FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS BEYOND THE BOATS
A FEW OF OUR SPECIAL GUESTS THIS YEAR
Storytellers, adventureers, and craftspeople bring their tales, techniques, and perspectives.
MARK SHINER
SCOTLAND
UK Maker of the Year, Maser sailmaker, and sail historian.
JULIA JONES
UK
Author of Stars to Steer By - "The extraordinary stories of the fearless women who set their sights on the sea in an all-male world, paving the way for the femail sailing superstars of today."
SUE PENNISON
UK
Sue is a Master rigger and knot tyer, and serves as the President of the International Association of Knot Tyers.
THIS YEAR'S THEME:
SAILS, RIGGING, AND SPARS
Learn about the expert riggers, sailmakers, and sparmakers who help make Port Townsend a global maritime hub, as well as experts from around the world as we dive into this special theme.
COURTNEY ANDERSON
MASTER RIGGER
JAMIE WHITE
THE SQUARE RIGGER
IAN WEEDMAN
BRION TOSS RIGGING
JUSTIN LATHROP
PT RIGGING
CAROL HASSE
SAILMAKER & PORT OF PT COMMISSIONER
ALLISON WOOD
PT SAILS
ERICA GEORGAKLIS
PT SAILS
NAHJA CHIMENTI
FORCE 10 SAILS
WAYNE CHIMENTI
FORCE 10 SAILS
DANIELLE SOUTHCOT
TOPSAIL RIGGING LTD
MEGAN HUDSON
SINGER-SAILMAKER
EMILIANO MARINO
THE ARTFUL SAILOR
DAVID HAWKINS
HAVEN BOAT WORKS
BLAISE HOLLY
HAVEN BOAT WORKS
BRUCE TIPTON
SPAR MAKER
TANITH ANHAISER
RIGGER & CONSULTANT
ERNIE BAIRD
LOCAL LEGEND
BRAD SEAMANS
SHIPWRIGHTS CO OP
TIM LEE
SHIPWRIGHTS CO OP
DAVE GRISWALD
SHIPWRIGHTS CO OP
ADVENTURES ON THE WATER
One Sailor. One Boat. Around the World.
Josh Kali built his 19-foot boat in Tacoma, then sailed it around the world solo.
What does it actually feel like to cross oceans alone in something you built with your own hands?
Hear his story firsthand.
STORIES CARRIED BY WIND AND WATER
Some knowledge is taught. Some is lived. And some is carried forth across generations.
JAAD TL'A AW
PAULA VARNELL
KAYD GUUDANG
JAALEN EDENSHAW
KUJUUHL
EVELYN VANDERHOOP
Reweaving a Sailing Tradition
Haida master weavers and carvers have been at work on a remarkable project for more than 3 years: re-creating traditional cedar bark sails once used with ocean-going canoes.
This work is more than historical - it's a living connection to knowledge, materials, and ways of being on the water that have endured over time.
MORE STORIES ON THE WATER
Alongside this work, you'll hear from sailors and storytellers who have:
- Crossed oceans in small boats
- Built lives around the rhythms of the sea
- Carried knowledge from one generation to the next
Each offering a different perspective on what it means to live with the water.
At the Wooden Boat Festival, stories of the sea come from many places—open ocean crossings, working waterfront, and cultural traditions that continue to evolve.
CRAFT & BOATBUILDING
Live demos and presentations all weekend.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
- Docking and Boat Handling
- How to Take a Celestial Noon Shot
- Reefing and Sail Trim
- Sail Repair
- Maritime Weather
- Rigging Fundamentals
- Systems and Maintenance
- Medical at Sea
- Sharpening Your Tools
- Knot Tying
- Varnishing Tips and Tricks
- Grommets and Baggywrinkles
- Outboard Maintenance
- Steam Bending
- All About Bottom Paint
...and so much more.
HISTORY AND HERITAGE
History lives in the boats, skills, and stories passed from one generation to the next.
- Viking Ship Exploration of Scandinavia and the Arctic
- How we Learned Sailing
- The Development of the Square Rigged Ship
- The Golden Age of Yachting—Through the Lens of Ken Olliar
- Captain Cooks Adventures from 1772-75
- Wavertree—The Largest Wrought Iron Ship Still Afloat
- The Mosquito Fleet
- The History of the Tribal Journey
MARINE SCIENCE
Understanding the Waters We Live On and the Animals that Share Them
Learn About: Native Oysters, Kelp, Salmon, Puffins, Humpback Whales, Tsunami, Sea Level Rise ...and more!
- Neil Harrington: Jamestown S'Klallum
- John Piatt: World Puffin Congress
- WA State Department of Natural Resources: Nearshore Habitat Program
- Sarah Doyle: North Olympic Salmon Coalition
- Ian Miller: Washington Sea Grant
- Dr. Carrie Garrision Lacy: Washington Sea Grant
- Erin Gless: Pacific Whale Watch Association
