Hay Dan, Nothing is quite like those Allison engines when you are sitting right on top of them blasting from Chambers Landing to the Tahoe City Yacht Harbor!!
Yes I know Tony Brown and I had a chance to see him at Chambers just before the Concours d' Elegance this summer. It was the first time "Split Second " was in the water. They were having a little "friendly" invitational race.
Tony was there with Dave Olson on the boat "Wild Horses" that Tony built for him in the mid '90's. Old style, but new construction, better bottom for a great ride.
"Split Second" was built at the Homewood Boat Works, which is just across the street from Obexer's Marina. 34 feet long, styled after a 1930's race boat, but again with more modern techniques that build strength without the weight of solid mahogany, like Tony's boat "Blind Faith" ( an absolute FAVORITE of mine since the late'80's).
All thru 1990's working on Tony's boats, my associate and I upholstered MANY award winning boats, Best of Show many years running.
"Split Second" was my first attempt at a boat other than covers in about 15 years. First one I ever did that I was not working behind someone else's work, since it was a new construction, (started last November and launched late July 2013) She is FAST!!!
A great ride too with a bottom similar to "Wild Horses". 2 seater bench seat cockpit, with a hide-away extra 2 seater bench seat hidden under the deck, so you can ride either way.
She was built by very good friends who also own the Homewood Boat Works. The only reason I attempted the project after a long time off, but thanks to Joe B being with me every step of the way, it turned out very well. I won't ever try another unless the timing doesn't run into the summer season with the 4-H club though. It really set the pony's training and some health issues of mine reoccurred, but well worth doing to see what was left in my capabilities after some tough struggles (primarily thyroid cancer and fibromyalgia)
Nothing beats the power of Joe! I was so looking forward to the concert in Reno. The Tour d' Force box set with the Meet & Greet tickets was my treat to myself for doing a great job with the boat.
My daughter now owns my project work and manages the projects we accept. I still find the sewing therapeutic, when I can do it within certain guidelines.
I don't know how to post a link or put a picture either. 2 finger typing. Basically I am an Old School Cowgirl who sews and upholsters. Also I do Native American inspired art with the upholstery trimmings, which is how I came up with the technique for the "Thunderbird".
Just no telling where things will take you if you keep a positive persistent attitude. Joe B and his heart that comes thru his music has been a real life changer for me. I see thru the posts here that is not very unusual, so many great stories and people on this Forum.
Thanks for your post. I will look you up on Twitter!
Tahoe Jo
Tahoe Jo
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Well, that doesn't make me happy. Sorry you can't make it. You from the olde New Yorke Capitol???