No April Fools here, just Boating Fools!
April, 2013

Keels & Wheels Just a Month Away!


Keels & Wheels is just around the corner. A number of people volunteered at the February meeting for ramp duty, but we could use a few more folks. Please let Robin McGeorge know if you can help out with this important work. Opportunities to be on the judging team may also still be available. Check with Bob Van Guilder.

  

As you know, we receive a contribution from the SW ACBS chapter in recognition of our work at Keels & Wheels. This contribution is an important part of our treasury, and directly funds social activities at the Ride 'n Show. So show your support and sign up for launch ramp duty.

Mark Your Calendar! Harvey Party May 31, Ride 'n Show Sept. 27-29.

This year will see a return to Ray and Carol Harvey's for our season kickoff (invitations forthcoming). The date is set: May 31 beginning at 7 p.m. The Harveys' home is an idyllic venue for a warm evening of WBA fellowship.

We've also firmed up arrangements with the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce (thanks Scott Self and Jim Wolfe) to have the Ride 'n Show as part of a major event, September 27-29. Don't miss this one!!

WBA Makes Good on Project Promises

Bob Adair, Lew White and David Kanally; with loading help from Jim Donovan and Dave Peiffer, delivered ten Yellow Jacket benches to donors in Denison, TX on March 20. Denison Yellow Jacket cheerleaders and football players were on hand for the ceremony. See full photo update.

The Antique Boat Museum's Curator of Watercraft, Emmett Smith, unloads a 1947-vintage crate containing Chris-Craft replacement planks donated by Vance Sparks through the WBA on March 8 in Clayton, NY. The planks are a tangible example of Chris-Craft customer service.

Hibbs Presentation Highlights Riva Celebration!

WBA member and Riva devotee Billy Hibbs shared an entertaining and informative presentation on Carlo Riva's 90th birthday celebration which Billy and wife Tisa attended in Italy along with other Riva owners from around Europe and the world.

Above left, the Hibbs enjoy a cruise on Lake Iseo, with the Riva Yacht Yard in the backgroud. Above, Tisa asks a gracious Carlo Riva to sign a poster during his 90th birthday party. Billy Hibbs is really a car guy, but he admits being smitten for life by his 1960 Riva Ariston. Thanks, Billy!

Grand Prix Projects Moving Forward!

Above, left and right, Mark Wilson is making measured progress on his '68 Grand Prix at the Lucas Shop. Foredeck framing is coming along, and Mark is very happy to be fitting side planks again for the first time in a long time.

 

Below, left and right, Marc Hill is applying coat after coat of varnish (7 coats at press time) to his '68 Grand Prix in an undisclosed, dust-free location. Hill is a little ahead of Wilson. Wilson calls Hill's boat his "template."

Next Meeting April 18th. Don't miss it!

Join us on Thursday, April 18th at 7 p.m. at Two Guys from Italy at 11637 Webb Chapel Road, just south of Forest Road. WBA Treasurer and benefactor John Parish will be giving away one of his many boating and woodworking related books as a door prize. At this month's meeting, the winner will be able to choose a book from a selection of woodworking and boat-related volumes. Robin McGeorge will be on deck with a hands-on repair presentation that will add to your vintage boating knowledge!

Join us for a light meal and moderate libation at 5:30 p.m. at Two Guys from Italy prior to the meeting. We encourage you to join us for dinner, so we'll always have the required minimum number of diners to avoid a room charge.

Shop Talk and Musings:

Our friends over at Eagle Mountain Lake have set the date for this year's Wood, Waves & Wheels show...Saturday May 11. That's a full week after Keels & Wheels and will give all of us a chance to display boats once again, this time in a venue in the DFW Metroplex. We've always had a pretty good showing at this show, so let's keep the momentum going and support our fellow skippers in Fort Worth! Entry forms have already been sent to you via email, but if you need another one, just let me know. On another note, many thanks to all who were involved in the Yellow Jacket Bench project. The folks in Denison are over the moon with the outcome...not only the benches, but also the energy the project created for the entire fundraising effort for the renovation of Munson Stadium, home of the Fighting Yellow Jackets. Also, we'd like everyone to know that the Chris-Craft planks donation story has been included in the winter edition of The Brass Bell, official magazine of the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club. If you become a member, you can read this and many other wonderful classic boating stories on line!

And, finally:

Please take a look in the shed or garage for the leftover parts or other saleable items you can donate to the club. Bring them to any WBA meeting, or contact David Kanally at david@historywithheart.com for pickup.