2022 Wooden Boat Show a Fantastic Success!
After 2 years of cancellations, I’m pleased to send out this report on the success of the Wooden Boat Show on Sunday, June 26th. “The numbers are in” so to speak, and along with the many comments and notes of “thanks” that have been received, it was a fantastic weekend that helped revived the spirit, energy, enthusiasm and engagement of the MMBA membership, the MMBF Board and our supporters at the Corinthian and San Francisco YC.
The harbor was full of beautiful boats of all sizes and character, and the docks were full of visitors - the count at the gate was 470+!
There are so many people to thank. So many who helped in big or small ways to make this year’s Wooden Boat Show a tremendous success! I’ll name a few here who deserve a special callout:
To the members and officers of the Corinthian Yacht Club for hosting the boat show and this event. To the staff of the Corinthian Yacht Club for their support and attention to detail that makes this event run smoothly and allows the public to join us and be treated to a lovely experience on the docks and around the club.
The officers and Members of the San Francisco Yacht Club for assisting with the berthing of boats moved from the harbor to make room for the show.
To the unstoppable Randell Von Wedel, MMBA Friend and supporter for so many years and in so many ways. He is the Corinthian Yacht Club member who orchestrates the communication with the CYC members who’s boats are moved to make space for the Wooden Boat Show. Not only does he communicate and manage the process, but he physically does much of the work as well. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Randell for making the show possible.
To MMBA Staff Commodore and MMBF board member Bob Rogers – who has put in a tremendous amount of effort, time and personal support to make the show happen. It is a monumental task. An all volunteer effort to attract, organize, move, temporarily relocate a collective of 60+ boats. And to Bob and Colleen Rogers collectively who have supported the show and some of its expenses with personal generosity.
To Hans List, MMBA Board member and Boat Show co-chair who has marshalled the membership to participate and helped with the huge task of finding temporary berthing for the boats that are moved. Several members trust Hans to move their boats for them. This year that was an extra challenging task and we so much gratitude to Hans for helping.
I think my experience counting the ballots for the People’s Choice Award captured it all:
There were 133 ballots cast (still just a fraction of the number of people at the show)
23 boats got at least one voteNo boat got more than 20% of the vote – people love all kinds of boats!
All ages of visitors voted - the handwriting ranged from the precise, to the elementary scratch of a kid
One person kept meticulous notes on the back side of the ballot (sign them up to be a judge!)
And one person voted for “the model boats” because the joy he saw in kid’s faces was “priceless”
The perpetual awards given at this year’s show are:
Stone Cup Trophy – Best of show/Restored vessel Best boat, Professional Restoration: HURRICA V, Mark & Maureen Sanders
People’s Choice Trophy – As chosen by ballot of attendees: HURRICA V, Mark & Maureen Sanders
Corinthian Trophy – Sweat equity-owner maintained or restored: KAY OF GOTEBORG, Neil & Ellen Gibbs
Alma / Al Lutz Perpetual Trophy – Biggest change in one year: CHANCE, KC Crowell
Everyone had only good things to say about the entire weekend. I’m energized and delighted and forever grateful for the generous effort and good will of all that made the show possible.
Sincerely,
Bill Conneely, Commodore