News Release
For immediate release
9 April 2024
Now in its 45th year, the Classic Boat Festival, run by The Maritime Museum of BC, returns to the Inner Harbour this Labour Day Weekend, from 30 August – 1 September 2024.
Registration for boaters is now open on the MMBC’s website.
About the Festival
The Victoria Classic Boat Festival is a spectacular annual gathering of vessels of a Classic design, both new and old, power and sail. Vessels attend from all over the Pacific Northwest, with the occasional visiting vessel from distant oceans. Each year during the Labour Day Weekend, approximately 10,000 visitors tour the docks and the boats on display. The public is invited to view the boats while they are moored at the Inner Harbour docks. Many owners generously offer tours of their boats.
William Noon, Festival Chair, noted that “the Pacific Northwest is blessed with an enormous number of traditional boats – from sailboats, to workboats, to cruisers. 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. ” As in previous years, these classic boats will participate in a “Sail Past” and Race on Sunday, 1 September. The modern day “sail past” tradition began at the first yacht club that was formed in England nearly 200 years ago. It was first introduced as a continuation of the naval habit of having Admirals and Royalty review the fleet on special occasions. The Festival’s tradition is similar, however, the Honourary Commodore, instead of the Admiral, receives the salute. Spectators can head out to watch the parade of ships and races from Victoria Waterfront on Sunday afternoon.
What’s New for 2024
SV Dorothy Returns
The Maritime Museum of BC’s 1897 heritage sailboat Dorothy will be attending the Classic Boat Festival this year. Dorothy was recently honoured at the Classic Boat Awards, administered by UK-based Classic Boat Magazine, with a win in the Best Restored Vessel under 40 ft category.
Artists Aboard Program
Four maritime artists join the Classic Boat Festival as our Artists Aboard! You will see them from shaded perches and Festival boat decks throughout the weekend, to capture the spirit, excitement, and marvellous heritage boats of the Festival.
We welcome artists Liz Charsley, Richard Linzey, Janet Moore, and Christina Morrison to the 2024 Festival.
An Artists’ Showcase day will follow on 20 October 2024, where the public can view the finished works, meet the artists, and purchase art.
Music Program
We are delighted to announce our performance lineup for 2024.
Feature performers include The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Chief and Petty Officers Association Band, and the Hounds of Cuchulain on the Causeway. Our new Music Program encompasses four local performers who will perform from Festival boats. We welcome Bilgewater, Kouskous, Seeking Sirens, and Spindrift to the 2024 Festival.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The Maritime Museum of BC is delighted to announce the application period is now open for the Abernethy & Gaudin Boatbuilders Ltd. Young Boaters Scholarship and the Maritime Museum of BC Boat Bursary, to help improve access to the Festival.
Both will cover registration and four days of moorage at the Festival, two tickets to the Friday night opening reception and two tickets to the Awards Banquet on Sunday.
Maritime Museum of BC Executive Director Brittany Vis said, “we want the next generation of young boaters to join the Festival and continue this 45-year tradition in the Inner Harbour. Providing this support will ensure the Victoria Classic Boat Festival continues for the next 45 years.”
Boaters under 40 are invited to apply to the Young Boaters Scholarship; the Boat Bursary is open to all. Applications are due by May 10, 2024, and will be reviewed by the VCBF Committee. Only one scholarship and one bursary will be awarded per year. Previous holders of both may apply again, but not in consecutive years. Apply via the Boater Registration portal, selecting “Scholarship and Bursary Application:
Information for Boaters and the Public
The Maritime Museum of BC is excited to welcome boaters back for the 2024 Victoria Classic Boat Festival. Registration is open to vessels of Classic design and Traditional construction. Unique vessels of maritime interest are considered by invitation only.
Contact info@mmbc.bc.ca for more information about vessels.
Registration Costs
Up to 19’ – $185.00
20’ – 30’ – $243.00
31’ – 45’ – $278.00
46’ – 59’ – $312.00
60’ – 80’ – $335.00
Beyond 80’ – $358.00
Cost includes four nights moorage and two complimentary tickets to the Friday evening Welcome Reception.
Date: 30 August – 1 September 2024
Location: Victoria’s downtown Inner Harbour
Cost: Open by donation
Website: www.classicboatfestival.ca
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For further information, please contact:
Anya Zanko, Events and Development Manager
Maritime Museum of BC
