Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance Set to Anchor Summer Season on the West Shore
HOMEWOOD, Calif. — The Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance will return Aug. 7–8, 2026, marking its 52nd year as North America’s most prestigious exhibition of classic wooden boats and a cornerstone of summer tourism in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Held at the historic Obexer’s Boat Company, the two-day event showcases meticulously restored vessels judged under a rigorous 100-point system that rewards authenticity down to the smallest hardware detail. Organizers say the show remains the centerpiece of Tahoe’s annual Wooden Boat Week, drawing collectors, historians and enthusiasts from across the globe.
“Concours is more than a boat show—it’s a preservation movement,”
the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation said in a statement.
“Each vessel tells a story about craftsmanship, innovation and Lake Tahoe’s unique cultural history.”
A Legacy of Craft and Prestige
Since its founding in 1972, the Concours has evolved into a high-profile cultural event tied closely to Lake Tahoe’s storied past. Over five decades, it has featured some of the most iconic vessels ever built, many with direct ties to the region’s elite social scene.
Among them is the legendary Thunderbird, a 55-foot mahogany masterpiece commissioned by millionaire George Whittell Jr.. Known as the “Queen of the Lake,” the boat blends aviation-inspired design with raw power, propelled by twin aircraft engines capable of reaching nearly 60 knots. Its guest list over the decades has included entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Sammy Davis Jr..
Recent Winners Highlight Excellence
The event’s top honor, the Jordy Carlton Memorial Vintage Boat Perpetual Trophy, recognizes the “best of the best” in restoration and presentation.
Recent winners include:
- Boardwalk Blonde (2024): A 1955 Chris-Craft Capri celebrated during the event’s 50th anniversary.
- Stardust (2022): A 1934 triple cockpit runabout that has graced Tahoe waters for nearly 90 years.
- Tramonto (2018): A rare 1972 Riva Super Ariston, notable for its final-year production pedigree.
These vessels represent a broader tradition of preservation that includes historic standouts like “Hey There V,” the first Best of Show winner in 1973, and “Steinway,” a near-original 1929 Hacker-Craft.
2026 Event Details and Experience
The 2026 show will once again take place along Tahoe’s scenic West Shore, with daily hours typically running from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year’s featured marque celebrates the Italian-built Riva Aquarama, widely regarded as a pinnacle of mid-century luxury boating.
Beyond the docks, the Concours offers a curated lifestyle experience:
- Wine Village: Showcasing premium Western U.S. wines
- Olson Bridge Roar-Off: A fan-favorite engine showcase
- Live Jazz and Dining: Featuring regional chefs and entertainment
- Terry’s Tour: Guided expert walkthroughs of select vessels
Tickets and event packages—including VIP access, social events and specialty experiences—go on sale April 2.
2012 Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance Wooden Boat Show Roar-Off
Economic and Cultural Impact
For El Dorado County residents, the Concours represents more than nostalgia. The influx of visitors provides a seasonal boost to local businesses, from lodging and dining to recreation along the Highway 50 corridor.
Proceeds from the event support grants awarded by the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation to maritime and cultural organizations across the basin, with more than $410,000 distributed to date.
A Living Link to Tahoe’s Maritime Past
At its core, the Concours preserves a legacy that began with early innovators like Gar Wood, whose high-performance mahogany boats helped define recreational boating in the early 20th century. That history remains deeply rooted at Obexer’s, a family-run marina established in 1911 that continues to serve as a hub for Tahoe’s wooden boat culture.
As organizers often note, the event is not simply about viewing boats—it is about sustaining a living tradition.
“This isn’t just a show,”
organizers emphasize.
“It’s a lifestyle.”
