THE MANOTICK CLASSIC BOAT CLUB - History
It was in January 1976 that the Manotick Classic Boat Club (MCBC) officially came into existence. None of the founding members could possibly have imagined to what proportions the movement would grow. Antique and classic boating has come into its own in North America. Fine watercraft built by past generations of boat builders are being ferreted out of old boathouses, barns and garages, and are being restored by loving hands to their former glory.
The Manotick club is devoted to the restoration and preservation of antique and classic boats, which are representative of an era in boating that was refined and genteel, as well as exciting, fast and challenging. This is a hobby for true enthusiasts only. Classic boaters are absolute purists when it comes to originality and authenticity. No effort or expense is too great to achieve the standards of perfection necessary.
At first, MCBC was for the most part a social group for people who had some interest in early wooden boats. As the boat owners gained experience their activities gained momentum. They shared their knowledge generously and went about gathering more. Original wood finishing methods and authentic outfitting became the hallmark of boats owned by club members.
By a remarkable coincidence, at about the same time that this was happening at Manotick, a group was getting together at Lake George, New York. They adopted as their name "The Antique and Classic Boat Society Inc." (ACBS) and went on to establish themselves as an international organization. The Manotick Classic Boat Club was the first Canadian chapter of the ACBS, and the ACBS has grown to over 50 chapters with over 8,000 members throughout North America. Manotick was also instrumental in bringing the ACBS Toronto in as the second Canadian chapter. Indeed, for a short time, Toronto and Manotick shared the MCBC newsletter, The Brass Binnacle. Toronto has since grown to be one of the largest clubs in North America.
James C. Potter of Manotick was the MCBC's first president
Since 1984, the Club has recognized those who have provided Considerable support to the Manotick Classic Boat Club through the award of the President's Cup. The following individuals have been so honored:
| Name |
Year |
| Sarah Gould |
1984 |
| Marlene Thomas |
1985 |
| James Potter |
1986 |
| Dianne Elliott |
1987 |
| Sydney Herwig |
1988 |
| Frank Phelan |
1989 |
| Linda Potter |
1990 |
| Don Thomas |
1991 |
| Mary Herwig |
1992 |
| Murray Gould |
1993 |
| Nancy Porter |
1994 |
| Alan MacLeod |
1995 |
| Stephen Fox |
1996 |
| Ian Wyllie |
1997 |
| Ron Dulmage |
1998 |
| Nancy Taylor |
1999 |
| Donald Loken |
2000 |
| John & Gaye Spencer |
2001 |
| Martin Luce |
2002 |
| Parks Canada |
2003 |
| Ron & Wilma Jelley |
2004 |
| Heather Phelan |
2005 |
| Hughes, Jack |
2006 |
| Dave Tilley |
2007 |
| John & Susan Richardson |
2008 |
Over the years, the Ottawa International Antique & Classic Boat Show has been a central focus for the Club. The Show has moved around the Rideau Valley over the years as the following list will attest:
| Year |
Location |
Show Chair(s) |
| 1976 |
Dows Lake |
Peter Elliot & Cam Graham |
| 1977 |
Dows Lake |
Peter Elliot |
| 1978 |
Dows Lake |
Howard Poole, Kent Martin & Robert Merkley |
| 1979 |
Dows Lake |
Kent Martin, Robert Merkley, Barbara Hopper & Frank Phelan |
| 1980 |
Rideau Ferry |
Murray Gould |
| 1981 |
Rideau Ferry |
Murray Gould & Ed Hendee |
| 1982 |
Rideau Ferry |
Frank Phelan, Peter Elliot, Murray Gould & Robert Merkley |
| 1983 |
Rideau Ferry |
Murray Gould |
| 1984 |
Perth |
Don Thomas & Murray Gould |
| 1985 |
Rideau Ferry |
Murray Gould |
| 1986 |
Dows Lake |
Syd Herwig & Murray Gould |
| 1987 |
Dows Lake |
Syd Herwig |
| 1988 |
Rideau Ferry |
Graeme Beattie & Mel Evans |
| 1989 |
Dows Lake |
Frank Phelan |
| 1990 |
Portland |
Al Macleod & David Scholfield |
| 1991 |
Westport |
Brian Kirk & David Burns |
| 1992 |
Dows Lake |
Murray Gould & Cam Graham |
| 1993 |
Westport |
Graeme Beattie |
| 1994 |
Westport |
Ian Wyllie |
| 1995 |
Merrickville |
Nancy Taylor & Frank Phelan |
| 1996 |
Westport |
Don Loken |
| 1997 |
Dows Lake |
Nancy Taylor |
| 1998 |
Westport |
Ian Wyllie |
| 1999 |
Westport |
Martin Luce |
| 2000 |
Manotick |
Don Thomas, Frank Phelan & Ian Wyllie |
| 2001 |
Westport |
Heather Phelan |
| 2002 |
Merrickville |
Ron Jelley |
| 2003 |
Manotick |
Dave Tilley & Ian Wyllie |
| 2004 |
Manotick |
Dave Tilley |
| 2005 |
Manotick |
Dave Tilley |
| 2006 |
Manotick |
Andrew MacLaurin & Barron Meyerhoffer |
| 2007 |
Manotick |
Frank Phelan |
| 2008 |
Manotick |
Ron Jelley & Dave Tilley |
| 2009 |
Manotick |
Ron Jelley & Ray Saunders |
Our Club continues to focus on the enjoyment of antique and classic boats through restoration and through operating these treasures on the water. The only membership requirement is an interest in old boats.
