by Jeffrey R. Pyne
We've come a long way in ten years! This year's Heritage Wooden Boat Festival was held in Racine Wisconsin and it was exceptional. The event was held in conjunction with the city's 150th year celebration. The City of Racine closed streets, performed reenactments and provided live music nightly. Our Festival was cosponsored by the Heritage Boat Club and the Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS). The combined efforts, along with the Old Boats, Old Friends committee and All Saints Hospital System, attracted 54 boats to the Festival. Many attendees were new to our show, including some vintage runabouts and large schooners.
The weather couldn't decide its own course, but the spirit of our group could not be dampened. The harbor was well protected and offered comfortable mooring with clear viewing of the boats. It was quite rewarding to see spectators walking the docks in the rain and sunshine, day and night, appreciating our efforts and welcoming the skippers and their crews to Racine. All Saints Health Systems also sponsored the "Tall Ships" to join the celebration on the river. Radio interviews and several newspaper articles primed the public for our appearance.
We sponsored a free barbecue on Friday. The culinary skills of the ACBS members were greatly appreciated. Saturday's dinner and awards banquet was held at the Radisson Harborwalk just steps from the harbor in Racine. The food was very good and Festival awards were given to deserving skippers. The Radisson also provided luxury lodging for many of our boaters and their families. I personally found it a welcome balance to sleep in air-conditioned comfort, eat warm food and still have my boat outside.
The Sika Flex Challenge was again a highlight of the Festival. The technology, preparation, and quality of design never ceases to amaze me. My vessel, for instance, was built so well that during the sea trials it only leaked from the top!
Thank you to all the directors, members, ACBS members and friends who helped us organize this year's event. I've been to all ten of our Festivals, but this one had a special significance. We've demonstrated that our Club can work outside of Chicago and be appreciated by other cities. We have had interest expressed to bring the 11th annual Heritage Wooden Boat Festival to Hammond, Racine, and two sites in Chicago. Please call us at our toll free number (888.613.8958) if you have an interest in working with us to carry on this decade-long tradition.