One of the key elements to the future growth of our hobby is to encourage young people to become interested and more involved in antique & classic boating. Sunnyland ACBS Chapter Treasurer Terry Ross is working hard do develop a Youth Judging Program again this year which is also sponsored by the good folks at Hagerty Insurance.
This year approximately 20 kids signed up for the Youth Judging Program and visited a number of antique & classic boats during the Sunnyland Boat Festival. The kids ranged in age from 6 to 14, and with judging sheets and clip boards in hand asked the boat owner’s questions about the boats, boat safety, age, model, engine type and most importantly “Why did you name your boat that name?
The kids asked great, informed questions and patiently waited for the owner’s answer as they marked their judging sheets. Does your horn work? Ahhh – No, But I promise to get it working when I get home. What do you have to do to get it to work? I have to repair the corroded wire connections. Until I fix my horn, before we go out on the water for a boat ride, we should always have a temporary horn on board for safety…. Right? Judges – Yes you should!
I carefully explained the history of the boat, the make, model and year and the reason for the two-tone paint scheme of the boat. And why my name was Texx. Yikes!
It was a great experience and I was proud to have been involved in the Youth Judging Program.
We have a ton of photos and stories from the 2010 Sunnyland Boat Festival…. Stay Tuned!
Texx
I presume that they gave your boat high marks.
Texx, It was an absolute privilege to meet you at the Sunnyland Show this weekend. What a whirlwind trip you had just getting there.
The youth programs sponsored by Hagerty Collectors Insurance and the Sunnyland Chapter are amazing and inspirational. They serve as a great example of youth in action and ways that we all can learn to get the next generation involved in our passion of preserving this wonderful history.
Thanks for this inspiring report, Texx.
Al
Thanks Al, it was great to finally meet with you too after reading your informative comments on the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club Forum over the years.
Working with the kids at Lake Dora was a memorable and enjoyable experience. One of many at this year's event.