County welcomes return of hydroplanes

The 65th anniversary of the famous Oct. 3rd 1950 Harmworth Trophy attempt to beat the world water speed record didn’t happen Saturday as planned, but after a 30-year hiatus, organizers are hopeful hydroplanes will return to the County as  an annual event again.

A restored Miss Canada IV returned to Picton along with a flotilla of hydroplanes that competed in the County’s Gold Cup Races on the Hayward Long Reach.

Fans viewed the boats at the Prince Edward Yacht Club and at Camp Picton over the weekend, meeting former and current drivers.

Those who remembered the races and others new to hydroplanes watched the boats, drivers and crew parade through Main Street Picton, to the Yacht Club, on Saturday. Ernie and Harry Wilson rode the trailer during the Thunder on the Bay parade through downtown Picton. Dad Harold Wilson, with wife Lorna, were the biggest names in Canadian power boat racing and Picton Bay placed centre stage to them on a number of occasions. Their story: http://www.countylive.ca/?p=29330

Demonstrations in the harbour and a re-enactment of the Miss Canada attempt to break the world water speed record were cancelled due to high winds. The weekend concluded with an Appreciation Night hosted by the Prince Edward Yacht Club.

The weekend was sponsored by Elizabeth Crombie, of Royal LePage.

Watch the video here: