Including an update from our Lucas Shop!
October, 2009

White Rock Event Sees over 500 Attendees!

Above: Ray Harvey's Hemi-powered '56 Chris-Craft Capri was a real crowd pleaser.

By any measure, the Classics on White Rock event last Saturday was a roaring success. Original attendance estimates of 200 were blown away by mid-morning. The hot dog crew of the Corinthian Sailing Club had to make three runs to the market to replenish supplies, and before the day was done, 572 hot dogs were served. The weather could not have been more pleasant. There was enough breeze to keep the clubhouse cool and allow for sailboat rides for the public. The temperature never reached 90. Heirs of S.C. "Pop" Willis, Dallas-based maker of Willis racing and recreational wooden boats from the '30s through the early '60s, came with family photo albums and model boats to share, enabling us to create the Willis Boat Works History project. Read more here. See photos here. Read a 1953 Popular Science article found by Charlie Varner here.

Below: Ideal weather and a beautiful setting collaborated for a memorable day.

  

Above: Charlie Varner came all the way in from Grandview, TX with his uber-rare Willis outboard.

Corinthian Sailing Club Commodore Dudley Baine kicked off the event, introducing Dallas City Councilman Sheffie Kadane, who read the Classic Wooden Boat Day mayoral proclamation. Bilge Pump's own David Kanally spoke on behalf of the WBA, followed by BJ Ellis from For the Love of the Lake.

Nine boats were displayed, including three Century Resorters brought by Phil Wolff, Les Burton and Bob and Peggy Cutler; Vin McMaster's and Ray Harvey's Chris-Crafts, Mike Gomes' Gar Wood, Tom Weber's Yellow Jacket, Charlie Varner's Willis outboard and David Kanally's Cowell.

Discussions are underway to make White Rock an annual event. Photos by Richard Haug.

Below: (l-r) Councilman Kadane, David Kanally, BJ Ellis, Corinthian Sailing Club's Phil Morris, and FTLOTL President Susan Hello.

Calling All Boats for State Fair of Texas!

We need at least six boats to commit to displaying at the State Fair of Texas on Columbus Day, October 12. The event will give great exposure for the club, and aquaint youngsters with our hobby.

  

Please contact Bob Van Guilder ASAP at (214) 957-3692 for details and credentials. Help us continue this annual tradition!
Hill Country Show This Weekend

A number of our Dallas-based WBA members are packing up for the southerly trek to Lake LBJ where the annual Hill Country Boat Show will be held this weekend, Oct. 2-4.

  

The event promises to be a great one, returning to Horseshoe Bay's lovely shores this year. The event includes a show on Saturday along with runs, special events and a banquet.

Lucas Update: All hands on Deck!

Above: Troy and Robin fasten the trim pieces on the foredeck with silcon bronze screws. Plywood underlayment for deck planks is in place.

Below: Robin checks the fit of the original foredeck planks, which will be used as patterns for cutting the new mahogany for replacements. Plywood underlayment will add strength and help stabilize the plank seams.

Troy Marshall's 1948 Hacker

Above: More than 1000 of these bungs will have been glued into place and faired by the time the project is complete.

Below: Nicely re-chromed original hardware is aligned on the aft deck. Duct tape protects the lifting eye when the Hacker needs to be hoisted for bottom access or for rolling the trailer underneath.

Slate of Officers to be presented at next meeting October 15--Don't Miss It!

Join us on Thursday, October 15th for our monthly meeting and renew some old friendships. We'll be presenting the slate of WBA officers to serve for the coming two years, so be there to vote! The slate is as follows: President: Jim Wolfe; Vice President: David Kanally; Secretary: Gay Perry; Treasurer: Mark Webster.

Also during the meeting, WBA Secretary Richard Haug will be presenting Shepherd Boats. You'll be amazed at the number and enthusiasm of members in attendance. We've been seeing some faces from the past as well as new members! The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 15th at the Midway Point at LBJ and Midway Road.

Join us for a light meal and moderate libation at 5:30 p.m. at the Midway Point prior to the meeting!

Please take a look in the shed or garage for the leftover parts or other saleable items you can donate to the club. Bring them to any WBA meeting, or contact David Kanally at david@historywithheart.com for pickup.