Greater Victoria residents are invited to explore and observe 80 history-rich boats as the 45th annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival sails into the Inner Harbour over the Labour Day weekend.
From Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, spectators will get the chance to see the expertly restored, rebuilt, and maintained historical vessels while they moor alongside the Inner Harbour docks, and on the water for the Sunday morning sail past and sail race.
In a news release, Brittany Vis, executive director of the Maritime Museum of BC and festival administrator, said “The festival began in 1977 with the idea that our maritime heritage must not only be preserved, but also celebrated. This special 45th celebration in the Inner Harbour, the festival’s open docks, events, and activities serve to engage our community and visitors with our maritime history, culture, arts, music, and its ongoing story.”
Among highlights for the upcoming weekend will be the return of the 1897 sailing vessel Dorothy, fresh off a summer of touring other festivals, as well as live music, youth sailing lessons and regattas, and four local maritime artists sketching on the docks and creating new works from their weekend of experiences.
Docks are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is open, with a $5 dock donation suggested to keep the event sailing into the future.
