We are thrilled to welcome “Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific”* to the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival as a special exhibition this year. The exhibit expands our understanding of maritime history and culture by telling the stories of the many Black whalers, commercial mariners, fishers, explorers, soldiers, and sailors who traveled along the Pacific Coast …
Dive into Marine Science at This Year’s Wooden Boat Festival!
We are thrilled to announce another exciting new addition to this year’s Wooden Boat Festival: the Marine Science & Stewardship Stage! This stage is a must-visit for anyone passionate about the ocean and eager to learn more about the incredible marine life in our local waters. What to Expect Sponsored by the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee, Washington Sea Grant, …
What’s New in 2024!
This year’s festival promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a range of new exhibits and activities designed to captivate and inspire visitors of all generations. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the highlights you can look forward to. Stay tuned for more details in our upcoming emails! Rope Makers from Hardanger in Norway For only …
Half-Day Workshops with Nigel Calder
Renowned boat systems expert Nigel Calder, celebrated for his bestselling books like “Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual,” is returning to the Wooden Boat Festival this year to present his invaluable seminars. Thursday’s workshops will cover marine diesel engines, while Friday’s will focus on boat electrical systems. A Detailed Look at DIY Diesel Engine Maintenance Thursday, September 5 | 8 AM–11 …
Meet the 2024 Poster Artist: Hannah Spencer
As a child, Spencer spent her summers with her family sailing around Lake George, NY, picking berries, camping, fishing, and bird watching. She remembers fondly, “I have always been in love with the natural world. Those magical experiences have shaped who I am and how I express myself through art.” Spencer is a self-taught woodblock artist and a fly-fishing guide. …
The Future of Maritime Tent
Sponsored in part by Northwest Maritime Center and Dovetail Workwear, the Future of Maritime tent at this year’s Wooden Boat Festival will showcase the inspiring movements taking place to connect and transform the lives of people connected to the blue parts of our planet. Capturing the essence of regionalization and transformative efforts of humans and their relationship to water and …
The Harbormaster’s Picks
Harbormaster Daniel Evans has scoured over every boat application to fill this year’s harbor with beautiful wooden boats from near and far. There are so many amazing boats coming to this year’s Festival. These are just a few of the must-sees on his list! Introducing the 2023 Harbormaster’s picks: Gray Wolf Wood can be speedy! Winner of the 2023 international Race to Alaska, Gray …
Admire the Beauty of Handcrafted Boats
In the last few years, we’ve seen a wonderful resurgence of craftsmanship. More and more people are building small handmade boats—putting their love and care into creating something beautiful with their own hands. Throughout Festival grounds, a stunning array of meticulously crafted trailerable boats and kayaks will grace both land and water. The First Fed Commons will be the focal …
Historic Thunderbird Sailboats #1 and #2
By Guy Hoppen Thunderbird #1, launched in November of 1958 and known as Number 1 or Thunderbird, and Thunderbird #2, named Pirouette and launched in August of 1959, will be moored together perhaps for the first time since the 1960s at the 2023 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival! The Thunderbird sailboat was inspired by a Douglas Fir Plywood Association design …
First time at Festival?
The Wooden Boat Festival is a celebration of boatbuilding skills, craft, education, and adventure. There are hundreds of wooden boats of all shapes and varieties, hands-on demonstrations and presentations, activities for kids, and a number of ways to get out on the water. If you’re new to Festival, you may be wondering—where do I start? Here are some tips and can’t-miss activities …