For the first time in five years, the annual BSLOL Rendezvous was held on Lake Minnetonka.
For the first time in 29 years, this annual event did not take place in August. September 11 and 12 were the dates this year and the mahogany gods were smiling on us and gave us an absolutely perfect day. Bright sun, warm weather the entire weekend – it could not have been better. Following are comments from the various members involved in the success of this years show.
From the Show Boss – Jeff Stebbins
I cant tell you all how good it feels to have a boat show return to Lake Minnetonka, help BSLOL as show boss and take complete responsibility for the best weather on a weekend we have had all summer. Thanks to Peggy Merjanian, A J Rhude, John Kinnard, John Tuttle, Jim Camery, Doctor Bob, John Laidlaw, Mark Setterholm and all the volunteers who worked so hard to insure the success of the show on such short notice. Having the Rendezvous during Apple Days in Excelsior really made the show a community event, something I personally have desired for a long time. If you measure the success of a boat show with full docks, a wonderful array of quality boats, beautiful weather, great attendance, the enjoyment of meeting old friends and making new ones, I would say this was about as successful as we could ever have hoped for. I sincerely wish we can do this all again next year and for years to come.
The Popular Mini-Cruises – Bob Johnson
The mini-cruises this year were a big success despite the short notice for planning. Because there is no charge, we never really know who exactly will show up. Some people sign up and dont come (about a third of the people) and some come who didnt sign up. To counteract the uncertainty, I arranged with the various restaurants to let us come in and order off the menu just like any other people who come in. This prevents us from being on the hook for pre-ordered meals for those who dont show up (and dont pay.) They let us do this because we come early 5:30 p.m. for dinner and 11:30 a.m. for lunch.
Wednesday evenings Club Cruise was the best-attended ever. Mary and Denny Newell brought their 36 1930 Blanchard for the first time with a neighbor couple. Jerry Petersen and Dan Severson from Wisconsin were the only out-of-towners; otherwise it was our usual crowd. Jayme Hines Skiff Craft set a record for the number of people on board. I counted 23 and there could have been more at other times. (Editors Note: For the safety conscious, there were sufficient life jackets for all passengers.)
On Thursday afternoon and evening we had about 11 boats and 25 people who cruised from Wayzata to Al & Almas for dinner and back to Wayzata.
Friday was the big day. Eighteen met for breakfast at 8 a.m. at Sunsets before departing at 9:30 for the morning cruise. At 11:30 we had lunch at Maynards, followed by a tour of the Minnehaha at her home dock. Then we cruised into the upper lake and took advantage of the new docks on Lost Lake in Mound. From there we walked to Todd Warners Mahogany Bay museum and showroom for a nice tour and refreshments. Then back to the boats for the ride back to Wayzata.
I was happy with Mini-Cruises 2004 and hope we can expand them next year. I would appreciate your input.
Editors note: Bob has been organizing our mini-cruises for several years and has always come up with terrific, well-planned events. This year presented quite a challenge both in time to plan and location. His expertise was more than obvious once again. Anyone wishing to give Bob feedback, you can reach him at 952-380-1505 or email the editor at datamerj@aol.com.
Saturday Night – Brad Ernst & John Tuttle
The weather, mood and enthusiasm spilled over to our Saturday night event. More than 100 made their way to the Minnetonka Yacht Club Island – some came by land, others by lake. Suza Gosh helped direct the land-lubbers to the shuttle boats. Our thanks to John Kinnard and Jayme Hines for providing this convenience.
After watching the picture postcard setting sun – an extra special treat – it was time to eat.
A terrific Barbeque Picnic Dinner of grilled pork chops, beans and salads were the menu for the night. Chefs John Tuttle and Brad Ernst labored over an immense charcoal pit, while Chris Ernst, Beth Kessler and Marcia Tuttle served at the buffet
table and kept the food coming! A delicious, beautifully decorated BSLOL sheet cake topped off the evening. It was a perfect night in every way.
Awards & Judging – Bob Johnson
The awards and judging went well this year. I think it was a lot easier on the judges having fewer award categories and boats to look at. The winners for 2004 begin on page 16. In going over the list, three boats stand out to me:
Denny and Mary Newells 1930 36 Blanchard won Best Antique Cruiser and Best Original
Condition.
Karl and Katy Newmans 1955 Chris Craft 20 Holiday won Best Classic Utility 20 and over,
Best Chris Craft Engine and Best Chris Craft.
The Hicks Familys 1929 Chris Craft 28 triple won Best Antique Runabout 23 and over,
Skippers Choice and Peoples Choice.
I want to give special thanks to the judging teams; they did a great job!
Mike Favilla & Kathy Newman, Eric Gustavson & Bruce Zemke, Dave Doner & Mark Setterholm
Bob Johnson & Andreas Rhude, Bob Clark & Jim Kluck, Eric Lomen & Ron Martens, Dane Anderson & Steve Hicks, Jerry and Chuck Petersen & Scott Anderson, Lee Pfeilsticker & Don Severson, Nathan OConnor & Sherwood Heggen, Beth Kessler & Terry Young.
Last, but not least, I want to thank Greg Benson and Peggy Merjanian for creating the awards. I would like to hear from anyone with suggestions or who would like to be on one of our judging teams. Call me at 952-380-1505 or email datamerj@aol.com.
Ships Store
Once again John & Suzanne Laidlaw ran our Ships Store with their usual organized professionalism. The variety of merchandise continues to increase; they always have a pulse on what the visitors look for. In addition to our exclusive line of BoatHouse items, theres always a wide selection of books – from the full set of Real Runabouts (a definite staple) – to specialized manuals on just about every brand and type of boat. Because of the Laidlaws
management, our stores popularity increases with every event. Our thanks to those who help staff the store over the course of the weekend. They are: John Bergstrom, Ginger and Stan Bolin, Chris Ernst, Margo Garin, Steve Hicks, Donna and Kevin Kenny, Peggy Merjanian, Don Schloegel, Dave Thomson, Marcia Tuttle and Susan Zemke.
On the Docks
Given the limited dock space available to us, the number of boats on display was quite a feat! The dock crew, led by Brad Ernst, did an amazing job! Thanks to John Tuttle, Andreas Rhude, Dave Doner and Jayme Hines for the remarkable maneuvering. As a last resort, in an effort to accommodate as many boats as possible, boats were pulled out of the water and displayed on land. Our thanks to Andreas Rhude, Clark Oltman and Alan Lizee for doing that.
Under the Big Top
Activity was constant at the registration tent all weekend. John Kinnard was ever-present, as he always has been for every show, for many years. From his position, he created necessary paperwork, kept track of all the winners and so much more. In the other (smaller) tent, wristbands were provided to those who went onto the docks for an upclose view of these great boats. At times, there was quite a waiting line. Needless to say, the docks were crowded just about all the time.
A Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society
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