Soaring to Vintage Weekend
December 5 – 8
By Holly Houser, Ocean Reef Press Editorial Assistant
The 24th annual Vintage Weekend is almost here, and this year promises to be the most outstanding yet. Yes, we say this every year, but it’s true! The Vintage Weekend Committee continues to outdo themselves time and time again.
Vintage Weekend at Ocean Reef is a special occurrence, as we’re one of the few destinations in the world that can showcase all three modes of transportation – land, air and sea – and this year’s exhibits total almost 100 classic automobiles, yachts and aircrafts in attendance.
Along with beautifully restored vintage conveyances, this unparalleled weekend also features exciting celebrations, breathtaking airshows, and several other distinctive events that don’t require a ticket:
No Ticket Necessary!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
“The Return of Avocette”
The weekend begins with “The Return of Avocette” at Carysfort Hall at 4 p.m. William Morong, Ocean Reef Member and Certified Professional Yacht Broker Founder and CEO, and Bill Prince, President Bill Prince Yacht Design Inc., will present Yachting Solution’s signature Resto-Mod approach in the restored 1930’s-era Avocette III, the oldest-known Huckins Fairform Flyer in existence.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
Viewing of the Road Rally
A rally to Alabama Jack’s will kick off the celebrations! Vintage cars will line up at 11 a.m. and leave from the Yachtsman Parking. Watch the procession along Ocean Reef Drive, Anchor Drive, Sunset Cay or Gatehouse Road.
Shopping & Spritzers
Following the Road Rally is Shopping & Spritzers at 2 p.m. Relish in cocktails available for purchase and shopping deals from our Fishing Village stores.
Aeroshell Aerobatic Team Shows
The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team is back for a second year after giving utterly spectacular performances at last year’s Vintage Weekend. This year, the Team will perform another stunning night show over Buccaneer Island on Friday, December 6 at 5 p.m. and again Saturday, December 7 at 12 p.m. On Saturday, you can view the action while enjoying lunch at Palm Court, open throughout the weekend from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Concours d’Elegance Drive-By
No ticket needed to watch the vintage cars roll down the runway! Car enthusiast and Vintage Weekend Committee member Ron Elenbaas will read bios for every striking car you see. Begins at 10 a.m. in the Yachtsman Parking Lot.
Yacht Viewing & Aircraft Commentary
Between car admiring, you can also visit the classic yachts docked along the Marina seawall – opens at 10 a.m. and continues through 4 p.m. Then at 2:30 p.m., tour the vintage planes stationed at the Airport and listen to commentary given by Aviation Expert Sam Lauff and Professional Air Show Announcer Herk Strumpf.
Maui Jim Trunk Show
Take a break from browsing yachts and cars to browse Maui Jim sunglasses! The Maui Jim Trunk Show will be stationed in the Yachtsman Parking Lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all to enjoy.
Art on The Reef Show
Every day during Vintage Weekend, Carysfort Hall will feature local artists painting en plein air, and on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., they’ll host a complimentary Cocktail Reception. See right for more information.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Vintage Open
Nothing completes an Ocean Reef weekend better than a round of golf. Join the Golf Team for the inaugural Ocean Reef Club Vintage Open. The alternate-shot format tournament begins with a 9 a.m. shotgun start on the Dolphin Course. Call 305-367-5912 for more details.
Fly-Out
End this weekend-to-remember by sending off the vintage aircraft as they leave the Ocean Reef Airport together at 11 a.m.
For the full schedule of events or ticket purchases, visit oceanreef.com/vintageweekend or contact Member Events at 305-367-5874 or memberevents@oceanreef.com.