RACE BOAT THUNDER IN GRAVENHURST BAY
Billed as the greatest antique and classic race boat show in Canadian history, the Antique & Classic Boat Society (ACBS) Toronto chapter held their annual boat show at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, Ontario, July 4-7, 2013.
Also at the same location is the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Center with a host of historic marine displays to add to the day’s enjoyment. If you like old boats this is the place to be!
The show is a long-standing summer tradition and is always held in early July. Many years there have been over 100 fully restored antique and classic boats in the water and on display for the public to appreciate and over the years, the event has grown in size and importance with a wide selection of land displays, flea market, antique and classic boat parts and accessories as well as clothing and gift items for home or the cottage.
There is also an area called the Field of Dreams which is a buy and sell yard of old boats available for purchase.
What made this year’s event unique was the fact that an impressive selection of real racing boats from across the decades were not only on display, but many did demonstration flybys for the crowds with engines roaring and the spray flying. It was a thrill to watch and even more exciting to hear!
The featured boat is the freshly restored Miss Canada IV. This Unlimited Hydro was built in 1950 and challenged for the famous Harmsworth Trophy flying the Canadian flag. She’s powered by a 3000 hp Rolls-Royce Griffon engine that was completely rebuilt in England. It was fabulous to see this boat in real life at the show.
