Old Farts Forever

[Sean Stinson]

OKAY. I guess it's time for me to throw my two cents worth in here. There is not, and never has been, any intent by Jim Hauser or myself to offend anybody in this effort. To “honor the proud survivors of Offshore wars” is not the primary intent of this gathering . The primary and simple intent is to get a bunch of old boat racers of all types together to reminisce and have a little fun. Most boat racers tend to have a pretty good time at a party. If you read my early posts in S&F, you will realize that I am a great fan of self-deprecating humor. I have always said that if a man cannot laugh at himself, his underwear is probably too tight. While some may provide me with their own humorous input for the program, others may be more serious. I will present only what I am provided. A secondary intent of the gathering is to offer a toast to all of those that are no longer with us. That includes boat racers of all types and regardless of perceptions of "hero or legend" status. You may be assured that such toast and/or presentation will be done with a great degree of dignity and respect. I may approach life from a bit different and less serious perspective than some. That's just who I am. Despite some differing opinions on the title of the event, it is what it is, and all old boat racers are invited to attend. If one chooses to not attend because of the title, they will miss a good time. Jim has arranged for a great time at JJ Muggs on Friday evening followed by a huge street party in Abacoa/Jupiter. The owner of JJ Muggs is very enthused and has already identified spots in his parking lot for a few old boats on static display. We would love to see a few old classics from different classes (tunnel, wing, cat, hydro, drag, OPC, Alky kneeldown, SK, Offshore, etc. Sorry if I left something out). The OSS and Geico Racing has very graciously invited us to be part of their Saturday night party. That is still in the formative stages. This a great opportunity for all types of old boat racers to get to know and appreciate what the other go-fast types experience. I don't know about others, but I intend to relax and have a little fun that weekend. Unfortunately, I am not a golfer. I guess Jackie Wilson will lead the charge to the links. No doubt others will follow. What the heck...I may go along just to watch the fun. Oh, by the way, like Brownie I too am an Old Fart and proud of it. I am also proud to sign my name - Steve Sirois

I wouldn't miss this for the world....:sifone::sifone::sifone:

 

[seeroy]

Off2009

Had a nice talk with Jim Hauser today about OFF2009. For those that are not aware, the Sunny Isles OSS race was cancelled due to lack of sponsorship money. Jim is very confident that the Tropic Thunder event in Abacoa/Jupiter will not meet the same fate. That is the OSS race that OFF has partnered up with for our party of 23-25 October. The OSS race is to be dedicated to John Begovich who recently passed away. OSS and Geico Racing are 100% behind that race and have also been 100% supportive of our effort to do the OFF party in concert with them. However, let it be known that regardless, the OFF party will take place come Hell or high water. I reiterate that the “Old Farts Forever” parties are for old boat racers of all types and levels of success. The Friday party will be at JJ Muggs in Abacoa starting at 4:00PM and last until you have had more fun than you can take in one night. Saturday and Sunday events are yet to be defined, but rest assured that there will be events. More later. – Steve Sirois

 

[Ratickle]

Had a nice talk with Jim Hauser today about OFF2009. For those that are not aware, the Sunny Isles OSS race was cancelled due to lack of sponsorship money. Jim is very confident that the Tropic Thunder event in Abacoa/Jupiter will not meet the same fate. That is the OSS race that OFF has partnered up with for our party of 23-25 October. The OSS race is to be dedicated to John Begovich who recently passed away. OSS and Geico Racing are 100% behind that race and have also been 100% supportive of our effort to do the OFF party in concert with them. However, let it be known that regardless, the OFF party will take place come Hell or high water. I reiterate that the “Old Farts Forever” parties are for old boat racers of all types and levels of success. The Friday party will be at JJ Muggs in Abacoa starting at 4:00PM and last until you have had more fun than you can take in one night. Saturday and Sunday events are yet to be defined, but rest assured that there will be events. More later. – Steve Sirois

Thanks for the update Steve.

Can Old Forever Fans come visit Old Farts Forever?:sifone:

 

[seeroy]

OFF is ON

OFF IS ON!!!


All reports of our death are greatly exaggerated!!!

