The 2025 Victoria Classic Boat Festival is a year of anniversaries!
Honorary Commodore William Harpster arrives aboard his wonderful Joshua (1980) celebrating 45 years since launch; Joshua is a direct replica of Joshua Slocum’s famous circumnavigating Spray. It has been 130 years since Slocum set out on his voyage–the first solo circumnavigation of the globe.
Another adventure will be represented at the festival: John Guzzwell’s Trekka (1954) departed Victoria 70 years ago this September 10 for her first circumnavigation. Guzzwell voyaged on and off between 1955 – 1959, surviving a cyclone and the myriad challenges of sailing solo. Later owners Marian and Clifford Cain took her on a second circumnavigation, and she was returned to Victoria from Hawaii by owner Eric Abranovich. Thanks to fundraising efforts by the Thermopylae Club to bring her home, she was accessioned into the Maritime Museum of BC’s collection.
Guzzwell presided over the festival as Honorary Commodore in 2003, and was a longtime supporter of maritime history on the west coast.
Trekka in 1981 at the 4th annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival. MMBC Archives 017.FIC.086.
Where can I see Trekka at the Victoria Classic Boat Festival?
The Victoria Classic Boat Festival will run in Victoria’s Inner Harbour from August 29 – 31, 2025. Docks are open 9 AM – 8 PM on Friday and Saturday; 9 AM – 6 PM on Sunday. Admission is free with a suggested $5 donation to contribute to festival and museum operations.
Trekka will remain on land this year, displayed on Ship Point pier beside the MMBC’s programs tent; we’re setting up in i-Land Fest’s vendor zone!
Where is Trekka usually?
She is usually stored and displayed to cruise passengers in the cruise terminal at Ogden, but is not accessible for public viewing due to building security requirements. The Victoria Classic Boat Festival from August 29 – 31, 2025 is an exciting opportunity for the public to view Trekka.
