Chautauqua Lake Classic Watercraft Show

Antique And Classic Boating Society To Hold Weekend Show By Sharon Turano, sturano@post-journal.com POSTED: July 6, 2009   US POINT - Andy Robinson was on his way to buy his wife a hot tub one day when he saw a boat. It wasn't just any boat, however. The boat Robinson saw was a classic boat. Those wanting to see the boat he bought and refurbished, fittingly called "Kay's Hot Tub," can do so Saturday. It will be one of about 50 antique and classic boats taking part in the Chautauqua Lake Twin Tiers Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boating Society Inc.'s 12th annual show when boat enthusiasts from across the country, including Robinson, will converge at the Village Casino and Docks. William R. Reynolds III is president of the local chapter that puts on the show. He said it was begun by the North Coast Ohio Chapter of the boating society. Due to logistics and distance, local members took it over about three years ago, getting their own chapter and keeping the event on Chautauqua Lake. "I believe our hobby is one we can share with many walks of life," said Reynolds about the local group that now has about 49 members. Besides, said Bill Baldwin, a director of the chapter, the boats the members own are part of American history: a whole era, in fact, and one he thinks is disappearing. "History is a memory - what happens when you lose it?" he asked. Instead of worrying about that, Baldwin and others work on the boats Reynolds said he takes pride in having. The boats also have a way of "jogging memories" of those who view them. They recall trips on similar vessels, not to mention mesmerizing the younger crowd that only knows about turning a boat key in modern life, said Reynolds. Robinson questions what those youth really think of the modern vessels, however. He said he can pull into a dock next to a new, expensive type when 10 people run over to help him dock or ask about Kay's Hot Tub when the boat next door draws no one. Past Chautauqua Lake boat shows have drawn thousands, and Baldwin likes that. There is something about the people, he said, adding he has lived in various spots across the country but likes to return here, where he finds "a different breed of boater." "They get out and do things; they don't just talk about it," he said. Tony Hopfinger, show co-chairman, said owning a classic boat is a passion he wants to share. In fact, said Reynolds, members do not always want "a trailer queen," high-end museum piece of a boat, but, rather, to spread the word about the boats they enjoy. They encourage others to join the society that has about 8,000 members across the country and about 49 locally. The chapter has a youth development committee, Web site, will hold a local workshop in August, along with attending a national symposium, having a local winter gala and more. The chapters' members are inviting all of those who want to view their boats to the 12th annual show Saturday. A welcoming party kicks off events Friday when people can register from noon to 4:30 p.m.. Registration will also be held from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, with judging from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Public boat viewing is from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. before a 6 p.m. cocktail hour and 7 p.m. awards banquet. Sunday events include a boat cruise from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For information on the boats, show or chapter, visit www.cltt-acbs.org or call Reynolds at 763-2201. Subscribe to Post-Journal