We’re shining a spotlight on the incredible women who are making waves in the maritime trades. This year, we’re excited to welcome the Women in Boatbuilding (WIBB) community and the Women of the Working Waterfront (WOWW) as special guests at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival!
Women in Boatbuilding is a thriving community dedicated to supporting and inspiring women in the boatbuilding industry. What began as an Instagram account has blossomed into a powerful international movement, becoming a leading force in the maritime industry across the UK and beyond.
Women of the Working Waterfront is a research project led by Diana Talley, the first female boatbuilder in Port Townsend to own her own shop and thrive in the Port Townsend boatyard. WOWW honors and documents the women of Jefferson County who are connected to the sea, highlighting their cultural significance in building a vibrant and robust working waterfront.
This year’s festival promises to recognize, inspire, and celebrate the talented women who are shaping the future of boatbuilding and related trades. Both WIBB and WOWW will have booths at the event, providing numerous opportunities to engage with this vibrant community.
Don’t miss out on the excitement! Join us for:
- Engaging presentations by women from around the world, offering enriching global perspectives
- An insightful panel discussion (a must-see!)
- A collaborative boat project that will be worked on throughout the event
- A social tea gathering
- A group photo to commemorate this incredible gathering—all women are invited to join!
Come celebrate the remarkable women who are propelling the maritime trades forward and be part of this unforgettable experience. See below for the schedule of presentations and gatherings.
Calling all women who love the sea!
Join us for a tea social and group photo in celebration of women in the maritime industry. All are welcome!
• Tea Social | Friday, 5 PM | Innovation Tent
• Maritime Women Group Photo | Friday, 6 PM | Innovation Tent
Be sure to check out the following presentations:
New Sparks: Tales from a Young Marine Electrician
Sydney Fassam | UK
Friday, 1 PM | Boat Yard Stage
Maritime Matriarchs: The Women Shaping the International Marine Sector
Annie Means | WA. USA
Friday, 3 PM | Adventure Stage
Italian Boatbuilding
Gaia Brojanigo| Italy
Saturday, 11 AM | Innovation stage
International Women Boatbuilding Panel
Belinda Joslin, Christina MacPheat, Sydney Fassam, Gaia Brojanigo, Obioma Oji
Saturday, 2 PM | Cruising stage
Fight or Float
Abbey the Boat Builder | UK
Saturday, 4 PM | Innovation Stage
Sustainable Boatbuilding
Obioma Oji | UK
Sunday, 10 AM | Innovation Stage
Entering Boatbuilding As a Woman Later in Life
Heike Lowenstein | UK
Sunday, 2 PM | Innovation Stage