“Old Farts Forever”, OFF2009 in Jupiter Florida, 23-25 October 2009, is a definite go. The “Tropic Thunder” OSS race scheduled for that week has indeed been canceled. That event is a victim of the current economy as sponsorship has dried up. However, OFF2009 is up and running. From the very beginning we opted to be an event without a budget. That simply means that we have made, and will continue to make, arrangements for a 2-3 day gathering of old boat racers to socialize and have a little fun. All events will be very informal. There are no registration fees and no fees to attend any of the scheduled events. All costs (lodging, food, drinks, entertainment, golf, fishing, etc.) will be the responsibility of each individual. This concept has allowed OFF to go ON regardless of the economy. We are not sponsor dependent. However, several organizations and individuals have graciously offered to help. Rich Luhrs is bringing his immaculately restored Switzer wing. Geico racing will display their offshore boat and host an open house at their shop. We currently have commitments for a 7 liter Hydro and a Jersey Skiff and are working on attaining other types. While informality is the rule, it would be nice if we have some idea of how many people to expect. You can help in that regard by responding to off2009@comcast.net
Currently there are 3 scheduled events as follows:
Friday, 23 October – 4:00PM-until at JJ Muggs Stadium Grill, 1203 Town Center Drive, Jupiter Florida. Cash bar and food. We will have several race boats on display in the park across the street.
Saturday 24 October – 11:AM-2:00PM Open House at Geico Race Shop, Bldg A, 7555 Garden Road, Riviera Beach Florida.
Saturday 24 October – 4:00PM-until at Brix Italian Fishery, 1000 North US Hwy 1, Jupiter Florida. Cash bar and food. Race boats on display.
Sunday 25 October – Golf, Fishing, Shopping, whatever floats your boat.
We are currently working on a “Headquarters” Hotel, however we will also identify others in order to suit different budgets.

 

[T2x]

Rich Luhrs is bringing his immaculately restored Switzer wing. .

"Immaculately Restored" may be a stretch....but it does run.........

 

[seeroy]

"Immaculately Restored" may be a stretch....but it does run.........

Rich - I was talking about you, not the boat - Steve

 

[Ratickle]

Rich - I was talking about you, not the boat - Steve

I have absolutely no comment on this one. I think I'll PM Brownie and Charlie.....

 

[Brownie]

Have you guys contacted Odell and Mel and John and the boys? My biggest helper for my reunion was Butch Stokes. If you don't have his info, I'll get it to you. I'm coming for sure, and I found my scrapbook in an amphora near the dead sea. I'll bring that too.......

 

[seeroy]

Have you guys contacted Odell and Mel and John and the boys? My biggest helper for my reunion was Butch Stokes. If you don't have his info, I'll get it to you. I'm coming for sure, and I found my scrapbook in an amphora near the dead sea. I'll bring that too.......

Hi Brownie - What the hell is an amphora? Sounds exotic. I have talked to Butch and he gave me some great info that I have yet to follow up on. But I will do so soon. Jim Hauser talked to John Bakos and Mel Riggs face to face awhile back. They both said they would come. Also, I talked to John on the telephone recently. He confirmed that he is planning to be there. I have not talked to Odell yet, but I will. - Steve

 

[seeroy]

Brownie - Jim talked to Odell yesterday. Odell is raring to go and will be there. I talked with Dave Craig today and it looks like he will also be there. Things are really starting to come together. - Steve

 

[Brownie]

Steve, give Sam James a call at 863-234-1096. He just talked to Bakos and Riggs.

B

 

[seeroy]

Brownie - Talked to Sam. He will be there. - Steve

 

[seeroy]

OFF2009 Update

OFF2009 Update

Things Are Getting Festive…And Yet Will Remain Very Informal!!!

