The most beautiful boats from Vancouver Island and beyond will be gracing the Inner Harbour this year for the 44th annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival in September and boat submissions are now open!
The Victoria Classic Boat Festival is one of the largest and most renowned gatherings of vessels which have a classic design.
Although a classic is typically a boat that was built between 1943 and 1975, this festival welcomes both new and old, power and sail vessels to show off their beauty and craftsmanship.
“The Pacific Northwest is blessed with an enormous number of traditional boats – from sailboats, to workboats, to cruisers,” said William Noon, Festival Chair.
“The festival began in 1977 with the idea that our maritime heritage must not only be preserved, but also celebrated. The festival’s open docks, events, and activities serve to engage our community and visitors on our maritime history, culture, and its ongoing story.”
The festival is put on by the Maritime Museum of BC alongside the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority thanks to a grant from the City of Victoria.
Over 10,000 are expected to come to the festival that will be taking place in Victoria’s Inner Harbour on the Labour Day long weekend, September 1st to 3rd.
Patrons of the Victoria Classic Boat Festival will have the chance to see some of these vessels inside and out, as many of the owners stick around to give tours of their boats.
One of the best parts of the festival is the boat race on the last day of the annual occasion.
All the classic boats always participate in a ‘sail past’ and race on the Sunday after the festival.
According to the Maritime Museum of BC, this tradition began in England circa 1800. It was initially done so the Admiral of a fleet and royalty to review the ships in a fleet on special occasions.
The festival continues this legacy and tradition for spectators and an Honourary Commodore chosen by and for the festival.
Any and all boaters are welcome to submit their vessels if they feature a “classic design and traditional construction”.
Boats that aren’t ‘classic’ but are unique in design are allowed in this festival on an invitation basis only, according to the Maritime Museum of BC.
Registration for having a classic beauty of the sea shown off to thousands costs between $165 and $330 depending on the size of vessel. Boats of all sizes are welcome, be it an 18’ sport yacht to an 130’ schooner.
