New Arrivals & Specials » OkoumeFest 2010 |
Okoume (pronounced oh-KOO-mee) is the plantation-grown plywood used to build lightweight boats, particularly kayaks and performance rowing craft. So ubiquitous is okoume in amateur boatbuilding that we named our first annual rendezvous after it, way back in 1998. OkoumeFest is open to ALL small boats, whether they are wooden CLC designs, plastic, or whatever material. This is a family-friendly event centered on the joys of building and using small boats. OkoumeFest is both a "show & tell" and a great excuse to play in small boats. Many CLC builders turn it into a deadline, planning to have their boat ready for launch at OkoumeFest. Others are just excited to share the results of their first (or second, or third) boatbuilding adventure. Many attendees want to try out CLC’s ever-growing fleet of designs---nearly all of which will be available to try on the water. Friday, May 14th: Friday is an open house at our shop here in Annapolis. Throughout the afternoon we'll have shop tours and demonstrations and a free reception with food and drink at the end of the day. Saturday, May 15th: Last year's on-the-water activities drew record attendence at Matapeake, so we're heading back to that beautiful facility on Kent Island, just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis. With a huge sandy beach, everyone can stretch out and there is no bottleneck for launching boats. We'll have the entire fleet out for demos from 9am to 5pm. Yes, including PocketShip. New this year: For the kids we'll have a free model boat building event on Saturday at the beach. Winter Boatbuilders Take Note: Judging of homebuilt boats will begin at 3pm and we'll award the winners at 4pm. Categories include Best Kayak, Best Smallcraft, and Best in Show, plus whatever other awards we think are deserved. OkoumeFest 2010 is free, but we do need you to register in advance. Please do that here. Thank you! To get to Matapeake from Annapolis, take Route 50 Eastbound across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and get off at the first exit on Kent Island (exit 37 - Route). Turn right on Route 8 and follow it South for about two miles. This map will guide you the rest of the way (click to enlarge):Join us for OkoumeFest, a rendezvous for builders and lovers of small boats!
Our 12th Annual Customer Rendezvous is Friday and Saturday, May 14-15, 2010
Friday at the CLC Shop: 2pm - 7pm
Saturday at Matapeake Beach on Kent Island: 9am - 5pm 
If you're new to boats or boatbuilding - maybe you've been toying with the idea of building your own - there is no better opportunity for you to test out the various CLC designs, attend seminars, and have all of your questions answered. In addition to the CLC staff, you'll be able to pick the brains of dozens of amateur builders, all with their own experiences and ideas.
We'll be blowing out a lot of old and new inventory at the shop on Friday. As usual, Ed will have some outrageous deals on boat kits, supplies, and gear.
Friday: Hours are 2pm to 7pm
The open house at the factory starts around 2pm on Friday. Directions to the shop are here. Mostly it's a fun mill-around, but note these seminars:4pm: CLC Shop Tour
5pm: How to Varnish Boats Without Going Bonkers
Saturday: Hours are 9am to 5pm
Getting There and Parking: On the map we've labeled three parking areas. The earlier you arrive, the closer to the beach you get to park. We'll have attendants on hand to help with parking.
Checking In: If you didn't check in on Friday, you'll need to do so on Saturday when you arrive. You'll find a well-marked table where you'll pick up your registration packet and wristband (required if you're going out on the water).
Food: Those of you who pre-ordered lunch will receive your lunch ticket(s) when you check-in. Alas, if you haven't ordered food by now, you'll need to bring your own. No alcohol is allowed at Matapeake State Park. The rest of you should bring your own picnic lunch or you can grab lunch from one of many nearby spots on Kent Island. We've assembled a few on this Google Map.
Notes for Campers: You can go straight to Matapeake and set up camp, starting on Friday, and you're good through Sunday morning. Please follow our map and signs to the campground. You can drive right up to the camping area to drop off your gear. Campstoves are welcome. Pets, dogs, and alcohol are not. Park rangers will be around for security.
What to Bring: PLEASE bring your own paddles and life jackets if you have them. We have lots but they won't be enough and you might have to wait, as we expect heavy attendance. Beach chairs and other fun-at-the-beach gear is encouraged. No dogs allowed, I'm afraid.
No Products Found
