2026 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
BEYOND THE BOATS
The boats are only the beginning. Here's what else to see, do, and discover.
A FEW OF OUR SPECIAL GUESTS THIS YEAR
Storytellers, adventurers, and craftspeople bring their tales, techniques, and perspectives.
JULIA JONES
United Kingdom
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 female sailing superstars of today."
SUE PENNISON
United Kingdom
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.
DANIELLE SOUTHCOT
TOPSAIL RIGGING LTD
TIM LEE
SHIPWRIGHTS CO-OP
DAVE GRISWOLD
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.
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.
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'Klallam Tribe
- 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
