"Woods and Water" International Boat Show

The world’s finest wooden boats will be on display at “Woods and Water,” the 40th annual Antique & Classic Boat Society’s International Boat Show, held in the Brainerd Lakes area of Northern Minnesota.

Before the official festivities kick off in Northern Minnesota, dozens of classic boats will be on public display on Saturday, Sept. 19, during a preview event at the docks of Lord Fletcher’s on Lake Minnetonka, near Minneapolis. During the preview event, spectators can enjoy drinks and food while perusing a selection of the beautiful boats that will be on display at the official international show.

Boat enthusiasts will then venture north for the official Woods and Water festivities. Classic boat owners will spend several days touring Northern Minnesota’s breathtaking lakes, and the highly anticipated program culminates with the grand event: a boat show held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25 and 26, at the docks of Bar Harbor on Gull Lake in Northern Minnesota. Spectators can enjoy music, food and drinks while viewing more than 150 classic boats. A full schedule of events appears below.

“Each year, the Antique and Classic Boat Society gives thousands of spectators the rare chance to see some of the finest boats in existence,” said Dave Bortner, co-chair of the 2015 Woods and Water event. “This year, as we mark our 40th anniversary, the event is bigger and better than ever, complete with great music, food and drinks. And peak fall colors are expected to provide a breathtaking backdrop for viewing these spectacular boats.”

The Woods and Water events are free to the public, and key highlights include:

• More than 150 of the world’s rarest and most coveted antique boats

• More than 500 classic boat owners

• More than 10,000 spectators

“We welcome anyone who is curious about the world of vintage boating, especially a new generation that is passionate about American craftsmanship,” said Steve Shoop, co-chair of the 2015 Woods and Water event. “We’ll have experts on hand who can explain how attainable, reliable and easy to maintain a vintage boat can be, contrary to common misconceptions. There is increasing interest from a new generation of classic boaters in vintage fiberglass boats from the ‘50s through the ‘80s, which can be very affordable and easy to care for.”

SCHEDULE:

Preview Event: 40th Annual Rendezvous on Lake Minnetonka

Friday, Sept. 18

· Lake Minnetonka cruise launching from the docks at Lord Fletcher’s restaurant

Saturday, Sept. 19

· Boats on display at Lord Fletcher’s

Pre-Show Events in Northern Minnesota

Sunday, Sept. 20

· Welcome dinner at the Bar Harbor Supper Club on Gull Lake

Monday, Sept. 21

· Cruise the Whitefish Chain of Lakes

Tuesday, Sept. 22

· Day two of Whitefish Chain Cruise

Wednesday, Sept. 23

· Gull Lake Cruise

Thursday, Sept. 24

· Antique & Classic Boat Society’s annual general meeting, held at Madden’s

· Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum tour in Alexandria

Official International Boat Show

Friday, Sept. 25

· Official International Boat Show at the docks at Bar Harbor on Gull Lake

· Scholarship auction at the Anderson Classic Boat Museum in Nisswa

Saturday, Sept. 26

· Official International Boat Show at the docks at Bar Harbor on Gull Lake

· Annual banquet and awards ceremony at Madden’s

For accommodations in the Brainerd Lakes area, please visit Nisswa.com.

For more information on the weeklong event, visit woodsandwater2015.org. Dock space is limited and made available on a first-come, first-served basis, so those interested in registering a boat are encouraged to do so quickly.

ABOUT THE ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC BOAT SOCIETY INC.: Founded in 1975, The Antique and Classic Boat Society Inc. has grown into the largest society in the world dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of historic, antique and classic boats of all types. Today there are 55 local chapters spread across the United States and Canada. This year marks the Antique and Classic Boat Society’s 40th anniversary, as well as their 40th premier International Boat Show.