OFF2009 (October 23-25 2009) is really beginning to pick up steam. The town of Abacoa/Jupiter is getting very interested and has created some media attention in the local area. They will close the streets in front and beside JJ Muggs for the Friday event so we can park boats there. Geico truck drivers will provide security for all boats during the evening. We have also arranged nighttime secure parking for the boats. There will be a band in the park across the street and street vendors in the area. Abacoa may also provide a couple of 9’ screens on the street so we can present some videos to the civilians in the area. And yet we will stay the way we want it. That is, very informal with our private room inside JJ Muggs. Saturday events will also be low key with “Old Farts” taking naps, the Geico Race shop open house and evening at BRIX. Jackie Wilson has volunteered to run a “Texas Scramble” golf tournament for whoever wants to chase that little round ball around. The when and where of Golf will depend on what sort of feedback he gets from the Duffers in the group. Details to follow. Once again, many have let us know of their intent to be there. It would be nice to have an idea about who else will be there. So drop us a line at OFF2009@comcast.net and let us know your intent and something about yourself. Photos would also be nice. Several area hotels have given us very good rates. When you call, mention OFF and, if that doesn’t work, just mention historic boat racers. Hotels and rates are as follows:


LaQuinta Inn
34 Fishermans Wharf
Jupiter , FL 33477
(561)575-7201 ask for Theresa and mention OFF for $59 rate

Best Western Intercoastal Inn
810 South US Highway 1
Jupiter, FL 33477
(561)575-2936 mention OFF or Historic race boats for $79 rate

Jupiter Waterfront Inn
18903 SE Federal Hwy
Tequesta, FL 33469
(561) 747-9085 mention OFF or Historic race boats for $99 rate


Homewood Suites by Hilton
4700 Donald Ross Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 622-7799 Ask for Andrew for $145 rate

 

[Ms PatriYacht]

How many of you Old Farts will be in Key West in November during race week?

 

[OneBadInjun]

I know that I will be considered too sensitive in this quote, but here goes. It has been bothering me about the OLD FART nomenclature you have come up with. I am sure it is meant to be comedic and funny, however I find it offensive. Many of the men and women who were the hero`s and legends of the sport of Offshore, living and past, I am sure would not appreciate being considered FARTS, much less OLD FARTS. There is nothing comedic about Offshore racing and the lives that were lost or destroyed as a result of it. The people that are still living, and legends, are very proud of what they accomplished and should not be considered OLD FARTS, but proud survivors of Offshore wars who have much history and many stories to tell the current Offshore enthusiasts. Why would you want to disgrace them by calling them OLD FARTS. By any other name I think you could have a nice event and I applaud you for your efforts to recognize and honor those living and past legends of Offshore.

Ritchie, I agree with you whole heartedly. Not too classy. Trying to picture the likes of Tom Gentry, Bernie Little, etc., attending a convention of our peers, called "Old Farts", isn't very noble. Maybe next time around, another name could be chosen.:USA:

 

[seeroy]

OFF2009 Update as of 21 Sep 09

OFF2009 Capsule as of 21 September 2009

Who….?
All types of boat racers and/or anyone remotely associated, to include families. Those who just want to meet and greet some of the legends of boat racing are also welcome. We could not possibly send out personal invitations to everyone. Since we do not have, and do not intend to have, a budget, we will count on forums and word of mouth from you to non-interneters, to spread the word.


What…?
“Old Farts Forever”, OFF2009 in Abacoa/Jupiter Florida, 23-25 October 2009. This is a gathering of old boat racers and their associates from “Back In The Day” to socialize and have a little fun. All events will be very informal. There are no registration fees and no fees to attend any of the scheduled events. All costs (lodging, food, drinks, entertainment, golf, fishing, etc.) will be the responsibility of each individual. This concept has allowed OFF to go ON, regardless of the economy.


When…? Where…?
Friday, 23 October 2009 – 4:00PM-until at JJ Muggs Stadium Grill, 1203 Town Center Drive, Jupiter Florida. Cash bar and food. We will have several old and new race boats on display in the street and in the park across the street.


Saturday 24 October 2009 – 11:AM-1:00PM Open House at Geico Race Shop, Bldg A, 7555 Garden Road, Riviera Beach Florida.


Saturday 24 October 2009 – 4:00PM-until at Brix Italian Fishery, 1000 North US Hwy 1, Jupiter Florida. Cash bar and food. Race boats on display. Tribute to all old boat racers who are no longer with us.


