Vintage Hydroplanes Envisioning the Future on Lake Chelan

I’ve talked many times about the enjoyment I derive from learning more about the sport of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing. Part of that education process is learning what “got us here.” It was the vintage hydroplanes that muscled their way across Lake Chelan in beautiful Eastern Washington recently (and their cousins of course) that had a hand in forming the foundation for the “unlimited fun” that we enjoy today – and helping us envision the future of the sport.

First, some perspective.

In Honor the Past, Challenge the Present, and Envision the Future, I make a case for the need to keep infusing the sport with new fans, teams, and personnel. To prevent the sport from going the way of the Elks Lodge, we must continue to cultivate new interest, from younger people.

So how do we do that?

There are many ways of course, but one that is a good litmus test for getting people with the right mindset, is to “Honor the Past” through fun and very eye-pleasing examples of the history of the sport. Getting people who have an historic bent to their interest are indeed valuable additions to the sport.

As current fans of the sport, we are lucky to have displays like the Mahogany & Merlot Vintage Boat Event that just took place at Lake Chelan. It was billed as an “on-the-water” boat show and an event perfect for the entire family. The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Seattle provided beautiful vintage Unlimited Hydroplanes. There were also restored vintage inboard ‘Limited Class’ Hydroplanes, and antique and classic mahogany runabouts from the Golden Era of pleasure boating.

Miss Bardahl. Miss Thriftway. Miss Wahoo. Miss Burien.


Yes, these are what “got us here.” The success of these boats (and many others) is what allows us today to encourage people with the right heart to get involved in an exhilarating sport. Involvement that we need for future success.

Whether it was WWII aircraft power plants, or automotive-based engines, they were the “envelope-pushers” of the day and provided us with a way to look back fondly – an important element for future success.

We have wonderful boat manufacturers today, but what about the likes of Chris-Craft, Century, Gar Wood, Yandt, Hacker and others?

Amazing.

Lake Chelan is a beautiful venue for anything water related. Add beautiful classic boats, food, beer, wine, and a sense of nostalgia, and you have a wonderful way to honor the past excitement of a great sport – and solidify its success in the future.

Thank you Chelan, for helping us envision the future by honoring the past.

Dave


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3 thoughts on “Vintage Hydroplanes Envisioning the Future on Lake Chelan

  • July 15, 2016 at 3:51 PM
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    We’d love to see the sport expand – and revisit Lake Chelan. Be sure to let H1 know your wishes so they can have the fans’ perspectives in mind. http://www.h1unlimited.com

  • June 6, 2016 at 3:32 PM
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    I grew up in Chelan in the 50s and 60s remember well the great thunderboats like Bardhal miss Thriftway etc. I have only one question was the event at Chelan a one of a kind or will there be more vintage hydros on lake chelan?

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