New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) will feature American Power Boat Association (APBA) Council Chairman Jeff “Nemo” Buckley at its next Hulls and Hops Speaker Series event on Thursday, September 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Buckley, a builder, restorer, racer, and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, will discuss how vintage power boat racing can be preserved through mentorship, communication, and a sustained focus on safety. “It’s a wonderful sport and a wonderful sport to share,” he said. “History certainly has a future, but it will take each and every one of us taking someone—a shop student or young worker or teenager—under our wings and sharing the beauty with them.”
As APBA’s former Vintage & Historic Committee chair and current Council Chairman, Buckley said he prioritizes three organizational goals: clearer communication, rigorous safety, and long-term growth. “We made communication our number one goal—telling the stories,” he explained. “Safety was paramount, and best practices mattered because one bad accident could set the sport back.”
Long-term growth was supported by marketing, which he said consisted of “new events, sharing success stories, and helping communities bring vintage boats to their waters.”
As for the meaning of “vintage,” Buckley acknowledged it as “a moving target.” “What’s new today becomes vintage in twenty years,” he said. “Technology evolves, hulls age out, and our boats are living history. Every boat has a story.”
Expressing excitement for Buckley’s talk, NHBM Programs Manager Anne Lennon said the purpose of the series itself is “to connect people to the heritage, technology, and stories behind the boats,” interpreted by NHBM. “Nemo’s perspective on stewardship, safety, and mentorship aligns with our mission and offers practical ideas for sustaining interest in vintage racing,” she added.
During the event, Moat Mountain Brewing Company will serve craft beer and light snacks. Amoskeag Beverages is the season sponsor for the Hulls and Hops Speaker Series. Tickets are $10 for NHBM members and $15 for nonmembers. Click here for more information.
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM offers dynamic exhibits and engaging events and programs tailored to the diverse boating lifestyles and values of people of all ages. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Home Comfort, North Water Marine, Goodhue Boat Company, Belletetes, Eastern Propane and Oil, Kingswood Press and Design Studios, and Watermark Marine.