Engines, Elegance, and Echoes of the Past
By Mark Okrant
Some of us underestimate the important role that New Hampshire has played in the world of competitive sports, both in the past and present. The Highland Games, NASCAR events at the Motor Speedway, Laconia World Championship Sled Dog Derby, as well as the Mount Washington bicycle and foot race competitions, all draw entrants from near and far. Close to home, there is a very popular event that takes place every two years in the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Spectators, drivers, and their crews all agree that the Wolfeboro Vintage Race Boat Regatta is one of the premier vintage race boat regattas in this entire country. In September 2025, the 14th biennial running of this prestigious regatta marks the event’s twenty-fifth anniversary.
The regatta is designed to recreate the spirit and excitement of historic boat races that were held during the 1920s in Wolfeboro Bay. During those times, it was common to see triple cockpit Gar Woods, Hacker Crafts, and Chris-Crafts plying local waters. Races were segmented into outboards and semi-speedboats, and the prestigious Irwin Cup was awarded to the fastest boat to complete the event’s multi-lap triangular course.
The idea to revive those events arrived in 1999, when a group of vintage and antique boating enthusiasts convinced the boat museum to play host to its first regatta in September of 2000. Almost immediately, it began to draw participants from up and down the East Coast, parts of the Midwest, and Canada. This fun-filled two-day event takes place on beautiful, historic Wolfeboro Bay. It is presented by the New Hampshire Boat Museum and is sanctioned by the Vintage and Historic Division of the American Power Boat Association (APBA).
Perhaps owing to the fact that there is no charge to be a spectator, not to mention plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the two days, the regatta has grown at a remarkably rapid rate. Today, it attracts crowds numbering in the thousands. One of the aspects that makes the regatta so popular is that visitors have several excellent perspectives to be spectators while drivers show off their spectacular vintage race boats that date from the 1920s – 1980s. Insiders have told us that the event is a haven for collectors of memorabilia and various souvenirs. There are also many ways to support this event through memberships, donations, and corporate sponsorships.
One of the most popular elements of the entire two-day event for spectators is the process of moving boats from land to water. During the regatta, vintage hydroplanes of all sizes—which must be handled very carefully—are managed in an area known as the “Hot Pits,” a secured section alongside the public town docks. When not in the water, hydroplanes must remain on their trailers due to their instability. Cranes consisting of two tall side frames, also known as travel lifts, carry each hydroplane up from its trailer, into the water, then reverse the procedure after racing. Each boat is specifically fitted with its own sling to ensure that it can be moved without damage. During this procedure, spectators remain behind a fence situated near, but not too near, to the hot pits.
Vantage points that are available along the course at Wolfeboro Docks provide optimal viewing opportunities. Thus, spectator participation is actively encouraged in four ways—by providing: up-close views of the actual racing, interactive ride opportunities, driver meet-and-greets, and a festive waterfront atmosphere.
The public portion of the 2025 New Hampshire Boat Museum’s Race Boat Regatta is scheduled for September 12 and 13. As spectators watch from the docks, drivers will demonstrate fly-bys according to their boat class. Here is the full schedule of events during this year’s regatta:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
5 – 7 pm Welcome
Reception for sponsors, participants, and volunteers at Mueller/McLean Boatworks in Alton
Thursday, September 11, 2025
8:30 am – 5 pm Driver check-In at Back Bay Boathouse, Wolfeboro—participants finalize paperwork and preparations
6 – 8 pm Participants Dinner at Back Bay Boathouse, with special dinner discounts for regatta entrants
7 – 9 pm Hulls and Hops Lecture Series, featuring guest speaker Jeff “Nemo” Buckley (APBA Vintage & Historic Division Chairman), paired with offerings from Moat Mountain Brewing – held at the NHBM Moultonborough campus
Friday, September 12, 2025
8 am Opening Ceremonies showcasing the Triple Cockpit Runabouts at Wolfeboro Town Docks
8 am – 5 pm Vintage Race Boat Heats on the race course – with heats every 20 minutes
12:30 and 4 pm. Promotional boat rides – a “ride of a lifetime” for spectators and enthusiasts alike. These events offer a rare chance to take a spin aboard vintage race boats in action—definitely a worthwhile experience
5 pm Daily Closing Ceremonies wrap up the day’s action
6 – 8 pm Cocktail Party – location to be announced
Saturday, September 13, 2025
8 am Opening Ceremonies, again featuring the Triple Cockpit Runabouts at Wolfeboro Town Docks
8 am – 5 pm Vintage Race Boat Heats continuing with the same frequency of heats (every 20 minutes)
12:30 and 4 pm Promotional boat rides – a “ride of a lifetime” for spectators and enthusiasts alike. These events offer a rare chance to take a spin aboard vintage race boats in action—definitely a worthwhile experience
5 pm Weekend Closing Ceremony to mark the end of racing
6 – 9:30 pm The Barn at Inn on Main, with cocktail hour and buffet followed by presentation of awards to race boat drivers
As stated earlier, the public has an opportunity to come and appreciate this very special event. Lest you be concerned about the safety of any attendees, the organizers have taken full precautions. To summarize, these are: 1) Spectator access has been strictly controlled in the Hot Pits and other boat maintenance areas; physical barriers are in place; as have been liability waivers. 2) Volunteer patrol boats will be controlling all access points to the course and dock areas; boundaries will be under strict management. 3) All spectators in attendance at the regatta must stay 50 yards away from the water; should anyone ignore this regulation, authorities are prepared to halt the event as is necessary.
For more information, contact: (603) 569-4554 or museum@nhbm.org.