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 Clarksville
has a unique opportunity available for area youth, offering the first,
and currently only, J-Boat Build Project in the country.
The J-Boat Project is designed to introduce area
youth to the sport of boat racing and to encourage an interest in marine
technology as a possible career. The program began in 2007 when
CEDA entered into a partnership with the American Power Boat Association
(APBA) and the local school system. Students completed one boat in
2007, which they raced during the 2007 Dominion World Inboard
Championship - Clarksville Hydroplane Challenge in October 2007.
In 2008 Mike Denton, owner of
Buggs
Island Dock Service, agreed to offer the use of his shop and
services to keep the program going. Working on Friday evenings and
Saturdays, eleven kids (ages 8 to 15), several parents, CEDA volunteers
and the crew from the Buggs Island Dock Service completed four
additional boats in three months.
Other businesses that supported the project include
Clarksville Ace Hardware, Clarksville Auto Supply-NAPA, Clarksville
Collision Service, Lewis Metal Works,
Sea Systems,
Signs &
Designs,
Southside Marine & Auto and the Lake Country Rotary Club.
 Students
traveled to Portsmouth, VA April 19-20, 2008 for their first race.
They are also scheduled to participate in races in Elizabeth City, NC
June 6 – 8, Hampton, VA August 8 – 10 and here in Clarksville on October
4 & 5. Children ages 9 to 15 interested in driving one of these
boats will have the opportunity at these races.
Robin Shane of the APBA obtained a grant from the
historical division of the APBA to fund the start-up of this program.
Jerry Glass and other APBA members provided support and guidance
throughout the project. The APBA also provided a box trailer that
will be used to take the boats to at least four races in 2008.
The boats are also available for purchase, which will
help to fund the construction of a new boat and keep the program going.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Anyone interested in purchasing a boat, supporting
this program or participating in future boat builds should contact CEDA
at 434-374-5033 or via e-mail at
ceda@clarksvillehydroplane.com.
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