Boat show arrives Saturday

Admission is free to ‘Mahogany Memories’ event

ESSEX — The Southern New England Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society will present the 34th annual “Mahogany Memories” boat show on the grounds and docks of the Connecticut River Museum on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

The show will feature numerous examples of the finest classic wooden and fiberglass boats commonly seen in this area during the last century, including boats built by Chris Craft, Century, Lyman, Gar Wood, and Elco. Boat owners will be on hand to talk about their boats, exchange ideas and share the joys of using and preserving these beautiful “woodies” and other memorable classics.

SNEC President David McFarlin said, “The SNEC members are always excited to participate in this show at the Connecticut River Museum. They all work hard at restoring and maintaining these wonderful boats and enjoy showing them to the public.”

Christopher Dobbs, executive director of the Connecticut River Museum, added, “We are pleased to host this incredible regional show that celebrates the heritage of fun on the water. It is a wonderful event for all ages that builds interest and appreciation for the wooden boat tradition.”

The Connecticut River Museum’s Boatbuilding Workshop will be on view throughout the weekend. The workshop, geared toward first-time boat builders, allows participants to work with experienced volunteers and go home at the end of the weekend with a 15-foot kayak.

The museum’s team of boat-building volunteers has been running the workshops for five years now, under the leadership of Paul Kessinger, a local wooden boat builder from Guilford.

Kessinger said “This is a perfect activity for adults or families. Best yet, they will get years of enjoyment out of their kayaks.”

For the second year in a row, classic cars from the mahogany boat era will be on display, many of them with mahogany dashboards, chrome hardware, and elegant brightwork that complement the boats.

In addition, marine supplies, artwork, clothing, and boat merchandise will be available for purchase and a raffle will be held at the end of the show.

The Connecticut River Museum is located at 67 Main St. on the historic Essex waterfront.

For more information on the Mahogany Memories Antique and Classic Boat Show and other Connecticut River Museum programs and events, go to www.ctrivermuseum.org or call 860-7678269.