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player ready...Lyle Lewandowski of Hobart was looking for weekend activities for visiting relatives when he heard about the recent Clocktower Model Boat Race on Lake George.
“My three nephews are into boats and this event was perfect,” Lewandowski said while the family observed the colorful boats zipping around the racecourse. “I had no idea this was such a popular sport, there’s quite a few people out here so early in the morning.”
The four-day event has been offered for eight years, with boat enthusiasts traveling from many areas, according to Nikki Lopez, Hobart events director.
“Boaters come from all over the world for this race — it is the biggest and best in the world of it’s kind,” she said. “We have three countries and 23 states represented this year.”
In all, 65 entrants registered to vie for more than $15,000 in prizes in categories based on motors, radios, and fuels.
Clifford Zeek of Lombard, Illinois, brought two of his six model boats to compete in the race. One uses a special blend of alcohol and nitrogen as its fuel source and one uses gasoline. Zeek’s two boats were entered in different categories each of the four days of the race.
“I’ve been here in Hobart every year since this model boat race began,” Zeek said as he fine-tuned his boats. “I’ve been working with model boats for more than 30 years and have entered many competitions. When I retire next year, I’ll be able to devote even more time to this hobby.”
Noelle and Matt Kietzman of Hobart brought their nephews David, 4, and Danny, 7, to the lakefront to watch the action.
“This is a fun time for all of us,” Matt said. “I heard that these boats could go up to 80 miles an hour. You don’t get to see that everyday.”
Danny nodded in agreement. “I might want to do this racing when I get older. It looks very awesome,” he said.
Pam Mellon of Hobart viewed the contest on the lakefront with her grandsons Zander, 3, and Gannon, 6.
“The boats have really caught their attention,” she said as they shrieked with delight at the white spray coming from the boat’s high speeds. “This race is interesting to adults as well.”
The boat enthusiasts participating in the races set up dozens of tents. They bought tools and other necessities to tweak their entries before the races began.
“This is something I never saw before,” said Petey Gifford, 10, of Hobart, as he watched the contestants work on their models. “Now I just asked my Dad if we can do this as a hobby. It looks very cool.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.