Tavares 2009

Where We Have Been

Tavares Station Regatta

Tavares, Florida 2009

By Susan & Ted Parkhurst

The Classic Race boat event in Tavares just keeps getting bigger and better. All the planning and preparations before hand have really paid off. Hats off to race director Marty Ferry & crew. The boat inspection and registration went off without a hitch the safety inspection was thorough and preformed quickly. Friday we got settled in, got the boat and trailer parked and numbered for easy retrieval when it was our turn in the water. Riley and the tractor crews have things down to a science. Pit Boss Mike Yobe had the course laid out and had the ramp in good order. Greg Sheldon had the flags set up ready to go, Claire and Fran had registration under control. Paul Mezyk had the rotation line-up in order and placed all the boats in their classes and heats. Dick Daly received the boats after inspection and placed them together in the pits where they belonged for easy retrieval. I was amazed at the turn out of Hydros, all sizes and looking like the owners have spared no expense in their restoration. They should be proud of the end results.

Friday night we went to the cookout at Tavares Station, the food was tasty and the catering was top notch. We all enjoyed the evening it was easy to talk to ever one. There was plenty of room. The band was a nice touch.

Saturday things went great. The water was a bit rough but you get used to it after a while. Maybe just seemed like it to me...... Maybe just jitters first time out. We got to see first hand how fast Duff Daley in Oh Mona is. This is the first time I have seen him let it fly in these events. Water conditions were right for him! Humm, why does it seem bumpy for me! Duff's boat is bullet quick and sets flat and smooth, it was by far the fastest smoothest running circle boat I have seen so far. Thank God Duff was in the other rotation... Duff stopped in the back stretch and we all thought he had a problem. Marty noticed Duff had switched places with his son, and I'm sure it will be just a matter of time before junior is hot shoeing it like his dad. We ran two heats each day and had a ball. We kept the boat in the water and were ready to go when we were up. There is no question the Skiffs (all 21 of them) and the Hydros were out in force. They both put on a great show both days. The fans got their moneys worth, it does not get any better than this. There were two heats in both Skiffs and Hydros morning and afternoon. I think there were 68 boats in the pits and 18 on land display. I think Tom D-Eath drove someone's boat in every heat including his own skiff!. The runabouts and Donzi's put on an exciting display they stayed together and made it look like it was close but I think Lee Hildreth's Donzi was the boat to beat. The Seven Liters and Grand Prix's were at their best both days, it was a bit rough but they put on an exciting and loud show. The smaller Hydros were a real treat. Bobby "Pappy" Moore in his "Hi Q" was smiles from ear to ear running like old time with the flathead V60. They are almost as fast on the straights but looked faster to me in the turns. Mike Yobe’s new cab over ran flawlessly it is hard to believe he just finished the boat a few weeks ago he had all the bugs worked out. The announcers made it even more interesting with their commentary as the boats were running. Tavares police helped patrol the course perimeter and were also calling in radar readings.

The vendors had plenty of good food and drink. The jerked pork sandwiches are my favorite. There were plenty of choices I think I gained a pound or two. I liked the addition of the exotic car show, it provided an interesting concept when the boats were not running.

Greg Sheldon did a great job with the flags they were easy to see in the new location. CRA used scaffolding to elevate the flagger and it made for an organized start and finish. Tom Wark was in the rescue boat all day, while Tim and Terry Ross were in Mike’s boat patrolling the perimeter making for a safe and wake free event. Jerry and Bob were out in his Malibu also patrolling the perimeter. The pits were kept safe by Russ Matos who checked for passes at the gate. It was a good Idea to open the pits after the crane stopped running. There were a lot of people interested in the boats.

Everyone who ran their boat owes it all to the people who volunteered their time and experience to make this a safe and enjoyable event for spectators and participants. We thank all of you for you time and effort it makes for a wonderful weekend and memories for everyone. Dick Whyte, president of CRA, did the presentations at the end of the show. He handled it smoothly and effortlessly, I think he has done this before.

I must admit, from the fun and interesting events I've seen Classic Raceboat Association produce to this point, I am looking forward to Roar N" Soar at Fantasy of Flight already.

P.S. By popular demand, I heard thru the vine, they are exploring St. Pete's for the first or second week in February 2010!