Ocean Reef Club hosted its 19th annual Vintage Weekend—showcasing the world’s finest classic and antique yachts, automobiles and aircraft—in December in Key Largo, Fla.
The festivities included a marina yacht viewing, road rally, aircraft acrobatic show, costume dinner dance, and beachfront reception, all enhanced by the Club’s spectacular setting within 2,500 tropical acres in the Florida Keys.
Pictured is the 2013 winner of the John Trumpy Award: “Elegante” – a 1964 63’ Whiticar. Other standouts were the Spectator’s Choice, “Polly Graf” – a 1964 57’ Chris Craft and the Nostalgia Award winner, “Legend” – a 1949 37’ Rybovich.
A beloved tradition, the event brings together connoisseurs and owners of the most elegant conveyances, converging via Ocean Reef Club’s private airstrip and marina. The festivities include a costume dinner dance, beachfront reception, marina yacht viewing, road rally, and aircraft acrobatic show, all enhanced by the spectacular setting of the Club’s location within 2,500 tropical acres in the Florida Keys.
Although the renowned club is a private member-owned community, non-member guests are invited to experience Ocean Reef Club’s unique way of life during this fabulous long weekend. Non-members can enjoy a chance to attend this event and visit the Club through a three-night, four-day package that includes a stay in the club’s oceanfront Inn.
“Vintage Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for people to not only admire the world’s finest conveyances up close, but also to share in a memorable social experience among new and old friends,” explains Vintage Weekend Co-founder Vicki Goldstein. “Ocean Reef Club is one of the few places in the world that can host all three modes of vintage transportation by land, sea, and air—and also offer flawless hospitality in a stunning setting.”
Recognized as one of the most prestigious classic yacht shows in the country, Vintage Weekend presents the most impressive craft from the industry elite. Elegantly restored Trumpy Yachts and sport fishing yachts from Rybovich & Sons Boat Works are frequent favorites among spectators. Last year’s winners included: The Cigarette, a 1963 25’ Formula powerboat, which was the first standard Formula to be built and raced by the legendary Donald Aronow—and also the restoration of JFK’s famed presidential yacht, the Honey Fitz.
For people who are passionate about fine automobiles, the event attracts some of the world’s most admired vehicles, competing in categories that range from “Best Pre-War Touring Car” to “American Dream Machine” to “Best European Sports Car.” Last year’s winners included a 1938 Jaguar SS100, a 1911 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, a 1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, and a 1965 Alfa Romeo.
For aviation enthusiasts, there is always an impressive collection of meticulously restored, working aircraft to round out the selection of exhibits. Standout entries from previous years include a 1931 Stearman Speedmail, a 1942 Douglas DC-3A, and a 1946 Cessna-120.
For more information: oceanreef.com