Sunday 25 October 2009 – Golf, Fishing, Shopping, whatever floats your boat.


Why…? Because!!!!


Contact… OFF2009@comcast.net


Hotels…

LaQuinta Inn
34 Fishermans Wharf
Jupiter , FL 33477
(561)575-7201 ask for Theresa and mention OFF for $59 rate

Best Western Intercoastal Inn
810 South US Highway 1
Jupiter, FL 33477
(561)575-2936 mention OFF or Historic race boats for $79 rate

Jupiter Waterfront Inn
18903 SE Federal Hwy
Tequesta, FL 33469
(561) 747-9085 mention OFF or Historic race boats for $99 rate


Homewood Suites by Hilton
4700 Donald Ross Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 622-7799 Ask for Andrew for $145 rate

 

[seeroy]

Get Wet At OFF2009

I just received the following message from John "Cadillac" McDaniel reference OFF2009 with his very kind offer for anyone who would like to get their boat wet and or store it. - Steve Sirois

Hola, I have five acres in Stuart just north of the event and want to
make it available to anyone who might want to come with a camper or
need a spot to store a boat or anything for the event. Safe and no
worries about theft. 8 mile west of I-95 at exit 101 "Stuart /
Indiantown" 8625 SW Kanner Hwy, Indiantown, FL 34956 (772) 285-2266 cadillacboats@me.com

I also have a freshwater ramp where any of the boats can run if they'd
like to on the Ockeechobee Waterway.

Peace, Cadillac McDaniel

 

[seeroy]

For prospective attendees to OFF2009. Most of you know that Ken Warby is the World Waterspeed Record holder at 317.60mph. As we have stated in the past, OFF2009 is open to boatracers of all types, their compatriots and families, anyone interested in boatracing, and regardless of level of success. However, there will indeed be boatracers like Ken Warby present that are "Legendary". If names like Ken Warby, Odell Lewis, Bill Seebold, John Bakos, Brownie, Mel Riggs, Charlie McCarthy, Carl Moesly, Kenny Kitson, Rich Luhrs, Jackie Wilson and many others mean something to you, please come meet them. Also, if boats like Switzercraft Wing, Bertram Moppie, Raveau, Geico, 7 liter hydro, Speed Skiff, D hydro, and others mean something to you, come see them. AND, to those bringing boats to display, I have a pretty good idea who most of you are, but it would be helpful if you would send confirmation of your name, boat, e-mail, and cell phone number to me at OFF2009@comcast.net I will rsepond with my cell phone number so you can contact me upon your arrival. I will also supply the times that you will be able to park your boats at JJ Muggs and BRIX as well as safe night time storage location. Bobby Ridgell and I will be there to help you with those arrangements. Best Regards to All and we are looking forward to seeing You and Yours - Steve Sirois and Jim Hauser

 

[seeroy]

OFF2009 Final Countdown

8 Days and Counting!
Got 2 very cool e-mails yesterday.

#1-Mike Mullins will display his twin Evinrude Molinari in race ready condition.
This is the wooden Moli that Ceasare Scotti won the 1969 Havasu World Outboard Championship in.

#2-Dave Switzer may attend on Saturday.
Dave designed the Switzercraft Wing that won many races “back in the day”
Rich Luhrs will display his Switzercraft Wing on both days.
Kenny Kitson will be at OFF. Kenny won the 1968 Havasu World Outboard Championship in his Switzercraft Wing “El Diablo”.

 

[Ratickle]

8 Days and Counting!
Got 2 very cool e-mails yesterday.

#1-Mike Mullins will display his twin Evinrude Molinari in race ready condition.
This is the wooden Moli that Ceasare Scotti won the 1969 Havasu World Outboard Championship in.

#2-Dave Switzer may attend on Saturday.
Dave designed the Switzercraft Wing that won many races “back in the day”
Rich Luhrs will display his Switzercraft Wing on both days.
Kenny Kitson will be at OFF. Kenny won the 1968 Havasu World Outboard Championship in his Switzercraft Wing “El Diablo”.

I saw a Switzercraft Wing for sale a couple of days ago on the net. $25,000 I think. Wish I could be there to say hi to all.....