Vintage Weekend Returns for Silver Anniversary
December 2-5, 2021
Vintage Weekend has truly become one of the most anticipated weekends celebrated annually at Ocean Reef Club, and with good reason. What began in 1994 has continued to bring yacht, aviation and automobile enthusiasts together for a quarter of a century. Over its 25 years in existence, Vintage Weekend has expanded from a way to showcase antique yachts, to an acclaimed weekend exhibiting 20+ yachts, 50 automobiles and 20 aircraft this year alone.
Credit for starting this uniquely special tradition belongs to Vicki and Alan Goldstein, who brought the idea to Ocean Reef years ago after experiencing a classic yacht show in Maine. With the eventual involvement of car collectors Bill Parfet, Bill Raithel and Ron Elenbaas, as well as Denny Moore, Airport Manager at the time, and aviator Lenny Sikora, the rest is history.
Like many other Member-favorite traditions, Vintage Weekend was sorely missed last year due to the Coronavirus. But that only makes this year’s anniversary that much more special.
“Vintage Weekend, one of the most unique to Ocean Reef events we host, is the definition of tradition at Ocean Reef Club,” said Goldstein. “Seeing the grand return of this tradition following the struggles of the past year will make it the most meaningful occasion of its 25-year history.”
Longtime Committee members Vicki Goldstein and Lenny Sikora are joined this year by Founding Committee member Bill Parfet. Thanks to the team’s unstinting efforts, the 25th Anniversary Vintage Weekend will boast one of the most amazing automobile collections to date, an illustrious showing of elegant yachts, and two spectacular air shows.
The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, with their vintage AT-6 Texans, will again take Buccaneer Island by storm with a spectacular performance at dusk on Friday and again during lunch on Saturday. The Airport will display 20 aircraft and will also showcase a brand new short takeoff and landing demonstration.
The Marina seawall will be lined with yachts of all sizes, years, makes and models for Vintage-goers to appreciate, including four exquisite and noteworthy Feadships. The history of the yachts and their expert renovations will impress – the most impactful sure to lead in the number of abandoned shoes on the dock.
At the Concours d’Elegance, 50 meticulously maintained vintage automobiles will have their moment on the red carpet. The ever-knowledgeable Parfet will lead the audience with commentary through what he calls, “the evolution of the automobile,” from steam cars to electric and finally gasoline.
The Vintage Weekend Committee has accounted for Coronavirus safety precautions as well. In addition to expanded bleacher seating at the Concours d’Elegance, allowing for more distance among attendees, almost all of the weekend’s events will be held outside. As for Saturday night’s Dinner Dance (this year’s theme being “Once Upon a Time”), dancing will be held outdoors under the stars, which will allow for dinner seating in the Town Hall ballroom to spread out. Masks and vaccines are encouraged for all participants.
For a schedule of events, including those that do not require a ticket, or to register, visit oceanreef.com/vintage.
Featured Above: The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team returns this Vintage Weekend for two spectacular air shows.