Unlike 'tupperware yachts', wooden boats possess both soul and class

By ERIC PLUMMER

Sports editor

SANDPOINT — It's all about the wood.

The allure of classic, pristine wooden boats from a bygone era drew hoards of people to the 2006 Sandpoint Wooden Boat Festival on Saturday.

Amid crystal blue skies onlookers admired about 30 classic boats, listened to some festive live music and soaked up some sun at the Sandpoint Marina and City Boardwalk.

"You can cruise with class," said Gary Hammond, of Pasco Wash., whose 1951 Chris Craft Riviera was one of the entrants. "You don't have to go fast to impress everybody."

Beautifully lacquered wood and chrome shone in the sun as a procession of people walked the boardwalk admiring the works of art.

"That wood is alive," said Denny Hamilton of Coeur d' Alene, who also had a boat in the show. "I've had guys step out of their $150,000 tupperware yachts and they salute you in your 17-foot mahogany."

Boats ranging from 17-foot utilities to 29-foot runabouts were not just on display, but were being judged for their overall condition and originality. Most of the entrants were from around the Inland Northwest, and are part of the Antique Classic Boat Society.

"Every wooden boat I see I have to save," said Jim Winslow of McCall, who owns 25 wooden boats. "There's something about working with wood; we see life in that."

Steve Zwarg, of Spokane, was one of the three judges critiquing the boats. He had a soft spot in his heart for a 1935 Garwood that really caught his eye.

"It's the one I'd pick," he said. "The era, the Art Deco lines, the hardware, just an awesome boat."