The Tarpon Springs Antique Boat Show – by Paul Richardson

As I do each day, I open up my e-mails and see what’s going on with friends, family and those unwanted solicitations. As I read through the important ones I saw a request from Jack Rouse asking for anyone interested in helping with a new west coast boating event to please reply. Thinking I may be of some help as a west coast resident, I replied. The event was something that the club had been asked to do in the past but never had been able to put together. I told Jack I would be happy to check out the facilities and report back.

A visit to the Tarpon Springs Yacht Club followed where I saw a great opportunity for the club. There was a large area for a land display; there were several docks for water display; and as I later learned, even spaces for motor homes. The Yacht Club has a wonderful dining area and cocktail lounge that would certainly work for all in the event of bad weather. After reporting back to Jack on my findings he suggested I take on the event as chairman and pointed me in the right direction.

As the event date rolled around, several boats arrived on Friday and the Yacht Club gave everyone a warm welcome. Thanks to Bob Pillsbury for his help on Friday in coordinating the arrivals and displays. He also made sure that everyone found the needed libations in the Yacht Club pub.

Saturday morning the balance of the 12 registered boats arrived filling the display area. Several captains decided to launch at the public ramp near by and set out on a cruise. In addition to the boating, the historic downtown area of Tarpon Springs provided a great lunch to those who ventured into town. The sponge boats docked along the waterfront gave everyone a first hand look at the catch of the day as they returned to port. The sponge museum showed the history of the brave men and women who first explored the ocean floors seeking the raw sponge product.

Meanwhile back at the boats, the locals who stopped by and Yacht Club members enjoyed swapping stories with all who displayed their boats. The social hour was highlighted by the “golf ball game” and prizes were given to the lucky few who mastered it.

While the facilities, the downtown tour as well as the boating was wonderful and the highlight of the day was the magnificent seafood festival dinner at the Yacht Club. The variety of succulent seafood was prepared to perfection by the club chef and his staff. Everyone in attendance agreed this was

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