MV Lotus Tours Daily at City Dock Enjoy a look at an Edwardian cruising houseboat from 1909 and experience life aboard at the turn of the century. Lotus has been a familiar sight in Puget Sound and north to Glacier Bay in Southeast Alaska for more than 100 years. She was the largest power yacht on the West Coast when she was launched in 1909, and today she retains the charm and original furnishings of that lovely, adventurous era. Step aboard and step back in time.
Visit the Historical Society During Festival
Steambending is a popular instructional topic. Photo by Jan Davis
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add names to the list and say a few brief words. No ticket required; meet on the Compass Rose.
Sunday Brings T-37 Model Boat Races
This year, we have our first T-37 Model Boat Races! They begin at 10am on Sunday in the harbor. T-37s are wooden remote-control sailboats made by Tippecanoe Boats. Tippecanoe model boats are becoming the rage, with everyone from big-boat skippers to young adults taking the controls and racing. Come on down to the booth and test one out, and then be sure to watch the races!
Shoot a Cannon at Compass Rose
Famous Herreshoff cannon maker RGB Cannons is here this year, officially opening and closing the Festival with cannon fire. Come on down to the Compass Rose on Sunday afternoon to watch demonstrations and learn to shoot a cannon.
Screening of ‘Throwbacks to a Golden Age of Northwest Boats’
For more than 100 years, the Pacific Northwest has ranked as a world center for vessel design, construction and preserva-
tion. Visit Bill Garden’s island, Toad’s Landing; sit down with Norm Blanchard in Seattle; go aboard a Lake Union dreamboat; and tour the Westward, all without leaving your seat! Producer John Sabella will introduce the film and answer questions afterward. Showing in the Maritime Room, Friday at 7:30pm.
Small-boat Adventurers at Festival
This year, we have several famous and amazing smallboat adventurers giving presentations and exhibiting: Tug Buse talks about his 5,000-mile journey in a small boat; Howard Rice, known for his solo around Cape Horn in a 15-foot canoe, is here; and Fritz Funk and Vince Welch give several presentations in addition to screening a film on Amos Burg and his adventures in the Dorjun. (Today, the Dorjun happens to be part of the NWMC fleet and is at the Festival – be sure to take a look!) There are presentations on the big-water runners of the 1950s, and we’ll have on hand five historic replicas of drift boats from that era.
Join Our Sea Chantey Song Circle
Join Wayne Paulsson on
Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader
Friday and Saturday nights, 8-11pm, in the Marina Room for this fun, family-friendly activity.
Park Close By and Support a Good Cause!
Saturday at 3pm; skippers meet at 9am on NWMC beach. Awards ceremonies for all races are held at 6pm at the Festival Main Stage on the day of event.
Port Townsend’s maritime history is rich and colorful, and very entertaining. At the turn of the century, Port Townsend was the largest port north of San Francisco. Shanghaiing and sea adventures were common. Come learn about our rich past! The Jefferson County Historical Society Museum in old City Hall is offering a special entry price of just $2 for festivalgoers.
Jefferson County Memorial Athletic Field is across Monroe Street from the festival gates and offers special parking rates during the Festival. Sponsored by Jefferson County Parks & Recreation, all proceeds from parking this weekend go to maintain the public field. Hours are 8am11pm on Friday ($10); 7am11pm on Saturday ($20); and 8am-5pm on Sunday ($10). A three-day pass is available for $30, and vehicles over 30 feet long are charged an additional $10. Park nearby and support a great cause.
Regattas & Races Each Day
There are several opportunities to watch or participate in races over the weekend: the 26-foot-and-under sailboat race is held on Friday at 2:30pm; skippers meet at 1pm at NWMC beach. The rowing race is held on Saturday at 10am; skippers meet at 9am on NWMC beach. The Northwest Schooner Cup is
Pirates flock to our Festival! Photo by Patrick J. Sullivan 2012 WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL • 17