Steve Compton dropped us a line to let us all know that Vashon Unlimiteds has started working on the MISS THRIFTWAY again and there are updates on the website, http://www.missthriftway.com
In addition, George Compton has turned over the THRIFTWAY TOO and there are also a few photos posted on the site of his work.
 
Joe Johnson is restoring the former Ed Sharp, Norberg 280 hydro, BANDIT, E-16. The boat has 1/8" wood on the top decks and, he believes, 3/8" for the bottom and sponson bottoms. Joe would like to go to 1/4" (Twin Ply Marine Birch-5 Mil.) for both top & bottom because the company he gets his marine wood from doesn’t offer 1/8" & 3/8". He welcomes thoughts and suggestions from others on the 1/4” ply idea. Joe has also acquired two of John Leach's 273 Plymouth motors that ran in BUCCANEER, E-101. The motors are in superb shape and machine work is planned. The blocks will be “dip tanked" and line bored. “Being able to use the time period motors are a real plus for us”, Joe reports. He’s also looking for a wing, the up-rights and cowlings for a Norberg. Joe can be reached at: (Work)812-265-3132 (Home)812-866-8940 or E-mail drummerjoe_55@yahoo.com

New York’s Geoffrey and Maryanne Mead are the proud new owners of the ALTER EGO, F-1. Geoff plans to do a complete and accurate restoration on the famous Hallett and return her to the original 1952 hull lines, Rocket Red color and Flathead power plant. Geoff would appreciate any photos and information that would help in his extensive research. Contact Geoff at:  geoffmead@optonline.net   

NOTES: 
Artist Alan Ameel is now offering beautiful art prints of Vintage Unlimited hydroplanes through his new website at:  www.hydroartprints.com.

We’re glad to hear that Vintage/Historic East Coast Rep, Bob Moore is doing fine and feeling better each day. Bob said, “Sorry I missed Clayton, really missed seeing all the "Vintage People" who I only get to see there”. 

REPORTS: 
We hope for a speedy recovery for well known inboard racer and builder Henry Lauterbach, who underwent triple by-pass heart surgery on Sept.10th. Henry is now at home and those wishing to send cards and well wishes may send them to Henry at: 4525 Glencove Drive,  Portsmouth, VA. 23703-4011. 

ON A SAD NOTE: 
Kay Hallett of Alameda, CA. passed away on August 13th at age 93. Kay and her late husband, Fred, officiated APBA Outboard, Inboard and Unlimited races. The Hallett’s Marine shop was located next door to the California Speedboat Association’s clubhouse where Kay served for many years as Secretary and publisher of the club’s newsletter, “Channel Chatter”. In 1975 Kay became the first woman to join APBA’s Honor Squadron. Kay’s years of dedication to APBA included: Council member at large; Regatta scoring sub-committee; Honorary Inboard Race Commissioner; Historical Society Director; acting Official, Referee, Scorer and Time Trial Rep. Kay will lovingly be remembered as the matriarch of Region 11 racing. 
 

BOB SILVA’S WEST COAST REPORT:
Clayton’s Race Boat Regatta-“The Big One”
Yes! I had another great time at the Clayton Antique Race Boat Regatta. It was 30 years ago that the Museum land was the site of a dilapidated boat works and lumberyard. Through years of dedicated hard work, along with donations and personal collections, it is now the location of an internationally recognized museum. The latest addition, built in 2001, is the Gold Cup Building. Who would have guessed, back in 1992, when just seven hydroplanes attended Clayton’s first APBA sanctioned Vintage/Historic Regatta, that in 2004 they would have 123 entries? The Regatta brings together boat racers, designers/builders, restorers, engine builders, historians and enthusiasts from Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States. You meet people at Clayton who gather together nowhere else. The first time I attended, back in 1996, I thought I’d stepped out of a “time capsule” and landed in the pits of an early 1970’s race. I still marvel at each regatta because, whether outboard or inboard, there is always something new and different to see. For example: Phillip Sharples unveiled his Offy powered GOLDEN DAYS, a stretched-out version of his 1939 Haurin designed runabout BAMBITA. If you love racing, you gotta’ love the sound of an Offenhauser! Larry Lauterbach was giving rides in Terri Hoffman’s brand new two-seat conventional hydro, LAUTERBACH SPL.,TS-1. The Mahogany and Red, Chevy BB-powered conventional kept returning to the pits bearing passengers wearing wide grins. Marv Hart, the Regatta’s race chairman, had his newly restored CANADIANA GRAND PRIX, on display. The blown Chevy powered GP-222, on its tilt-trailer, was a stunning sight in front of the Museum. The Jerry Longtin designed hull was formerly part of the five boat stable owned by Canada’s Aubert Brilliant. Brilliant burst onto the scene at the San Diego Nationals with driver Art Asbury, 3 hydros and an SK runabout, back in 1963. Clayton also features the largest running of the gorgeous mahogany Gold Cup step-hydroplanes anywhere in the World. Powered by exotic race engines, it’s a joy to not only see them but to hear them roar up and down the St. Lawrence. The variety of vintage inboard hydros alone, representing a dozen different hull builders, is a history lesson in itself. From Blide to Wickens they can all be seen at this regatta. But really, Clayton is about people. Whether sharing old racing stories, photographs and history or boat design details, it’s the fun of making new friends and reuniting with old ones. 
I hope my friends, Bill Mehan and Byran Milazzo, from New Hampshire are feeling much better after their “wild ride”! A big “Thank You” to rescue boat operator Brian Small and crew, the many Regatta volunteers, and the participants who help to make Clayton’s Antique Race Boat Regatta - “The Big One”.