ANDERSON, SC - Saturday, 21 July was the date of SeaRay of Greenville’s (SRG) Aquapalooza outing…Portman Marina was the place.  Aquapalooza is a national event sponsored by SeaRay wherein all of its dealers are encouraged to provide an enjoyable day on the water for any and all boaters so interested. This was SeaRay of Greenville's (SRG) first year of participation and entered into this venture knowing full well a lot would be learned.

Lake Hartwell Sail and Power Squadron (LHS&PS0 got involved almost by accident when Tom Riemann, SRG’s Dealership Manager informed me of the event and that it would include guided tours on Lake Hartwell. He asked if I’d be available to be one of the guides. I agreed stating that LHS&PS could complement this event by providing vessel safety checks (VSC’s), more tour guides, and other assistance. This offer was readily accepted and planning commenced. The end result was for LHS&PS to provide its 20 x 30 tent, a 10 x 10 display tent for prospective member/student information, VSC’s and tour guides.

SRG provided T shirts, other give-a-ways, BBQ, door prizes, a band, and 5 boats of their own. Approximately 25 LHS&PS members and families joined more than 30 SRG associates and family members in greeting over 30 guests…a total of about 30 boats participated.

While reception and check in was taking place, LHS&PS’s VSC inspectors provided their services to all that were interested. Several visitors were informed of our Boat Smart and other classes and benefits of membership. On or about 1030, LHS&PS guides (on their boats or on one of SRG’s) were individually dispatched with 3 to 6 visitor boats following on a tour to the Clemson area. At that point, various groups took dips in the lake or took in local sights on the water.

Eventually, all boats returned to Portman for BBQ, listening to the band, participation in awarding of the door prizes, and fellowship. Tom Riemann indicated LHS&PS’s participation was instrumental to the success of this event and has already begun planning to make next year’s event bigger and better. We look forward to participating again next year and a future partnership with the SeaRay of Greenville dealership.