Attendees gathered at Campbell Regatta Boat 52nd Anniversary Celebration at Shugrues Bridgeview Room. Photo by Phaedra Veronique
LAKE HAVASU CITY – Last week, the Campbell Regatta Boat Club celebrated the legacy of a gone, but not exactly forgotten historic gatherings of boat lovers. The club’s annual 52nd anniversary celebration took place on Friday, September 20 at Shugrue’s Bridgeview Room.
Campbell Boats was founded by Bob and Billy Campbell of Burbank, CA. The company built fiberglass wood boats in the 17- to 40-foot range. In 1970, the company was moved to Lake Havasu City and was sold to Bob and Judy Whelan. By 1973, the Whelan owners included a 22-foot and 28-foot model to the 20-, 24-, and 32-foot line consisting of fiberglass boats and custom styles, under the Campbell name.
With their manufacturing facility, they provided repairs for electrical, upholstery, woodworking, along with detailing and other services. The boat shop became well known for hosting social get togethers for local boat owners and enthusiasts. At first, the parties were small and intimate, but over the decades, word about the festive socials spread, and each year, their guest lists got longer.
The company has been out of business for several decades, but the memorable anniversary parties continue to be an annual craze for boating fanatics. With over 100 returning guests at Saturday’s celebration, it was another memorable night for members of the Campbell Regatta Boat Club to reconnect with old friends, while making some new ones too.
Phaedra Veronique
