2026 Update for the Concours d’Elegance – Hilton Head Island!

Thursday October 29th –Sunday November 1st, 2026

My greetings to everyone and may I please update you on the upcoming Concours events this fall. The Registration portal has recently opened, and we can now begin to complete the application process for our boats.

We are fortunate to have been invited to this prestigious show over so many years, and we continue to express our sincerest gratitude to Huntley Tarleton, the Chairman of Special Exhibits. He has been very supportive of our Chapter, and the Life On The Water Exhibit.

Traditionally, we have early arrivals on Thursday for initial placement. Last year, Huntley aligned us along the show field with our transom’s facing the field side by side. It was a great setting to photograph down the line with all our stern flags in place. Excellent new signage was also displayed for our Exhibit. Huntley kindly greeted us on the Show Field with our Registration Packets and we moved into place.

Thursday evening we traditionally gather at Hudson’s for an early dinner to be ahead of the evening rush. This year we will gather at 5pm. Tables are assigned on a first come first serve basis, and they need all of us there to proceed with seating. We would like as many of us as possible at one large table, or adjacent to each other with an additional table.

On Friday, we complete the boat placement with our Friday arrivals……staying in place until 4pm on Sunday for the conclusion of the Concours awards.

We will also plan to dine together the other evenings. More to come on that. Those Chapter members who stay through Sunday evening gather for dinner as a tradition as well.

It’s always a special privilege to spend time with the visitors who come through the Exhibit. There are so many pleasant conversations, questions and sharing. We also appreciate having access to the Exhibitor’s tent for a light breakfast and lunch.

• • To register and apply, please go to the website at hhiconcours.com
  • From the opening page, please scroll down, and you will see 4 boxes…please click on Exhibitor Registration Now Open
  • On the following page please select the 2026 Exhibitor Application button.
  • From the next page click the box to Start and follow the prompts through the process. Please set aside 15 to 20 minutes for this so that you can complete and save your information at the end. You can go back and update later as may be needed.
  • If you are a previous participant, please enter your email and the system will recognize you. You would then enter your password that you have used previously, and you can follow the prompts.
  • If you are changing your boat from last year, additional fields will appear to be filled in.
  • Please select the 2 Day option when that box shows.
  • If you are Registering for the first time, it will give you additional options to select as you work through the steps. Please also select the 2 Day option when that choice comes up.
  • Photos from different angles will be requested and can be loaded via the instructions.
  • There is also an Application Overview on the website to help gather your materials before starting.
  • An acknowledgement will be sent to you that your application has been received.
  • A confirmation will be sent after acceptance to complete the process.
  • The traditional deadline for our participation in Life on the Water is September 15^th. It is important to complete this process as early as you can so that we have a good count of those attending.

Would you please consider joining us this year. Some of our members rotate every other year which is always a good option. Our goal is to have approximately 20 boats, and more if possible. I will be sending reminders as we move forward, and please contact me and or John Heiderich and we will be happy to answer any questions or assist you.

Lastly, please take a moment to look through the photo links from last year’s event on our website. There are 2 links, one for Boats and one for Cars (and vintage motorcycles). It is a special experience to be there!

My best!

Steve

stevedewire@gmail.com

864-903-6307

just2more@aol.com (for John)

317-417-3874

CLICK HERE to see photos from the 2025 event!

CLICK HERE for the Festival official website