Boat Race

Topic starter 29/04/2010 3:10 am

I was riding the Belle of Cincinnati today for the Ky Derby Festival's "Steamboat" race, it wasn't great and it wasn't steamboats, but none the less it was two good looking boats, one with steam, running up and down the river. A great time was had by all, and the Belle of Cincinnati crew never let you down at ensuring everyone has a great time. The food was good too!

At the awards ceremony, the Belle of Cincy was awarded the now Silver Antlers for scoring the most points from all the tasks the boat crews had to complete. She also crossed the finish line first despite having missed the Flag Bouy and having to stop and back up to retrieve the flag.

A very nice moment was when Ky Derby Festival CEO Mike Barry made note of and paused to honor the passing of Capt. "Buford" Wilkinson of the Delta Queen. It was unexpected, but very much appreciated. He credited Buford's many years involvement in the race and the DQ and the spirit he brought to it.

Phillip,

I now regret not staying in Louisville for the race. I went over to Jeffersonville to get some different angle shots. It was strange as since 1977 I have been on one of the boats. As one of my great mentors told me earlier in the day..."we had a great run, didn't we?" Our day is over and like it or not, we have to watch the others make their traditions. Like watching our children ride their bike for the first time. We can't do it for them, even though we want to.

Though I had hoped the race would be dedicated to Capt. Larry "Buford" Wilkinson, the fact he was mentioned at the awards ceremony really makes me alot happier about the whole thing! I only wish his family had been there to hear those words, it would have meant so much to them!

Thanks for sharing!

Travis