Owners of wooden boats, come forth!

Organisers of the inaugural Auckland Wooden Boat Festival are calling for owners of wooden boats to participate in a new event honouring Auckland’s maritime heritage.

“There are wooden boats throughout the region that have fascinating stories to tell. They can be graceful yachts, work boats, recreational boats, dinghies, and even skiffs and canoes. We especially welcome indigenous boats,” says Festival Co-Director Tony Stevenson.

Tony says that boats will be berthed at Jellicoe Wharf in Auckland’s Viaduct for the three days of the festival.

“Owners or representatives will be on board to tell visitors about their boat, to share their story with the public.”

He explains that with a large fleet of wooden boats sailing on the water, the classic boat community in New Zealand is particularly relevant, connected and strong.

“By being part of the first event, you’ll be writing yourself – and your boat – into Auckland’s maritime history.” 

The Auckland Wooden Boat Festival  will take place from 1-3 March 2024 as part of the Moana Auckland Festival. It is organised by members of the Tino Rawa Trust and the Classic Yacht Association with the support of Tātaki Unlimited, the New Zealand Maritime Museum and Eke Panuku. It will tell the story of Auckland’s maritime history from early Māori times through to today. It will offer up timeless activities like sail making, boat building, try-sailing sessions, seminars and films, and an astounding display of more than 100 boats.

To put your boat forward and to and stay up to date with the festival development visit www.aucklandwoodenboatfestival.co.nz – or look it up on Facebook/Instagram.

Photos / Boats on display in Wynyard Quarter. From the collection of the Te Tino Trust.