PORT HURON, Mich., — The Antique and Classic Boat Society announced today the dates for its 43rd Annual Meeting and International Boat Show. Each year the ACBS convenes an International Boat Show in a variety of locations across the world. For 2018, the Michigan Chapter is hosting the meeting and show in Port Huron, Michigan, September 14 and 15, with a pre-show Poker Run kicking off the festivities on September 9.
The Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic, antique and classic boats and provides education about their heritage. The ACBS has about 8,000 members organized in 58 local Chapters in the USA and Canada and one Chapter each in France and Sweden.
The show’s title “Boat the Blue” pays homage to the strikingly blue water Lake Huron is known for and ties nicely into this year’s theme: “bring your boat home” With a rich heritage of boat-building in the Great Lakes region, the 2018 theme invites boaters from around the globe to come back to the boat-building’s hometown. Within the ACBS, the majority of participating boats were either built or designed by companies in the area, including Chris Craft, Hacker, Garwood, Dodge and Belle Isle Bearcats.
Free boat rides to the public are available again this year. Unique to the show when it’s held at Port Huron, the protected but open waters of the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit River give everyone an opportunity to experience boating at its best. Last September, over 400 rides were given, with many of the classic cruisers in the 30′ to 60′ length participating.
As the premium boat show of the season, ACBS attracts antique and classic boats from all over the USA and Canada, from as far away as the continent’s west coast. More than 150 boats will grace the docks at the River Street Marina. Due to the worldwide acclaim this show has garnered over the years, attendees can anticipate a wide range of rare and unique boats will attend, including ones made of wood, classic fiberglass and metal.
The show will be held at the River Street Marina, which is nestled on the banks of the Black River, with 140 slips in the heart of downtown Port Huron. Some of Port Huron’s finest entertainment, retail shopping and dining establishments are within walking distance from the vessels. A curated collection of vendors, including food, accessories and industry leaders, will be available at the show, along with family-friendly activities and classic cars.
Open to the public, the show is free. Boat show viewing hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is free parking in the St. Clair Community College parking lot, 323 Erie St., Port Huron, conveniently located right at the River Street Marina.
For More Information
contact Jack Warren of the 2018 planning committee
519-784-3639
BoattheBlue.com
Boat show facebook page
