Annie started crewing for us at the first Wheeling regatta. The next year, her sister joined in. Last year, the whole family came to our rescue when Rum Runner's trailer hitch failed as we were heading home after the regatta. Ty (Annie's dad) took me to Tractor Supply, where I bought a new hitch (a better design), safety chain and grade 8 bolts. With new parts in hand, he lead us to his body shop, where he replaced the old hitch and safety chains with the new. 

Working on Annie's boat

Robert is preparing to remove some access plates so we can remove the bolts holding the safety cell to the main stringers.

Removing some finish to reveal an access panel. Note the aft cowling behind Robert.

It took a few hours to free the cell from the hull.
I cannot imagine how long it would have taken had we not had a Fein Multi-Master reciprocating saw.

Out it comes....finally.

With the "old" removed, we can now install the "new" (actually older, original) cowlings.

With the cell removed, we placed the old engine cover over the engine to keep the rain off. 
Here, I am about to tow the boat to the tractor barn where we will remove the steering shaft, clean the interior, 
and re-plumb the engine coolant lines before we install the "new" cockpit and engine cowlings.

Here is a photo of the cowlings I bought from Steve Balcer. We have installed them on Annie's boat. 
This will give you an idea of how it will look.
 

With "new" cowlings in place, Annie's boat is ready for the trip to Wheeling, WV.

The conspirators (Robert, David, Dan and Debbie) gather at the Quaker Steak Restaurant to celebrate with Annie.
 

Debbie Joseph helps Annie Glasgow celebrate the arrival of "Annie's Boat".

Debbie and Dan Joseph and two reporters from the local Wheeling newspaper met us at Heritage Port, the site of the annual Wheeling Raceboat Regatta. When the Glasgows arrived, there were many welcoming, warm hugs and smiles in spite of brisk, cold winds of winter's approach. Following an interview and photo session at the river's edge, I towed the boat to Ty's shop, were everyone could inspect it in warmth and comfort... And so they did with much enthusiasm, banter... and a few cold brews for the adults. 

The Intelligencer & Wheeling News Register
Christmas Comes Early For Young River Racer
http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/531637.html

Plans were quickly made for the celebration to continue at Quaker Steak, a newly opened restaurant with a motor sports theme. The building was created to resemble a vintage service station. Inside, hanging from the ceiling, one can view a Corvette, a sprint race car, a NASCAR winner (vehicle that is), motorcycles, and more. Photos of more vehicles and drivers decorate the walls. Dan surprised me by taking me to the "lube-rack", where cool ones were being served, and large photos of vintage race boats, including one Rum Runner, our Jersey Speed Skiff, hung above the entrance. I thought, 'Wow! Now this is really cool!' Apparently, as the restaurant was being built, Dan and Debbie had stopped by and suggested that the place should include photos of race boats. They then supplied the large (poster size) photos. This will surely help promote our Vintage division. What a great idea! The fun continued until full tummies, good spirits and time dictated Dan and Debbie tend other obligations. The group then headed to the Glasgow's home and continued the celebration until a few folks (young and old) began to feel the effects of a long, exciting day.

David Wagoner