The Right Knot for the Jobย 

In Festival Highlights on July 8, 2026
Ever tied something to the top of your car and been a little worried about leaving your load in the road? Or perhaps lacked the needed confidence that someone elseโ€™s
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Willits Brothers Canoe #877 โ€” 1956

In Festival Highlights on July 2, 2026
In 1956, a father bought a Willits canoe and set out to explore the waters of Puget Sound. Nearly 70 years later, his son is bringing that same canoe to
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Connections: How One Introduction Started an International Community

In Festival Highlights on July 2, 2026
This year, four remarkable guests are traveling from the UK to join us at the Wooden Boat Festival,ย  sailmaker and historian Mark Shiner from Orkney, Scotland, maritime author Julia Jones,
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Your Local Viking Shipbuilder

In Festival Highlights on June 16, 2026
Built for the History Channel by master boatbuilder and owner Jay Smith, the boat showcases the practical ingenuity of Viking construction. The stem and sternpost of this Viking boat replica
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From the Desk of the Festival Director: How Do We Know?

In Festival Highlights on June 16, 2026
I get a lot of calls and emails from people telling me about potential speakers – which I love because we get introduced to such interesting and accomplished people.Last fall
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From the Desk of the Festival Director: Sometimes a Story Finds You

In Festival Highlights on June 2, 2026
Every year, I come across hundreds of boats, books, and stories that could be part of the Wooden Boat Festival. All are interesting. Some are inspiring. And then every once
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Comrade: A Boat Built on Perseverance

In Festival Highlights on June 2, 2026
A boat conceived during the Great Depression is still creating connections nearly one hundred years later. She has passed through different hands, weathered changing times, and yet continues to bring
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136 Years of Maritime History: The Story of R.P. Elmore

In Festival Highlights on May 19, 2026
R.P. Elmore is believed to be the oldest surviving vessel from Puget Soundโ€™s famed Mosquito Fleet. Originally built in 1890 as a freight and passenger vessel serving Port Townsend during
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Lin Pardey: A Lifetime of Adventure Afloat

In Festival Highlights on May 19, 2026
Few people have inspired more sailors to dream boldly, live simply, and head out to sea than Lin Pardey. For decades, Lin and her late husband Larry Pardey helped shape
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Apply to Be the 50th Annual Wooden Boat Festival Poster Artist

In Festival Highlights on May 18, 2026
Applications are now open for the next year’s 50th Wooden Boat Festival Featured Poster Artist. Since 1977, original artwork has helped define the spirit of the festivalโ€”appearing on posters, merchandise,
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