Lake Tahoe Concours D’Elegance on August 11-12: nation’s most prestigious boat show

THE LAKE TAHOE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE celebrates its 45th year on August 11-12 at historic Obexer’s Boat Company in scenic Homewood on the West Shore.

The Concours, presented by the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation, showcases the world’s most well-known and historic classic boats. It has grown into the most recognized and prestigious boat show in North America and is the longest running boat show on Lake Tahoe.

Each year a “Marque Class” is selected by a panel of nationally known classic boat experts and judges. Each Marque Class— including historic lakers and launches, racers and runabouts, barrelbacks, Gar Woods or Rivas—is designed to bring a unique element and theme to the show.

The Concours celebrates its 45th anniversary by featuring the world’s best classic utility boats from various manufactures. First introduced after the Great Depression in the early 1930s, utility boats overtook runabouts in popularity after World War II.

These boats are a “jack of all trades” to enjoy a complete day on the water. Utility boats are ideal for fishing and fast enough for water skiing. The open concept was perfect for piling in family and friends.

This marks the fourth consecutive year the Lake Tahoe Concours is hosted at Obexer’s Boat Company, whose origin dates back to 1911. Obexer’s, home of the first wooden boat dealership on Lake Tahoe, offers attendees sweeping lakeside views, casual shopping, and a true marina experience.

The Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance comes from modest beginnings. In 1972, a group of Tahoe Yacht Club members and friends gathered at Chamber’s Landing on the West Shore to share their love for wooden boats. It quickly grew in recognition for the quality of boats exhibited, the highest judging standards, and, most of all, a shared passion of wooden boats between exhibitors and the public.

Social gatherings add to the excitement of Wooden Boat Week and the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance, including the barbecue and awards presentation on Friday evening, an intimate Gala Dinner & Dance, a Men’s Grill, a Ladies’ Luncheon on the Lake, and a Woodie Over-The-Bottom race. All events are open to the public.

For tickets and more information visit LakeTahoeConcours.com.

Maritime Museum
The Tahoe Maritime Museum in Tahoe City is a “must-see” attraction when visiting Big Blue this summer. At a new campus-like location at 401 West Lake Blvd., the museum offers exhibits that present stories and artifacts of Tahoe’s maritime past. The collection features historic water- craft, engines, water-sports gear, interpretative displays and archival materials.

Big Blue Gets a Refill
Since the start of the snow melt season, over 72 billion gallons of water have poured into Lake Tahoe, according to federal water managers. They say Tahoe will fill to the brim this summer for the first time in 11 years, and the total amount for a water-year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 30) will be record-breaking. Enjoy boating, fishing or swimming at the lake.

(Photo: Kial James)