Two days later, a boat decorated with anti-President Biden slogans (including “Let’s Go Brandon”) won the Virginia contest. However, it was stripped of the title for being too politically charged.
Capt. Berger stated to WTKR, “When we left we were declared the victor.”
The short-lived winner claimed that “48 hours later it was stripped from us, and I think it’s from pressure.”
According to the Yorktown Foundation board of directors, Berger’s boat was disqualified for its “overtly political message” later.
Dr. Walt Akers was one of the board members. He believed that judges didn’t know the meanings of slogans and were easily influenced by the huge cheers that the vessel received at the show.
Akers stated that “It was very well lit — it was a beautiful boat. The guy did an amazing display… The crowd was very responsive.”
Akers stated that the foundation is a non-profit corporation and therefore “by law we’re not allowed to have any political view, which raises concerns about the possible end of a 25-year-old tradition.
Akers stated that they are deeply sorry for the incident to WTKR. “We’re going to take every action going forward to make sure that this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.”
Berger maintained that he had made it clear in his application to the event that his theme was “Let’s Go Brandon.” This phrase became famous after a NBC Sports reporter claimed that it was what NASCAR fan were shouting while they were actually chanting “F–k Joe Biden”.
Berger was unapologetic and insisted that his boat is still the “best in show to all the crowd.”
He stated that he believed the message was being heard.
“We have a horrible president. Is it inappropriate? In today’s world, I don’t think so,” he added, while decrying “unnecessary” threats he’s since faced online.
