Swiss watch manufacturer Frederique Constant has sponsored North America’s most prestigious wooden boat show, the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance, for the third consecutive year.
This year’s event, on August 9 and 10, featured nearly 100 vintage and classic boat entries from runabouts and racers to unique utility boats and custom-built wooden yachts, dating back to pre and post World War II, including Chris Crafts, Gar Woods, and of course the legendary Rivas.
Each boat, finely restored to their former glory of hand-polished wooden hulls and chrome accents, glistened on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe under clear blue skies, turning the heads of over 5,000 spectators.
World-renowned collector Alan Furth, whose collection comprised of some of the rarest and most elegant wooden boats ever built, was honored through this year’s Marque Class. During his lifetime, Alan Furth was an extraordinary force in the preservation of over 70 wooden boats and a dedicated member of the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation.
On behalf of Frederique Constant as the sponsor of the event, Ralph Simons, President of the Americas, awarded two Frederique Constant Runabout timepieces to the winners of the Best in Marque Class and Best in Show category.
“It’s a privilege and a true pleasure for our brand to be a key partner of the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance and to actively contribute to the missions and goals of the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation,” remarked Simons.
“Vintage wooden boats and classical watches may be viewed as two different worlds, but we are bonded by passion. Our slogan, ‘Live Your Passion,’ embraces all of our lifestyles, from the owners who take pride in restoring and actively enjoying their magnificent boats, the visitors who share their admiration, and our passion for creating beautiful timepieces.”
Frederique Constant’s Runabout Collection, introduced in 2009, forms a tribute to the fine craft,
sophistication and elegance captured in the essence of years past, as demonstrated again during this Concours d’Elegance.
In the spirit of the brand, Frederique Constant also supports the Riva Historical Society, and in celebration of this partnership, has created the Runabout Moonphase Riva Historical Society Limited Edition of 1,888 pieces in stainless steel and rose gold plated. These exclusive timepieces are presented in a unique wooden gift box with a certificate of authenticity and an incredibly
detailed miniature Runabout boat.