Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival

Sail with us at the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend, WA!

Festival Sails

Friday, Sept. 6, 9:30am-12pm
Friday, Sept. 6, 1-4pm
Saturday, Sept. 7, 9:30am-12pm
Sunday, Sept. 8, 10am-12:30pm

Our Festival Sails are 2.5-hour on-the-water programs designed to get everybody involved, and no sailing experience is required. From the moment we get under way you'll be invited to help raise the sails or take a turn at the wheel. As we explore Port Townsend Bay the crew will explain it's unique marine environment and share the history of Adventuress. Then listen to or sing a sea chantey, a talk from an on-board guest -- or just sit back and take in the whole experience.

Schooner Race

Saturday, Sept. 7, 1-5pm

The Schooner Race at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival is a thrilling event where a variety of classic schooners compete in a race on the waters of Port Townsend Bay. This race is a highlight of the festival, showcasing the skill of the sailors and the performance of these beautiful traditional sailing vessels. Schooners, characterized by their distinctive rigging with two or more masts, are well-suited for racing and demonstrate impressive speed and maneuverability. The race typically features a diverse fleet of schooners, from smaller, nimble boats to larger, more majestic vessels.
Participants in the Schooner Race navigate a set course, which can vary in length and complexity, depending on the weather conditions and the number of entries. The race provides an exciting spectacle for festival-goers, offering a dynamic view of the schooners under full sail as they jockey for position and strive for the finish line. The Schooner Race is just one of many activities at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, which celebrates wooden boats and maritime culture through a variety of events, including boat tours, educational workshops, demonstrations, and the iconic Sail By. The festival draws boat enthusiasts, craftsmen, and spectators from around the world, all coming together to appreciate the art and tradition of wooden boat building and sailing.

Sail By

Sunday, Sept. 8, 1:30-4:30pm

The Sail By at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival is a traditional event where a fleet of classic wooden boats, including both sail and motor vessels, parade through the waters of Port Townsend Bay. This event is a highlight of the festival, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of the wooden boats, and it provides an opportunity for attendees to see these vessels in action on the water.
Participants in the Sail By usually include a variety of boat types, from small dinghies to large schooners, each demonstrating their unique characteristics and sailing capabilities. The spectacle is not only a visual delight but also a celebration of maritime heritage and community spirit.
The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival is an annual event that brings together boat enthusiasts, craftsmen, and maritime history aficionados. It typically features a range of activities such as boat tours, workshops, speakers, and maritime demonstrations, along with the Sail By.

All sails depart from Port Townsend City Dock behind Pope Marine Park on Water Street. We recommend using the Haines St. Park and Ride behind Safeway. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early at the dock to check-in and board.

Want to know more about the Wooden Boat Festival? Visit their website!