Dave Carnell
08-27-2002, 07:54 AM
The latest communiqué from the orgamizers:
The 1st annual Simmons Sea Skiff in water Expo Will be held at South Harbour Marina
Village Located on the Intracoastal waterway, between Southport and the Oak Island
Bridge. The 3 day event will begin at noon on friday september 6 with check in. 30
classic and replica sea skiffs have already registered, from the carolinas and east
coast. These famous boats originated from the shop of T.N. Simmons a
mastercraftsmen woodworker from his small boatshop on Myrtle Grove Sound,
Simmons never considered himself a boatbuilder. From his backyard, he and his son
Tom jr turned out ,although he didn't count around 1000 sea skiffs of various types.until
1972. Many of these legendary craft will be on exhibit at the expo. The expo has been
planned for over a year, by Tommy Robbins of Bolivia N.C. and Alex Slaunwhite of
Simpsonville S.C, both owners of original 1964 and 1961 sea skiffs. We are very excited
about all the Interest of the show we have recieved from owners ,builders,restorators,
and wooden boat enthusiasts. These boats are getting reconition all over the world, we
have photos from Taiwan to Puerto Rico, Maine to the pacific coast and Australia. The
sea skiff is well known for its sea worthiness. Saturday is the big day 9:00 am welcome
10:30 am water parade to the Southport waterfront, 1:00 pm guest speakers, simmons
experts, Mrs. Ann Simmons Mincy, Of Myrtle Grove, TN's daughter, some Simmons
grandchildren.Lots of pretty boats, though this is not a beauty contest, no prizes will be
given. There will be a pig pickin at 5:00 pm plates are$ 6.00 to public, but there is no
admission charge, this will be a family event, and we feel like this event will definetley
grow larger each year, something we just got word today on from Govenor Mike Easley,
Mr TN Simmons has been awarded "The Order Of The Long Leaf Pine" this prestigious
award from the govenor is presented to Individuals who have a proven record of service to
the state of N.C. The Simmons Family will accept this award at the 5:00 pm dinner. all
simmons skiffs originals and replicas are welcome, regardles of condition, some skiffs
are just everyday workboats, fishing and pleasure boats some will be on trailors
undergoing detailed restoration. Sunday will be a blessing of the fleet and the rest of the
day is on your own. Also there will be a saturday 7:00 pm water parade passing down
the waterway past St James Marina ending at the Holden Beach Bridge. We encourage
everyone to bring out the family and enjoy the beauty and history of the Simmons Sea
Skiff, For more information contact Tommy At 910-253-4272
The 1st annual Simmons Sea Skiff in water Expo Will be held at South Harbour Marina
Village Located on the Intracoastal waterway, between Southport and the Oak Island
Bridge. The 3 day event will begin at noon on friday september 6 with check in. 30
classic and replica sea skiffs have already registered, from the carolinas and east
coast. These famous boats originated from the shop of T.N. Simmons a
mastercraftsmen woodworker from his small boatshop on Myrtle Grove Sound,
Simmons never considered himself a boatbuilder. From his backyard, he and his son
Tom jr turned out ,although he didn't count around 1000 sea skiffs of various types.until
1972. Many of these legendary craft will be on exhibit at the expo. The expo has been
planned for over a year, by Tommy Robbins of Bolivia N.C. and Alex Slaunwhite of
Simpsonville S.C, both owners of original 1964 and 1961 sea skiffs. We are very excited
about all the Interest of the show we have recieved from owners ,builders,restorators,
and wooden boat enthusiasts. These boats are getting reconition all over the world, we
have photos from Taiwan to Puerto Rico, Maine to the pacific coast and Australia. The
sea skiff is well known for its sea worthiness. Saturday is the big day 9:00 am welcome
10:30 am water parade to the Southport waterfront, 1:00 pm guest speakers, simmons
experts, Mrs. Ann Simmons Mincy, Of Myrtle Grove, TN's daughter, some Simmons
grandchildren.Lots of pretty boats, though this is not a beauty contest, no prizes will be
given. There will be a pig pickin at 5:00 pm plates are$ 6.00 to public, but there is no
admission charge, this will be a family event, and we feel like this event will definetley
grow larger each year, something we just got word today on from Govenor Mike Easley,
Mr TN Simmons has been awarded "The Order Of The Long Leaf Pine" this prestigious
award from the govenor is presented to Individuals who have a proven record of service to
the state of N.C. The Simmons Family will accept this award at the 5:00 pm dinner. all
simmons skiffs originals and replicas are welcome, regardles of condition, some skiffs
are just everyday workboats, fishing and pleasure boats some will be on trailors
undergoing detailed restoration. Sunday will be a blessing of the fleet and the rest of the
day is on your own. Also there will be a saturday 7:00 pm water parade passing down
the waterway past St James Marina ending at the Holden Beach Bridge. We encourage
everyone to bring out the family and enjoy the beauty and history of the Simmons Sea
Skiff, For more information contact Tommy At 910-253-4272