In September, spectators witnessed one of the most successful Vintage Race Boat Regattas in the nearly 30-year history of the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM).
“It provided people with a great opportunity to see vintage race boats of different styles — from hydroplanes of various sizes to Jersey Skiffs and more,” said Executive Director Martha Cummings. “This was just one out of two days in the year when boats in Wolfeboro Bay can go faster than the speed limit.”
A biennial event, the Vintage Race Boat Regatta is a re-creation of historic races that were held in Wolfeboro Bay in the 1920s. “Racing used to happen more regularly on Lake Winnipesaukee in the 1920s to the early 1950s when there was less boat traffic on the lake,” added Cummings, who said the Regatta capped off a successful year.
Other highlights this year at NHBM included a Virtual Online Lecture Series, Community Sailing Program, Model Yachting, and youth, family, and adult boat-building classes. NHBM also developed and premiered a rowing exhibit, “Who’s In The Boat?”, in which visitors explored New Hampshire’s relationship with competitive and recreational rowing.
“Attendance was really strong, comparable with numbers pre-pandemic, so we are so thankful for the continued interest and support of our visitors, members, and sponsors,” said Cummings.
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM is committed to inspire people of all ages with an understanding of, and appreciation for, the boating heritage of New Hampshire’s fresh waterways. 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 Goodhue Boat Company, Eastern Propane and Oil, Stark Creative, KW Lakes and Mountains, Meredith Village Savings Bank and FL Putnam.