Event to Feature Huckins Motor Yachts, Antique Boat Parade
A collection of mint condition Huckins motor yachts will highlight the 37th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous at Mystic Seaport Saturday and Sunday, July 28-29.
The event showcases original-condition and restored vessels built before 1970 including cruisers, sailboats, runabouts, and launches. Visitors are invited to see the displayed vessels Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. An award competition will recognize excellence in restoration, authenticity, and workmanship.
The 2012 Rendezvous will pay tribute to the Huckins Yacht Corporation, an 84-year-old yacht building company based in Jacksonville, Florida. Huckins is recognized as one of the oldest, continuously family-owned boat builders in the United States. Frank Huckins was the nautical mastermind behind several firsts in the marine industry, including the first true fast-planing yacht on his trademarked Quadraconic hull form. Examples of the Huckins yachts will range from 40 to 61 feet long.
In addition to the antique boats, the Austin-Healey Club of America will display vehicles on the Village Green from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Examples of the entire Austin-Healey line – 100s, 3000s, and Sprites – will be on hand for visitors to view and talk with the owners.
Saturday evening will also be the setting for the Museum’s Rum Runners’ Rendezvous. This year will be a surfing-themed night of food, drink, and dancing.
Music will be provided by the Driftwoods. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person and include dinner and drinks. Tickets can be purchased by calling 860.572.5376 or at https://mysticseaport.wpengine.com/.
Sunday at 12:30 p.m. the classic vessels will take part in a three-mile parade down the historic Mystic River. Each boat will be announced on the shore at Mystic River Park as it passes through the iconic bascule bridge on its way down river to Fishers Island Sound. Townspeople and tourists will line the parade route to see the boats and their crews in what has become a highlight of the Mystic summer season.
For more information, please go to mysticseaport.org/acbr.
About Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan. The Museum is located one mile south of I-95 in Mystic, CT and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit https://mysticseaport.wpengine.com/.
