Classic boats cruise into Cd'A

COEUR d'ALENE — Beautifully restored, rebuilt and preserved classic boats will be displayed this weekend along the Floating Boardwalk at The Coeur d'Alene Resort during the Coeur d'Alene Classic Boat Festival.

More than 60 boats are expected to be displayed on Aug. 26 and 27, according to a press release. Most of the boats in the show will be gleaming mahogany, the release adds, with several early fiberglass and aluminum models represented as well.

"With no boat judging, this festival is a laid-back one where classic boat owners can come and go as they please, sharing their gorgeous boats with the community and getting to socialize with other classic boat owners," the release states.

North Idaho has a long tradition of local boat building, and that tradition continues with contemporary classic wood boats built by Coeur d'Alene Custom Wood Boats. The company's work will be on display with two boats, Pure and Sizzler, being featured.

The Pure, according to the release, is a 34-foot runabout that was hand-crafted from imported African mahogany and western red cedar.

"The Sizzler is an incredible one-of-a-kind wood sailboat designed specifically for

Lake Coeur d’Alene," the release states. "The entire yacht is sailed single-handedly by her owner using an array of sophisticated hydraulic controls. She is 60 feet long with a 94-foot-tall mast, displaces 42,000 pounds, and has 30 coats of mirror-smooth finish."

Resort Shop Boat Service and Business Manager Eric O’Brien is looking forward to the festival. He notes, “Wood boats are timeless. They bring back memories for some and open up new possibilities for others. They are elegant and classy and completely different from modern boats.”

The Festival runs this weekend, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information call Eric O’Brien, Resort Boat Shop service and business manager, at (208) 661-0792.