Mahogany Magic: Tahoe’s Concours d’Elegance and Maritime Museum

THE 44TH ANNUAL LAKE TAHOE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE is August 12-13 at historic Obexer’s Boat Company in Homewood, the birthplace of wooden boats on “Big Blue.” This year, North America’s premier wooden boat show features the marquee class of Chris-Craft racing runabouts.

The racing runabouts were first built 80 years ago. Only 50 of the pre-war 19-ft. racers were made in the initial production from 1936-1938. Chris-Craft re-introduced the racer in late 1947. This version became one of the most popular wooden boats.

Most of the post-war racers were sold in western states such as California. About 100 of them call California home. Lake Tahoe has always had a major fleet of racers. It is one of the best 19-foot boats to have when the lake gets rough.

Concours attendees step into a bygone era for the two-day show. They enjoy historic venues, breathtaking views from the scenic West Shore, unique dining and shopping experiences, a wine village, and some of the world’s most exquisite wooden boats. For information and tickets, visit LakeTahoeConcours.com.

Tahoe Maritime Museum

Founded in 1987, the Tahoe Maritime Museum began as a small seasonal display in Sugar Pine Point State Park. Later, it was based in Homewood. Now the Museum has moved to Tahoe City where it plans a campus with a small library, meeting spaces, a boat restoration building, and a collection storage facility.

The Museum’s summer exhibition is “On the Water: Sport and Leisure at the Lake,” celebrating Lake Tahoe as a summer playground for boating and other water sports. The summer hours are Thursday-Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 401 West Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City.

During the summer, visitors can ride on Lake Tahoe aboard IV Phunn, a beautifully restored 22-ft. 1947 Chris-Craft Utility. Reservations are required at 530-583-9283.

(Photo: “Alone at the Lake” by Elizabeth Carmel)

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