Whaler time at MBHH Show

Organizers of the 13th annual Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show remind Boston Whaler owners from near and far that there is still time to sign up to trailer their Whalers to Rockland for a rendezvous during the show (August 14-16, 2015). Owners who exhibit their craft, new or vintage, spiffy or well-loved, at this premier annual gathering of fine Maine craftsmen will receive four free weekend passes and a one-year subscription to Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine.

"Boston Whalers aren't just boats," said show promoter (and owner of a classic restored 1972 Whaler) John Hanson. "They are iconic New England boats. They represent Maine, and boating, and fun on the water. They are a part of our families. In fact, I had to wrest mine away from my teenaged sons so I can display it during the show. This will be a huge, fun gathering." That fun will include the first-ever Whaler Tales party, a pig roast and music fest on Saturday evening (vegetarian options available). Carnivores and herbivores alike can sample local beers crafted by Rock Harbor Brewery and other libations while they sit back and enjoy live jazz and funk and "talk Whaler." Party tickets are $25 per person and should be reserved in advance at www.maineboats.com/boatshow/bostonwhaler . Whaler ownership is not required.

During the show, owners can swap tips and stories, see brand-new Whalers on display, learn about the history of these iconic craft, show off their own vessels, and learn from restoration experts about how to keep them spiffy, all while they enjoy what has become New England's premier high-summer boat and home show. Awards will be handed out in a fleet of categories: Best Original Whaler, Best Restored Whaler, Most Bedraggled (but Beloved) Whaler, and the coveted "Best in Pod" award for all-around Whaler excellence.

Sound like fun? Do you love your Whaler? Sign up for the rendezvous and party at www.maineboats.com/boatshow/bostonwhaler. You can also share your photos and stories with us ahead of time. E-mail them to showinfo@maineboats.com.

The best e-mailed entries (stories and photos) will also receive recognition at the show. (Entries become the property of MBH&H and may be featured in social media outreach for the show.)

The Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show is known for fine boats in the water and on land, handsome home wares, custom-made jewelry, and bespoke furniture. Other signature events and displays for 2015 will include Boats that Make Maine Work, with visits by the Bowdoin and Sunbeam V plus a squadron of classic wooden lobsterboats; the Refit Docks, a fleet of beautifully refitted yachts, sponsored by Epifanes; the Demo Docks, boats available for sea trials; a Food Truck Rally (vote for your favorite!) and other food vendors; fun and science for the kiddos; and the always-popular (and silly) World Championship Boatyard Dog® Trials (Sunday morning, entries are closed, no pets on show grounds).