PROGRAM COVER, 34TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW, JULY 28, 2007, MEREDITH TOWN DOCKS, BY PETER FERBER

A 1957 Century Coronado with a pair of Aqua Sport skis (made by Cove Craft Manufacturing in nearby Laconia) idles in the foreground,while a 1960 Century Resorter pulls a slalom skier by Irwin’s Winnipesaukee Gardens. The Miss Winnipesaukee speedboat is docked at her berth at the Gardens while the crowd watches the water skiing show and competition, an annual event at Weirs Beach from the late 1940’s through the early 1970’s. The Weirs Ski Club was the home club for the shows, and even sponsored the National Waterski Championships on nearby Lake Opechee in 1954 and 1959.

Century boats have been the official towboat for American Water Ski Association competitions since 1954. Observing the action from the right are a 1960 Century Coronado with a portholed hardtop and a 1957 Century Arabian. Approaching way off in the distance is a daring 6-man pyramid towed by a 1959 Century Resorter.