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.

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.

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
• Lake Country Rotary Club
• Lewis Metal Works
• Sea Systems
• Signs & Designs
• Southside Marine & Auto

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.

The J-Boats will be available for children to drive at several races along the East Coast including our race here in Clarksville October 3 & 4. The J-Boats are currently with the American Power Boat Association (APBA).

Children interested in driving the boats must go on the APBA website www.apba-racing.com to study and take a test that is required before driving. Once on the site, click on the tab for Resources - then click on Download Forms. Scroll down the forms to the 2009 Rulebooks section. The information to study will be in 2009 General Safety/Racing Rules and 2009 Junior, Mod, PRO, Stock rules. Once they study those, go down to the Junior Classes and take the JH JR - New Drivers Test. Children should also be prepared to answer similar safety related questions that the referees at the races may ask them prior to letting them drive. The APBA membership is $25 for them at this time.

In order to enter the “Hot Pit” area, a parent or legal guardian must sign an APBA waiver form and be given a wrist band. Clothing required for driving the boats consists of long pants and closed toe shoes such as sneakers. No sandals are permitted in the Hot Pit area. Racing suits that include floatation and helmets are provided on site by the APBA.

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for getting their children to the site and supervising them while they are there. APBA officials will assist the children while they are racing. Participants should also be prepared to help with the cost of gas, etc.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting any of the following:
Jerry Glass, Race Commodore, Region 4: jerry.j.glass@navy.mil or call 757-439-0803
Robin Shane: robin.shane@verizon.net or call 443-655-1842
 
You may also call the Clarksville Economic Development Association at 434-374-5033