An enviable collection of classic, sport, exotic and antique cars and luxury boats were polished to perfection and ready for viewing at the fifth annual Wheels & Keels Antique Exotic Car and Boat Show, held last Saturday at The Moorings Yacht and Country Club. The event was conceptualized by car buff Gavin Ruotolo, who chaired it again this year with fellow Moorings resident George O’Malley.
Sparkling chrome reflected the bright blue sky and glossy mahogany hulls gleamed under a fierce sun at the popular event to support the Youth Sailing Foundation of Indian River County and this year’s second beneficiary, The Arc of Indian River.
At least 500 guests strolled along the fairway of The Moorings golf course’s first hole to view the amazing exhibition of luxury transports, from classic motorcycles to Bentleys, Mustangs and Corvettes (even a ’76 Pacer), and made their way to the docks to see beautiful motor and sailing yachts. Car aficionados John and Kathi Schumann said that this event rated very high on the list of Florida shows, with people coming from all over the state to attend.
“It gets bigger every year,” said Charlie Pope, YSF founder and chairman. “Last night we had our kickoff dinner. Three hundred people came and we raised money for our new Vero Beach High School sailing team which we started last September.”
There are approximately 70 children in the YSF programs, which teaches self-reliance and team building and helps to improve the lives of local youth by learning how to build and sail their own boats.
Bill Johnson, who is on the Marine Commission, said the most important aspect is the opportunity to get children on the water and involved in sailing competitions, which many times offer college scholarships. “I think it is really great because this kind of foundation concentrates on the next generation, which in turn brings more revenue to the area in its future.”
The Arc works with special needs individuals affected by intellectual, developmental, emotional or traumatic brain disabilities. The organization is in the process of building supervised residential homes for adults to improve their lives and strengthen the community.
