Festival

The Vancouver Wooden Boat Society produces the annual Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival which is held at Granville Island in Vancouver, BC in August every year. The dates for the 2008 Festival are August 21-24. For this purpose one of our members, Jan Bellamy, works as the Executive Director of the Festival. She can be contacted by calling 604-688-9622.

To read a review of the 2007 Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival click on THIS LINK.

To obtain entry and information forms for the 2008 Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival and 2008 Family Boat Building click on THIS LINK

HISTORY & HIGHLIGHTS OF THE

21st ANNUAL VANCOUVER WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL on GRANVILLE ISLAND

AUGUST 21-24, 2008

The friendliest wooden boat festival in the Pacific Northwest

The Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival on Granville Island has a reputation as the friendliest wooden boat festival in the Pacific Northwest. In 1985 the newly formed Vancouver Wooden Boat Society was approached to produce a festival for Expo ’86. The success of that venture encouraged the Society to make the festival an annual event. Now 21 years later, “the biggest, little festival in Vancouver” is set to educate and amuse from August 21-24 on Granville Island.

Part of the mandate of the Vancouver Wooden Boat Society is to encourage the advancement of public instruction on wooden boat building, encourage and facilitate interest in the heritage of wooden boats and to promote and organize educational programs regarding all aspects of wooden boats. As well, we promote healthy recreation through the construction of wooden boats and provide a venue where the general public can appreciate their wooden maritime heritage.

Each year the festival has grown – from 20 vessels at the first event to more than 75 vessels and exhibitors last year. With the addition of temporary docks thanks in part to Ocean Construction Supplies and the generous support of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (Granville Island managers) wooden boats in all shapes and sizes provide a colourful display all along the water in front of the Public Market.

From canoes & kayaks to cabin cruisers; small & large sailing ships to steam tugs; fishing vessels to a replica 18th century Spanish longboat and a 40’ replica Viking ship (with 14 oars and a 400 sq. ft. sail) there is a little something for everyone. Last year the festival was graced by the presence of two Pinky schooners both Belle and Forbes and Cameron. MV Midnight Sun, a 1938 - 80' converted seiner won the "Boat of the Show" award two years ago. She was built in North Vancouver, seined and packed fish until she was bought for extensive conversion from 2000 - 2005 and will stand pretty on the docks once again this year.

A highlight of the festival is the launch on Sunday afternoon of the Family Boat Building boats. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of BC Gaming Commission, Royal Bank Financial Group Foundation and West Wind Hardwood, in Sidney, BC, families and community groups work under the guidance of a master boat builder and in 4 days each constructs a 12-foot Bevin’s skiff. With attendant fanfare, these are carried, shoulder high down the ramp and put into the water for their inaugural row and a race into Alder Bay.

For younger children, Kid’s Boat Building takes place in the BBQ shed near the Kids Only Market. Here, kids of all ages can hammer and saw away to their hearts content until they have the perfect vessel to sail on the turtle pond. As well, musicians, exhibitors and artisans are all on board to round out the festival programming.

For information, visit www.vancouverwoodenboat.com, or call Executive Director, Jan Bellamy at 604 688-9622, fax 604 688-9682 or email jan@pragmaltd.com. You can contact the Vancouver Wooden Boat Society, which meets at Britannia Heritage Shipyard at (604) 519-7400.

Highlights of the 21^st annual Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival on Granville Island

FLOATING EXHIBITION OF WOODEN BOATS

Aug 21-24 – 1000 to 1700 hours. Wooden boats of all kinds will be at the Granville Island public docks on the north and west sides of the Public Market. Cast your vote for the "People's Choice Award".

FAMILY BOATBUILDING

Aug 21-24 – 1000 to 1700 hours at Ocean Artworks. Families & youth groups will build their boats with boatbuilder Jim Cooke and launch them on Sunday afternoon at approximately 1430. Check the board in Market Square for launching updates.

MARITIME KITCHEN PARTY
Aug. 22 - 1900 hours at the Granville Island Brewing Tap Room – We present a foot stomping and hand clapping good time with former sub-mariner Tom Lewis. Let down your anchor and come and join in. Tickets $10. at the door or call 604 688-9622 and reserve.

KIDS' TOY BOAT BUILDING

Aug 21-24 – 1100 to 1500 hours, in the shed behind Kids' Market and Cats Meow Restaurant. The hit of the festival for the under 12 set! Kids design, build & launch their own boats. Adult help $2.

JUANITA ROWING

Aug 23- 24 – on the docks throughout the day. Check the board in Market Square for details. Try your hand at rowing in our 18th century replica Spanish longboat. Feel like the explorers did 200 years ago as you explore the Creek! FREE

SONGS OF THE SEA

Aug. 21-24 – Check the information booth in Market Square for details & venues. Come and take a trip to a past of Wooden Ships Wild Songs and the "Rogues Gallery" shanty crew.

07/25/08