Salton Sea lives again!

Gus Eilers hosted the first boat races on the Salton Sea to promote his new resort, Eiler's Date Palm Beach in North Shore. The races thrived and eventually many water speed records were set on the Sea due in part to the density of the salt water and the oxygen due to the elevation which is 230 feet below sea level.

Once again boat races are returning to the Salton Sea! The Salton Sea Speed Week will take place December 5-7, 2008. The event is being promoted by RPM Enterprises and will be held at the Salton Sea State Park in North Shore. A ribbon cutting was held at the State Park April 26 to celebrate the re-opening of Varner Harbor and the boat launch. Currently, this is the only launching facilities on the expansive lake.

The 'bonneville' type races will include classes for all types of watercraft. Every class will have the opportunity to attempt to equal or break existing water speed records. Promoter Ross Wallach, president of RPM, intends to hold many more events if this one is successful.

The East Valley Historical Society is a sponsor of the race and hopes that the media attention will bring renewed interest in the preservation of the lake and the historical sites located on its shores. The North Shore Yacht Club will be renovated over the next year and will be home for the Community Center and a passive museum which will have historic memorabilia and displays. Currently the E.V. Historical Society is seeking donations of any related items and pictures. Oral history's are also being obtained to preserve information. In addition to the early boat racing pictures, information is sought on all of the many historical sites surrounding the Sea like Helen's Beach House, the various yacht clubs, and even nearby places like Hilton's Art & Gem Shop across from Valerie Jean Date Shop and Rancho Dos Palmas also located in North Shore.

Anyone interested in more information or donating pictures etc., can contact Jennie Kelly at evhistoricalsociety@earthlink.net.