Calling the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance a boat show . . .

would be akin to calling the World Series just a baseball game. The “Concours,” is the premier “Woody,” event in North America with a history rooted back to 1890 when wooden steamships transported timber for the Comstock Lode’s mines. But the history of “Concours d’Elegance,” goes back even further.

Concours d’Elégance, French for a “competition of elegance”, is a well-known term and event dating back to 17th century France when aristocrats paraded their horse-drawn carriages through the parks of Paris. Over time, carriages became horseless, and Concours d’Elégances became renowned competitions among the owners of fine and collectible automobiles. ~ deRivaz & Ives, July 25, 2022. (https://magazine.derivaz-ives.com/a-look-back-at-the-first-concours-delegance-at-dinard/)

THE INNAUGURAL TAHOE CONCOURS

Established in 1925, the Tahoe Power Boat Club, now the Tahoe Yacht Club, was managed by Edwin Letts Oliver of San Francisco. (https://aimehq.org/what-we-do/awards/aime-james-douglas-gold-medal/edwin-letts-oliver). Its first “base camp,” was the Ehrman Family’s grounds, known today as Sugar Pine State Park in Tahoma with a small pier just large enough to accommodate 2 large Gar Woods. Spontaneous regattas began drawing large crowds. Contests began. In 1972, the inaugural Tahoe Concours was born at Chamber’s Landing. 

“Burnished mahogany hulls appointed with gleaming chrome became the “must-have” status symbol for the social elite, and several boat dealerships including Chris Craft, Gar Wood, and Century established a brisk trade along the shores of Tahoe.”
 ~ Tahoe Yacht Club, https://www.tahoeyc.com/Default.aspx?p=dynamicmodule&pageid=58&ssid=100063&vnf=1

Today, the Concours includes some sixty vessels in various categories that meet rigorous standards. This year’s illustrious competition celebrates 49 years with the exception of a few years skipped. 

The first organized show began at Chamber’s Landing in Homewood, moved to the Tahoe Boat Company in Tahoe City, the Sierra Boat Company in Carnelian Bay, and since 2014, Obexer’s – tucked between Homewood and Tahoma. Obexer’s is also Lake Tahoe’s first wooden boat dealership with roots in Lake Tahoe going back to 1911. (Read the official history here).

The judges are experts and understand every part of every vessel based on year and model. Only entries exhibiting perfection are eligible for a trophy. They review everything from upholstery, paint, plating, and mechanical restoration to ensure that they meet or exceed the standards of the boat when it was new. After-market parts or even parts from a different year aren’t allowed, not even to replace broken pieces on entries. This is truly the gold standard of boat competitions.

Over the course of its 49-year legacy, the Concours has meticulously created a 100-point judging system and expanded its exhibitor showcase to include Italian Rivas, wood-deck flatbottom go-fast boats, and classic fiberglass boats. But it’s the Marque Class that holds center court.

Roar-Off at Olson Bridge

Each show is crafted to draw a distinct group of boats with a celebration of a different Marque Class each year. The move to Obexer’s Boat Company established a now iconic tradition – the Roar-Off under the Olson Bridge. In just the past few years, the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance has added an intimate tour of the exhibitor boats with past Chief Judge, Terry Fiest. This year’s Chief Judge is “young gun,” Brian Robinson.

The legacy of Sugar Pine not only includes the first Tahoe Yacht Club locale, but the 1960 Winter Olympics. I called an old friend and neighbor; I knew he’d be up on the West Shore and he was.

I asked, “Hey, are you related to Ed Z’berg?”

Matthew responded, “That’s my grandfather.”

It’s mind-boggling how the roots of this area, planted nearly 100 years ago, continue to thrive and pass down traditions through generations. Mr. Edwin Z’berg served in the US Navy during WWII, and then in the California State Assembly in Sacramento’s 9th Assembly District where he lead the fight to protect Lake Tahoe and establish the Tahoe Area Regional Planning Agency. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_L._Z%27berg

Author’s note:

Many people pshaw these kinds of events and lifestyles, presuming that they’re only for the very wealthy. I can personally attest that this is not true. Some people visit Tahoe and stay in the tourist lane and yes, many wealthy families live this lifestyle, but many hard-working blue-collar men sacrificed much to make a life for their families and future generations in Lake Tahoe.  I personally know of several families that made this commitment. One example is a winner of 3 Concourses, pictured below. Mr. Wagner was a contractor with four loves: his family, his cars, his boat, and Lake Tahoe. The vessel, Pure Heaven, a 1962 Sanger ski/race boat, is pictured below and was used on countless mornings on the West Shore morning glass. Hilary and her father skied on Maharajas one even embossed with “TAHOE,” upon it. 

The Concours Foundation has awarded more $410,000 in grants to various maritime-related, charitable, and cultural organizations.

Daryl and Hilary Wagner preparing for showtime at the Concours.

Saturday

August 12th, 2023

Terry’s Tour

8:30am

The Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance Show

9:00am – 4:30pm

The Concours Wine Village –

Presented by Nevada City Winery
11:00am – 4:00pm (separate ticket required)

Olson Bridge at Roar Off

4:00pm (separate ticket required)

About the writer.

CT Perez owns a digital media studio, Sierra Blue, based in Sacramento since 2014.

His partner, Hilary Wagner and her father, Daryl, took several trophies at The Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance, including 1st Place in Open Class (2006) for their vessel, Pure Heaven (1962, 18.3′ Sanger Ski/Race Boat).

CT began working in in marketing in South Lake Tahoe for Ceasar’s and then Mont Bleu.

In 2007 he found his passion working and spending time in North Lake Tahoe and currently works with the North Lake Tahoe Snowfest as a digital media and advertising consultant where he acquired a $120,000 Google Grant to expand their outreach to a national audience. Pictured left: CT and Hilary Wagner aboard their sailboat, CORAZÓN in Oakland. CT is wearing his prized swim cap from Garwood’s Polar Bear Race.  CT has been a Google Partner since 2014, and continues help businesses and nonprofits grow around Lake Tahoe and nationwide.