Ride 'n Show a Toasty Success!

The Hilton Bella Harbor was a perfect venue.

In spite of stifling, record high temperatures, the 2011 Ride 'n Show was a success, according to the good crowd that gathered for the weekend of August 26-28 at the Hilton Bella Harbor in Rockwall. The hotel provided a comfortable headquarters for the event, including nicely air conditioned restaurant and bar facilities, to say nothing of the hospitality suite provided by Elizabeth and Mark Webster. Nearby restaurants served as dinner venues.

Websters catch some 106-degree air on Sunday's run!

The weekend was highlighted by a diverse showing of both wooden and fiberglass classic boats on the city docks just in front of the hotel. Finding shade where they could, participants enjoyed the day, which concluded with a water ski show by the Metroplex Mavericks show ski team. Saturday night included a sail aboard the 40-foot wooden catamaran Seawolf. Sunday's run was fabulous.

Watch a video. See a slideshow.

Evening Sail aboard Seawolf a Rare Treat

Scott and Jan Self were the perfect hosts, skippering their hand-made, 40-foot wooden catamaran Seawolf, with Ride 'n Show attendees aboard for an hour-long nighttime cruise on Lake Ray Hubbard at 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 27.		The wind kicked up a bit and the temperature dropped to tolerable for the peaceful sail. The wide and stable catamaran was the perfect platform for an evening of fellowship and laughs. Thanks to Scott and Jan!

Cowell Presentation Reveals Juicy Secrets!

Entitled "Cowell Boats - The Rest of the Story", David Kanally's presentation at the August 18th WBA meeting revealed the raucous past of Cowell Boat Works founder Thomas Cowell. Cowell began his boating career as a speedboat driver for the notorious Purple Gang in Detroit, delivering prohibition-era hooch from Canada, just across the Detroit River. Cowell would soon team up with the Semple brothers from Erie, PA who began their own, independent rum-running operation across Lake Erie from Port Dover, Ontario, Canada to Harbor Creek, PA, near Erie.

Drawing on the book, "Midnight Herring" by Erie history professor David Frew, the presentation included stories ranging from the acquisition of the lakeside tract that would eventually house Cowell Boat Works to the actions of a brave Benedictine nun who singlehandedly shut down a speakeasy adjacent to the Cowell property. After prohibition, Cowell went on to be successful in a number of businesses, including Cowell Boat Works. Kanallys own a 1957 model of the rare lapstrake outboards. Learn more.

Next Meeting is September 15 at Midway Point, Don't Miss It!

Join us at the Midway Point on Thursday, September 15th for the next monthly meeting of the WBA. We'll be discussing upcoming events such as the Austin Hill Country show at Horseshoe Bay and other fall plans. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 15th at the Midway Point at LBJ and Midway Road.

Join us for a light meal and moderate libation at 5:30 p.m. at the Midway Point prior to the meeting.

Shop Talk and Musings:

If anyone can come up with a way to create cool weather in August, just let me know. We've finally found the perfect venue for our Ride 'n Show, but in the words of the song from the Broadway Show, "Kiss Me Kate", it's TOO DARN HOT! Conversations have already begun about changing the date to a cooler time of year, like April, when we won't interfere with other major boating events. It can be windy in April, and it's only weeks apart from Keels & Wheels. The Rockwall venue is great, but due to distance, it's an "away game" even for some DFW area residents. Can we do two away games within 30 days? What do you think? Let me know, or just come to the September meeting and register your opinion. Special thanks are due to Elizabeth Webster who did most of the legwork on putting the lodging, dining and social activities of the Ride 'n Show together. The Websters took it upon themselves to host a swanky Hospitality Suite, complete with libation in WBA logo cups and yummy appetizers. Jim Wolfe and Scott Self also did more than their share, arranging things with the City of Rockwall folks to make sure our event was affordable and successful. Walter Hill deserves honorable mention, too, since he's been quietly lobbying to move the event to Lake Ray Hubbard for years now.

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 Phil Wolff at myoldboats@gmail.com for pickup.