Cypress Gardens Antique & Classic 
Boat Rendezvous - November 4 & 5
by Maureen & Jerry Valley

Cypress Gardens is arguably one of the most beautiful settings for a boat show that we’ve had the pleasure of seeing, to date. Cypress Gardens is one of the earliest and oldest attractions in the state, dating back more than 50 years. Probably best known for its water ski show, the Gardens are situated on Lake Summit and Lake Eloise, about 30 miles west of Orlando.

The boat show is located in an area of the Gardens called Cypress Isles, a series of small palm-tree-covered islands connected to the mainland by arched wooden walking bridges and looking out over Lake Summit. The boats (75 in all) were displayed around the perimeter of the islands and along a boardwalk which skirts the shore. There were also a few boats displayed on land, including an absolutely beautiful 21 foot Cobra owned by Stan Wojciechowski of Tavarres, Florida.

The boats on display were, in general, of the highest quality and represented all of the major U.S. manufacturers including, from the LOL area, Thompson, Dunphy and Larson. Terry Feist, new president of the Sunnyland Chapter, had his 18 foot Cobra on display in the water. Stan and Darleen Petersen (formerly from Iowa but now Mt. Dora residents), had their just-completed 1946, 25 foot Red and White, Little Nell II, on display. Stan did an outstanding job on this restoration.

There were also a number of reproduction race boats, including six Jersey Skiffs, which periodically went out onto the lake where a race course had been set up, and provided some exciting racing for the crowds.

Following the ski show, all the boats paraded in front of the grandstand to the delight of the crowd. As each boat approached the stands, its year, make, owners, and any interesting details were announced. They then generously offered rides to members of the audience and there were plenty of takers for a spin in one of these classic beauties. Of special interest were three Centurys that had formerly been used at Cypress Gardens to tow the skiers. We humbly submit that the Mastercrafts currently in use didn’t hold a candle to them in design and quality of workmanship. 

A word about Cypress Gardens itself. Lovely southern ‘belles’ paraded in their lavender and pink tulle ball gowns amidst the boats (and throughout the gardens) providing an antebellum touch one only finds in the south. Cypress Gardens is a delight where one’s eyes feast on topiary animals, waterfalls, meticulously manicured flower gardens and a Banyan tree that rivals that which is found on the island of Maui, in Hawaii!! The water ski show featuring gravity defying feats of water gymnastics (going a mere 50 mph) delighted the standing room only crowd. 

We carry with us images of shiny mahogany, bristol white hulls, majestic palm trees, Hibiscus blossoms the size of dinner plates and the graciousness of the Florida Sunnyland Chapter of the ACBS. This show is already on our calendar for next year!

Maureen and Jerry Valley
Still living on the road and loving it!