Kent Island, MD – The St. Michaels Concours on Chesapeake Bay has received the highest award in motoring excellence as the recipient of the Concours Achievement of the Year Award. The award is part of the inaugural The Concours Year Awards recognizing the achievements of the entrants and the organizers of leading events.
Photo Credit: Ken Visser
The 16th Annual St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay—held during the torrential rains and winds of Tropical Storm Ophelia on September 22-24, 2023 at the Kent Island Yacht Club—was recognized for its special endeavors in 2023.
The award comes from Hothouse Media, a boutique publishing house focusing on curating content within the classic and prestige car community, including The Concours Year in the United Kingdom. The selection of award recipients was led by International Chief Judge Advisory Group Chief Judge Chris Kramer.
“The Concours d’Elegance world continues to grow around the globe, with new events being introduced every year and existing ones expanding in size and variety,” says Hothouse Media Publisher Geoff Love. “Until now, though, there haven’t been any awards that specifically recognize all concours events worldwide. Now The Concours Year Awards recognize the achievements of the entrants and the organizers of leading events, including those of St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay.”
He says the event is commended for continuing despite high winds, driving rain, and extreme flooding.
“While the cars were safely stowed and boats were deployed—entrants, attendees, and volunteers made the best of things with high spirits and much enthusiasm,” Love says. “Everyone made it home safely from an event that will be long remembered for its achievement in the face of adversity.”
The St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay debuted in Queen Anne’s County this past September 22-24 on the majestic waterfront lawn and marina of the casually elegant Kent Island Yacht Club on the Kent Narrows. Delahaye was the featured Marque of the event, with Bentley Motors as the presenting sponsor. This past year’s event also celebrated Corvette’s 70th anniversary with an invitational class of racing Corvettes sponsored by Cunningham Automotive.
“This international recognition means a great deal to our Board members and all our volunteers,” says St. Michaels Concours on Chesapeake Bay Chairman Luke L. Phipps. “We share a commitment to excellence in all we do—everything from attracting incredibly supportive sponsors to our event and drawing motoring entrants from around the world—we’re dedicated to delivering the best experiences for our attendees and entrants alike.”
The 17th Annual St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay is set for September 27-29 along the docks and waterfront lawn of the Kent Island Yacht Club. The event includes locally sourced seafood and cuisine and craft libations, along with vendor tents, live music, and an awards ceremony wrapping up the weekend event. Entrants also enjoy a scenic tour, entrant luncheons, and other events throughout the weekend, with more at www.smcde.org.
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