July 22, 2026
Header photo of Tanith Anhaiser
Learning to rig takes decades. For many of these experts, there was never a formal school to attend. Their knowledge has been passed from one generation to the next through hands-on work, mentorship, and years of experience on and off the water.
Most people notice the sails. Fewer notice the masts. Almost nobody looks twice at the miles of rope, wire, blocks, and fittings holding it all together. Yet every one of those pieces has a purpose, and without a well-tuned rig, a sailboat doesn’t go anywhere.
Port Townsend is fortunate to have an extraordinary community of professional riggers who design, build, inspect, and restore rigs for everything from small cruising boats to historic tall ships. Their work takes them aloft, into boatyards, aboard working vessels, and around the world.
This year, they’ll be joined by rigging experts from around the world.
Jamie White is one of the world’s leading master riggers and has helped restore some of the most significant historic ships still afloat. Courtney Andersen’s career has spanned historic ship restoration, maritime research, and film production. Sue Pennison travels from the United Kingdom and brings decades of experience as a rigger, ropemaker, and knot expert. As well as Lola Morgan from Swallow Yachts, UK;, Danielle Southcott, founder Topsail Rigging LTD, and Tanith Anhaiser.
Together with the teams from Brion Toss Rigging and Port Townsend Rigging, they’ll share the knowledge, problem-solving, and craftsmanship behind one of the most essential parts of every sailing vessel.
Whether you’ve always wondered what all those lines actually do or you’re fascinated by the challenges of restoring historic ships, this year’s Festival offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from the people who keep these remarkable vessels standing, sailing, and safe.
Throughout the weekend, head to the Sail Stage for talks and demonstrations covering everything from rigging for Hollywood film productions to the evolution of tall ship rigs, traditional rigging tools, and the art and craft of tall ship rigging.
Over at the Boatshop, Port Townsend Rigging has set up a model rig where you can raise and trim a sail, try your hand at a jam cleat, and get a feel for the mechanics riggers work with every day.
One of my favorite things about the Wooden Boat Festival is that you don’t just get to see incredible boats. You get to meet the people behind them, ask questions, watch them work, and come away with a new appreciation for the craftsmanship that keeps these vessels sailing.
Barb, Festival Director
Don’t Miss These Rigging Highlights
- Rigging Panel
Friday | 11:00 AM | Cruising Stage - Sails, Rigging & Spars Panel
Saturday | 4:30 PM | Cruising Stage
Featured Sail Stage Presentations
- Rigging Tools: Specifics & Applications
Friday | 12:00 PM | Sail Stage - The Development of the Square-Rigged Ship
Friday | 1:00 PM | Sail Stage - Rebuilding the Seven Sisters
Friday | 2:00 PM | Sail Stage - Sailing Elissa: A Square-Rigged Primer
Saturday | 10:00 AM | Sail Stage
See all the Festival highlights here.
Browse the full schedule.
