Szolack Affirms Commitment To Produce Skaterfest

Had it not been for a cancellation in 2017, Skaterfest—a weekend-long tribute to the venerable Skater Powerboats catamaran brand—would be celebrating its 10th anniversary this time around. Organizer Ron Szolack has no intention of letting that happen this year. In fact, the Skater aficionado and de facto dealer is more fired up than usual to host some of his closest friends and their spectacular boats for four days of camaraderie, sometimes-moderate debauchery and even a bit of boating August 6-9 near his Detroit-area home in Harrison Township, Mich.

“Hell yes, I’m having it,” said Szolack. “I don’t care if we have to run circles on the lake. We’re having it.”

Skatefest 2019 produced an event-record-setting 43-boat fleet. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix/speedonthewater.com.

Having grown steadily since its inception, Skaterfest attracted an event-record 43 catamarans in 2019. Szolack said he’s expecting an even better turnout this year.

“All of last year’s participants are coming and many more,” he said. “Everyone wants to go boating.”

Among the attendees likely to make an appearance during the weekend is Peter Hledin, the founder of Douglas, Mich.-based Skater Powerboats.

“Skaterfest is still on so we’ll be there,” said Tony Cutsuries, Skater’s national sales manager. “We can’t wait.”

Said Szolack, “Everyone wants to go boating.

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