July 30, 2026
There’s an old tradition in shipbuilding of placing a coin beneath the mast when it’s stepped, a wish for good luck and safe passage. It’s a tradition that’s still very much alive. Every sailor I know does it.
In fact, when conservators restored HMS Victory, they discovered six coins tucked beneath one of her foremasts, some dating back to 1894. It’s a small reminder that a mast carries more than the load of the wind. It carries history, craftsmanship, and a little bit of hope, too.
Spars may look simple enough. Masts, booms, sprits. But they’re the backbone of a sailing rig. Every spar must withstand tremendous forces while giving a sail exactly the support and flexibility it needs. Building one requires an understanding of wood, engineering, weather, and years of experience.
Most shipyards are fortunate to have one experienced mast builder. Here in Port Townsend, we have several. Their expertise can be found at Haven Boat Works, the Shipwrights Co-op, Bruce Tipton Wooden Spars, Port Townsend Rigging, Pete Stein Shipwright, and throughout a remarkable community of craftspeople who continue to make this town one of the wooden boat capitals of the world.
Like so many traditional maritime trades, spar making is learned by doing. It’s work that’s passed from one craftsperson to the next, one project at a time. That culture of mentorship is one of the things that makes Port Townsend special. Experienced builders invest in the next generation because they know these skills only survive when they’re shared.
During Festival weekend, you’ll have the chance to meet many of these craftspeople, hear their stories, and learn what goes into building the structures that have carried sailors around the world for centuries.
Barb, Festival Director
Catch it live:
Spar Making Panel
Saturday | 2:30 PM | Cruising Stage
Sails, Rigging & Spars Panel
Saturday | 4:30 PM | Cruising Stage
See the full schedule here
Header photo by Joe Cline
