Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. Collapse Details
    History of boat racing will be on display at Wheeling Regatta
    #1
    What's Happening Serious News's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    7,226
    Blog Entries
    1
    WHEELING — The Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta will turn back the clock even further than normal when it returns to Heritage Port for the 11th time this weekend.


    Along with the dozens of restored hydroplanes that thrill drivers and spectators alike at the regatta — which runs Friday through Sunday and benefits Easter Seals — the event will welcome for the first time three replicas of “Gold Cup” boats that were the forerunners of the modern hydroplane class of watercraft. One, the “Meri J’s,” belongs to Wellsburg resident Jon Meriwether, while the other two, “Compulsion” and “Illusion,” will come all the way from New Hampshire, courtesy of owner Donnie McLean.

    “It’s a 13-hour drive for them to get here, so it’s a really big deal for them to bring these boats down. … We hope that everybody really enjoys them,” said Debbie Joseph, who co-founded the regatta with her husband, Dr. Dan Joseph, in 2006. “They’re all relatively modern boats, but they’re built in the spirit of vintage.”

    Dan Joseph said Gold Cup boats are more traditional in appearance than their vintage hydroplane cousins, which some visitors have commented more resemble airplanes than watercraft. They function a bit differently, too — their V-shaped hulls actually cut through the water as opposed to typical hydroplanes, which feature sponsons that allow them basically to skim on the water’s surface.

    In their heyday, most Gold Cup boats, which were popular until hydroplanes began to take hold in the late 1940s, belonged to industrial barons who were just as competitive in their leisure activities as they were in business.

    “In those days, what would happen is … some guy would build a boat faster than your boat, and throngs of people would be out there to watch a match race between the two boats,” Dan Joseph said, noting those competitions gave rise to competitive powerboat racing in America.

    The Gold Cup boats will give regatta fans something different to look forward to this year, but for Dan Joseph the connection is a little more personal. He’s been told his great-great-grandfather, who owned a lumber mill in Pittsburgh, once owned the fastest boat on the water in the Pittsburgh area.

    “For me it’s kind of fascinating to bring that part of history back to the area,” he said.

    The Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta, presented by title sponsor WesBanco, begins Friday with the pits at the waterfront open to spectators throughout the day, giving visitors a chance to mingle with the drivers as they arrive in town and get an up-close look at the boats.

    The real action begins Saturday morning with opening ceremonies at 9:45 a.m., followed by heats from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a break for lunch. The regatta concludes Sunday with 9:45 a.m. opening ceremonies followed by heats from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    This year’s regatta also will include special activities for children, and live entertainment during the event will be provided by performers including the Joe Zelek Band and New Age Adenas.


    http://www.timesleaderonline.com/new...ay-at-regatta/
    Reply With Quote
     

  2. Collapse Details
     
    #2
    What's Happening Serious News's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    7,226
    Blog Entries
    1
    Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta Set for Friday

    A Labor Day weekend tradition in the Ohio Valley has raised and donated $50,000 to the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center in the last 10 years and this year, they're looking to make another big donation. The 11th Annual Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta happens this weekend at Heritage Port.

    Monday evening, organizers gathered at the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center to put the finishing touches on their plans. As always they will feature a number of sleek raceboats on the Ohio River but organizers have arranged for something new this year.

    Gold Cup Boats will be coming in and to offer rides for those wanting to take a spin on the river. It's a great event for the whole family.

    "As always everything at the regatta is free admission, we don't charge for anything and we want everybody to come down and really have a good time with us," said Co-director of the Regatta, Debbie Joseph.

    Everything kicks off Friday morning at 9:45 and runs through Sunday evening at 5. The New Age Adenas will provide live entertainment from Noon-1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Joe Zelek will perform Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m.

    There are even activities for the kids. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. near the Janie S. Altmeyer Playground, parents are encouraged to bring their kids and have some quality family time with other families.

    All proceeds benefit the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center in Wheeling.


    http://www.yourohiovalley.com/story/...eeling-regatta
    Reply With Quote
     

  3. Collapse Details
     
    #3
    What's Happening Serious News's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    7,226
    Blog Entries
    1
    Reply With Quote
     

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •