Classic boats make waves

SANDPOINT — From Friday to Sunday, dozens of vintage watercraft dropped anchor at Sandpoint marina for a sun-soaked weekend of events at the Sandpoint Antique & Classic Boat Show.

Boat owners and enthusiasts from across the Northwest celebrated history with boating, awards, and a Saturday parade up and down Sand Creek. 

“It's a gathering of boat owners that have some relationship to a wooden boat or a classic boat,” said Ron Yandt, president of Inland Empire ACBS, the event organizer. “It's also good for the general public to go view boats from the past.” 

While many of the vessels were mid-20th century wooden powerboats, the show included several other vintage yachts — including the show’s first-ever 100-year-old boat. 

Bill Coale, the owner of “Rocket Song”: a gleaming, sky blue 1947 Chris-Craft Rocket, gave insight into the process by which vintage boats can come back and hit the water. 

After Rocket Song was discovered in Spokane in 2006, the then-owner restored it and added its striking color scheme. It was sold and taken to Oregon for a decade before Coale purchased the vessel two years ago. 

“Everything’s original,” Coale said. The owner pointed out the boat’s Chrysler flathead six-cylinder inboard engine — an old but reliable component. “They’re just workhorses. They just last forever,” said Coale. 

After the Saturday afternoon boat parade, another key event at the show took place off the water. According to Yandt, an auction was held Saturday night, and the proceeds were donated to Creations for Sandpoint, a nonprofit community arts and crafts studio in the Cedar Street Bridge Market. 

Yandt’s connection to classic boats goes all the way back to his childhood. 

“I grew up in Coeur d'Alene, and my uncle was a boat builder.” Many years later, Yandt wanted to carry on the heritage, so he restored one of his uncle’s boats with his son in 2010. 

“It's a major undertaking to take on one of these projects, but it's a lot of fun,” Yandt said. “Since then, we got a second one, so we're doing it again!” 

For Yandt, one of the most important aspects of the show is its ability to bring together enthusiasts from far and wide. 

“We have five different chapters in the Northwest represented here,” Yandt said. “You see them once a year ... it’s a good chance to catch up with old friends.” 

    Parade participants approach Cedar Street Bridge.
  

    Spectators wave to a passing boat from the boardwalk by Sand Creek.
  

    Alan Thompson and Alan Wardswoth sit aboard Thompson's boat as they take part in the annual Sandpoint Antique & Classic Boat Show held this weekend at the Sandpoint Marina and boardwalk.