The Race

A Grand Celebration of Our Steamboating Heritage!

Our little BELLE was huffing and puffing mightily yesterday! The AQ looked like the TITANIC by comparison! The BELLE of CINCINNATI was also a participant. Several years ago they added some crew contests to the event in an effort to rekindle interest. Due to the fact the first race was in 1963, interest has gradually waned, especially with the generation that now is far more interested in playing with high tech toys, one of whom wrote in the newspaper that the boat race was less interesting than watching paint dry. Now the crews engage in line throwing, monkey fist toss, bourbon barrel rolling, retrieving flags from buoys, etc.

The 98 year old BELLE of LOUISVILLE was awarded the silver antlers. The golden antlers that were used in the first races were retired and now hang high above the main deck windows aboard the BELLE.

It was wonderful to see (and hear!) the boats churning up the river, blowing whistles and gleaming in the late afternoon sun. Often, race day has been dark, windy, rainy and cold. Yesterday the temperature went to 92 degrees with accompanying humidity!

I have long maintained that the "race" is, and always has been, a great and glorious celebration of our river heritage and not a real "contest". And with the rapid and scary disappearance of more historic steamboats in the past few years, what does it matter who is biggest, fastest, loudest, prettiest, etc!! We need to enjoy them all we can -- and while we can -- for we know not what tomorrow brings!

And yes, a good time it was!

My two cents, take them for what they are worth. The event yesterday was fun. All three boats were running double gong at one point or another. The start of the "race" was the best part, all three boats running together in close proximity. I think the shore based activities are good for the public to see (they might learn something). The river obstacle events ad to it as well but I don't think handicaps should apply. What impressed me most was the AQ's ability to catch up with us on the BOC, and that turn she made was textbook.
I'm always amazed (and it's been discussed in other threads) how "dense" the general public is about these boats. I heard all sorts of things from passengers on the BOC that made me want to say really? The event is fun simply because it's 3 boats (now 2 steamers again) out running the same stretch of river at the same time. But would be nice if it was an actual race. But with all that said, I'll be back next year.

Aaron

Lexie, it was a 3 boat race with the Belle of Louisville, American Queen, and Belle of Cincinnati. The speed race is only part of the overall race competition, as a way to level the playing field with the speedy diesel powered Belle of Cincinnati. In a true race, the BoC would probably beat the BoL while cruising in reverse. I can tell you that the AQ did not "run slow", as I was in sight of the AQ during the whole race. I was aboard the BoC. The two newer boats had to go farther to turn around. They turned around at the same point.

As part of the skills competition, the BoC, and I believe the BoL had to pick up a college mascot and a bourbon barrel lid (bourbon sponsor, you know). Then, the boats had to snatch a flag from a buoy in the river and dash for the finish. Now, the AQ didn't pull over to get anything, and I don't know if they picked up a flag. The flag for the BoC was somehow taken by the Louisville Police. Hijinks, perhaps? They delivered it by police boat while we were cruising to catch up with the AQ, which was now far ahead. I'm not sure the BoC was at full speed. I think that from previous races, it could have gone faster. Just personal opinion.

The BoL whipped the competition in the speed race portion. They got to the finish line with enough time to spare that they could have docked, cleaned up the boat, and gone home by the time the other two boats arrived. Just kidding, but it was about a 30 minute win. The AQ finished second and the BoC third.

In the overall competion, the BoL finished first, BoC second, and AQ third.

Here's a link to an interesting news article, with the breakdown of the various components of the scoring: Belle of Louisville wins Great Steamboat Race | WHAS11.com Louisville

The race seemed to have more people on shore, and at private parties, this year. Part of it is due to the weather. Personally, I think that more people would show up if the steamboat race was scheduled on Friday night, rather than Wednesday. Perhaps the AQ will attend in future years. While it is not a steamboat, the inclusion of the BoC is good for the event. Capt. Alan Bernstein's lively personality and competitive spirit are perfect for the event. And, the race organizers can sell more tickets to people (like me) who are interested in being on one of the competitors.

Lastly, make plans to attend the Belle of Louisville Centennial Celebration, October 15-19, 2014! Details forthcoming at Belle of Louisville and Spirit of Jefferson - Home.

First Race of 1963

Good to hear of the return of the "Race"....

The First Race of 1963 between the DELTA QUEEN and the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE, nee AVALON, was a Grand Event.... thousands lines the banks on a bitter, blustery day. I hitch-hiked over to Louisville, over 100 miles, wearing a suit and overcoat.

The waterfront was packed when I arrived, and there were many of my former AVALON crewmates on the landing wanting to ride with Captain Wagner on the DELTA QUEEN, but word came directly from Mrs. Greene, "No ticket... no passage." Mrs. Rosile Wagner looked my way and said, "The Captain's wife doesn't need a ticket"... and handed me her's.

The Race was thrilling with all the excitement on the boats, on the shores, and in the air with helicopters buzzing about like dragon flies. The food was memorable.... During the trip I took extensive notes that have been lost for ages. Surely they would be the most extensive account of the First Race if found hiding in a dusty box, somewhere, but to date they have not surfaced.

Following the Hoop-a-La after the boats landed, I faced a long, cold, and dark "thumb" back to my dorm in Eastern Kentucky.

Though I was on several more steamboat races at Louisville, viewed from the DQ, BoL, and even the PA DENNY, the First Race of '63 remains the most memorable.

The Elephant in the Room

Thanks for all that great info. I'm sure having good weather made a difference. It's supposed to be a grand party and associated hijinks, for those who don't get it. There was just one very significant thing MISSING. A certain old steamboat.........

Amen! Lexie, tHat is what makes them great. Hopefully we will see her competing again and being the talk of the town.