Photos by Carol Barker Wyatt

The 25th year of the Jet Boat Invasion promises to be the “Hottest Invasion on the East Coast.” Scheduled to take place from Thursday, June 13th to Saturday, June 15th, this event has become a staple for adrenaline junkies and leisure seekers alike.

Chester Wojcik, the jet boat organizer and administrator for the ‘Lake Anna Jet Boats’ Facebook group, expressed his excitement, stating, “This will be the 25th year… none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of Jack Weller, who has been a mentor, friend, host, and a member of our extended family, to the East Coast Jet Boat community.” The action-packed weekend kicks off on Thursday evening with a meet & greet at Lake Anna Tap House, featuring live music and an opportunity for the community to view the impressive jet boats on display. Festivities on Friday and Saturday include boating adventures starting at 11:00 am.

In an exclusive interview with Jack Neidert, an enthusiastic owner of a 1996 Cheyenne, Neidert shared his passion for high-performance boating and the sense of camaraderie that defines the Lake Anna Jet Boat community. Neidert reminisced about his childhood fishing trips and his transition into the world of high-speed boating, highlighting the thrill and enjoyment it brings.

Neidert has been a regular attendee since 2001, emphasizing the importance of longstanding friendships forged through the event. He praised Jack Weller, a pivotal figure in the community, for his generosity and support over the years.

Reflecting on his own journey to becoming a local at Lake Anna, Neidert spoke fondly of the diverse group of participants who travel from near and far to be part of the event. The Jet Boat Event at Lake Anna attracts enthusiasts from across the region, united by their love for high-speed boating and the vibrant community atmosphere.

“There are a handful of us that actually live here at Lake Anna,” he explained. “The majority of our friends come from all over the place, from as close as Richmond and Maryland, and as far as the Carolinas, Florida and even Chicago.”

Chuckling, Neidert fondly reflected on a time when some Florida visitors asked him if there were gators in the water here at Lake Anna. “They had anchored their boat in ankle deep water,” he said, explaining that most high performace boaters would anchor their vessels in deeper water. “They said that the only way to see alligators approaching in Florida was to stand in ankle high water.”

Participants are in anticipation of Speedboat Magazine, who was promised to make an appearance and is even planning photo and video shoots in cooperation with Carol Barker Wyatt from Lake Anna Photography.

As active participants in Lake Anna Jet Boat group events, Wojcik and Neidert have invited the community to be part of the excitement.

“Mark your calendars, pack your sunscreen, and get ready to experience a thrill,” said Wojcik.
Participants can learn more about the upcoming activities at https://lakeanna.online/jetboats.

Jen Bailey

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