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For sixteen years we have gathered up selections from our ever-growing fleet of boat designs and trundled cross-country, making stops for the benefit of those who may have seen our boats only on the internet. This year's edition featured demos in Wisconsin, California, and Washington. Our fleet has grown, but our travel trailer is at the maximum practical size, which meant that this year it took THREE trucks and trailers to field a big booth at the WoodenBoat Festival in Port Townsend. It was worth it! Thanks to everyone who tried out boats, or just gave us a friendly wave on the highway.
Our first stop was at Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison, Wisconsin. It was a VERY busy day for Jack and Dillon and we are indebted to Rutabaga for making their launch spot available!
Then it was across Big Sky country to Newport Beach, California. We've used the Newport Aquatic Center's fine beach for many years now.
The scene early on at Newport Beach.
Next came Folsom Lake in Sacramento. Sacramento isn't everyone's first thought of a demo spot in California, but it has consistently drawn the highest attendance of any of our "away games."
There's a nice beach, calm water, and plenty of parking.
Sacramento is also the home of Larry Froley, paddleboard guru and our West Coast agent. He brought a bunch of Kaholo and San O' paddleboards.
Then north, to Port Townsend and the 40th annual WoodenBoat Festival.
The new CLC Teardrop Camper made the 7000-mile round trip on its on wheels, giving Blaine (outbound) and Geoff (inbound) lots of opportunities for scenic camping. Here it is in the South Dakota Badlands.
Camping in Yellowstone National Park.
Loads more comfortable than a tent!
Another great shot by Blaine, taken near Yellowstone.
The WoodenBoat Festival really is a FESTIVAL. There's loads to see on shore, but everybody goes sailing each afternoon. Here we captured Jon Lee's PocketShip (red), CLC's PocketShip #1 (blue), and a lug-rigged Skerry in close formation. (It was an interesting race.)
One of the great things about this show is the number and variety of homebuilt boats on display. Wish we had room for photos of all of them! Here's a closeup of Jon Lee's PocketShip.
Frank Ward did a spectacular job building this strip-planked version of the Annapolis Wherry Tandem from plans.
Plans for strip-planking the Annapolis Wherry Tandem are available for skilled builders.
Dave Clemmer was slicing around the waterfront in this beautiful Annapolis Wherry.
John presented a seminar on fiberglassing over wood. Here, he demonstrates how to keep epoxy off your clean trousers.
While not a boat, the Teardrop Camper seemed right at home at the WoodenBoat Festival and was thronged for three straight days.
And then it was time to head back east. Teardrop Campers #1 and #2 met up at Grand Teton National Park. Geoff Kerr and his daughter Sheldon built #2, and took the photo.
Meanwhile, Jay encountered megafauna in North Dakota.
We'll be back on the road in 2017!
