Unable to secure venue, organizers cancel classic boat show at Lake Tahoe

The 2017 South Tahoe Wooden Boat Classic, an event spotlighting classic boats, has been canceled after the sponsoring organization was unable to reach an agreement to use a local marina for the event.

The show, sponsored by the Northern California/Lake Tahoe Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, has hosted more than 750 classic boats on the docks of the Tahoe Keys Marina since it began in 2008, according to a society news release. The show was developed to educate the public about the historical significance of classic boats and to generate funds to help support local charitable organizations.

The event had grown over the years to become the largest boat show on Lake Tahoe and one of the largest in the country, according to the news release. After months of negotiating, the society was unable to reach an agreement with Tahoe Keys Marina for use of its facilities this year.

“After working closely with the marina for the past nine years, we were unable to come to terms on the financial cost, use of the parking, docks or space for vendors and displays,” Jared Hein, event co-chairman, said in a written statement. “To say we are disappointed would be an understatement.”

Since 2008, the South Tahoe Wooden Boat Classic has raised more than $85,000 for local charities, including the Thunderbird Preservation Society, Tahoe Heritage Foundation, Kiwanis Club of South Lake Tahoe, Sea Scout Ship Challenger 145, Sierra State Park Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Maritime Museum, Tahoe Tallac Association and the South Tahoe Fire Department, the news release said.

The society reported that it is looking for new ways to showcase classic boats and help the local community.

This story was originally published March 16, 2017 at 1:25 PM with the headline "Unable to secure venue, organizers cancel classic boat show at Lake Tahoe."