Video - Lake Berryessa Splash-In

[maxtrescott]

The 1^st annual Lake Berryessa Polar Bear Classic Splash-In, held February 4 in Napa, California was a hit, drawing a dozen seaplanes from northern California and Nevada. Ten Lake amphibians and two SeaReys flew in for the one-day event. You can find a two minute video of the event at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB4BxVq2X2A

Here's a collection of the best photos of the event from seven of the attendees:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3051132871362.143324.1054449136&type=3&l=20 42efe02f

Hope you enjoy! If you're interested in attending next year's event, please email me at info@sjflight.com.
Max Trescott

[skimmerone]

What a great gathering of my favorite birds. Especially good to put a face to my emails and telephone conversations with Jim Econome. And to see N9L in action is superb. N9L, ex 1002L s/n 245, is the only LA-4A in existence. It is the second production Lake from the Jack Strayer years of 1960-62. The two LA-4A Lakes had the longer wings of the Lake and the short nose of the Skimmer. The other LA-4A, 1001L, s/n 244 was used for the testing of the hydrofoil with the US Navy by the Thurston Erlandson Corporation under the direction of David Thurston, designer of the Colonial Skimmer. It met its demise during an unauthorized flight with the Navy. Her nickname was "Ten Oil".

[maxtrescott]

Hi John,
Glad you enjoyed my video and photos from the Lake Berryessa Polar Bear Classic Splash-In. I knew of N9L's unique status and that there were two of them. I didn't realize the other one was the famous hydrofoil Lake, which can be seen here in this great video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIL1GzS4e-I
So will I see Judy and you next month at Lakeathon?
Max

[skimmerone]

Close, but no cigar, Max. That is also a 1960 Lake LA 4 owned by Bell Aero Systems and is the hovercraft one, N1015L. N1001L had a hydrofoil attached to its bottom which could be raised and lowered from inside and I am told could land and take off in over 5 foot seas.N1001L.jpg