor.  In single line the Skiffs drove past the Museum, Crab Claw Diner, Town Dock, and through the Harbor. It was quite the feeling with people clapping, and boat horns blowing as the Skiffs paraded around for all to see. One of those un-forgetting moments only a Skiffer realizes.

After the parade lap, we were out to the "Photo Course" for some real fun. The boys ran the boats around the course, while I had a boatload of ladies clicking cameras aboard Lena Dolores. I wanted to join them so bad, but this old wooden lady built in 1938 couldn’t match the enthusiasm of the fiberglass boats. The Skiffs shuffled new riders all day to the course and once again, had a ball. The rest of the day flew by, and once again, boats were being towed back in – not to due mechanical failures but empty fuel tanks!

Being a member of the local chapter of ACBS, it was my duty to volunteer to help with the show. I had to leave the docks around 4:00 p.m. to help set up for the Wine and Cheese Party scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. Working diligently against a tight schedule, the crew was able to get the work done, but around 5:30 p.m. a horrific storm blew threw and everyone was looking for shelter. The Big Tent was the shelter and once they started arriving – they wanted food and drink. Many people had to be persuaded to wait until 6:00 p.m. – but a few did slip in to the food tables. Regardless of the downpour, spraying rain and the muddy feet everyone who showed up had a great time.

It was now back to the Best Western to have another party. There were just as many people there as was the night before, but the party ended a little earlier in the evening as many people were sunburned, exhausted, and just plain ‘old running out of steam. Once again, I put my head on the pillow and just kept thinking about how our skiff family is just growing and growing as the events go by and the truly wonderful relationships that are forming…

Sunday: June 15,2003

It was another early rise on Sunday and down to the docks. I wonder if these Skiff outings are relaxing or not. We seem to be on the road early all weekend when we’re supposed to be having fun and relaxing. I guess when it’s our home show a little extra effort has to be put out.

I want to especially thank Chuck Warner our local Skiffhead for the NUMEROUS DAYS he spent at St. Mikes making sure the show was going to be a success. I drove him crazy over some issues that he calmly handled and taught me patience. Just think, we both own houses in Florida now and Sunnylands Chapter will be getting us!!! LOL

Another person, Jeff LaMarco who is a new Skiffhead to the group, took the bull by the horns when we passed the hat for Buds jacket donation. Jeff insisted on taking care of that personally, Thank you.

Jeff and Bud go back some years with laying up boats together. Jeff even got to drive his old boat when it showed up at the show (Fast Forward). He has found a skiff and is in the process of rebuilding it and will be a regular at our shows when completed. Jeff’s wife Maryanne and their two sons are behind the project, so it will go smoothly.

Back to the show,

Some of the Skiffs were being put away early morning and some were removed the night before. The day didn’t seem promising as the prior Friday and Saturday. Through it all some were still giving rides. We started removing the displays for the Skiff Beach, the flowers and signs that were so useful during the weekend. Our new club banner "Classic Racing Skiffs" was the last to be taken down. Skip Gillam had the banner made so we can display it at our shows. He put out the money to have it made and at some point WE would like to start getting back some of the costs WE put out to keep us as a INFORMED GROUP

It was getting near the 11:00 am awards ceremony and we took yet another break to participate in it. Bud was recognized by the entire show at the ceremony for his accomplishments in the Skiff world. He received a standing ovation and again was speechless. Not much else went on this day, I picked up Claire’s scooter from Dave and said our good-bye’s till we all meet again.

Bud Bender, at 85 years young, drives granddaughter for her first ride ever in a skiff and goes over 70 MPH

Couldn't get the smiles off either of their faces! :)