For the last 36 years, locals and visitors from across the Southeast and beyond have eagerly anticipated attending the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, held every third weekend of October. Boasting more than 100 classic wooden boats ranging in size from canoes to yachts displayed on land and water, the three-day admission-free maritime festival takes place on the waterfront and along historic Front Street.
The show is produced by the Harbor Historical Association (HHA), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, with all proceeds benefiting the South Carolina Maritime Museum. HHA president and sponsor of the boat show Johnny Weaver stated that the organization’s mission statement is “To preserve the maritime history and the heritage of Georgetown.” He added, “The boat show allows us to do exactly that.”
This year’s festivities kick off on Friday, Oct. 17, with the Goat Island Yacht Club Regatta live and silent auction, which will also feature first-class wardroom cuisine and imbibes, as well as the opportunity to trade stories with fellow seafarers. Tickets are $85 a person.
On Saturday, Oct. 18, traditions resume with a Wooden Boat Challenge that runs from noon-4 p.m., followed by the Rowing Race at 5 p.m. Within the four-hour time limit, teams of two will each build a rowing skiff and then test their boats for seaworthiness in a relay on the Sampit River. The teams are judged on construction speed, quality of work and speed. The Georgetown Wooden Boat Show will provide all materials and fasteners. Teams are responsible for bringing their own tools of choice. Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners.
Sunday, Oct. 19, the Opti Pram Regatta begins at 11 a.m. for sailors ages 8-12 who have participated in the Maritime Museum’s Youth Sailing Program. They will show off skills they learned at camp over the summer. Races will be held from the docks at Francis Marion Park. Sailors will need to arrive at check-in 15 minutes prior to their race with a USCG-approved life jacket and dressed for the weather.
From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. is the Corrugated Boat Regatta: Preview of Boats, followed by a regatta at 2:30. Participants will stretch the limits of their ingenuity to design boats made entirely of corrugated cardboard.
At 12:30 p.m., the Nauti Dog Parade begins. Prizes for the most nautically-dressed fur babies will be awarded.
Throughout the weekend, Dan “the Knot Man” will demonstrate knot tying for children and adults. Visitors will have an opportunity to test their acquired skills in the Six Knot Challenge.
Additionally, this year’s Wooden Boat Show featured artist, local Jeanne O’Neal, will be signing posters, which are available for sale, along with T-shirts depicting her work. Her featured art will also be part of the live auction on Friday night. On Front Street, 40 vendors, including food trucks, will be popping up alongside the shops and restaurants that will be open and ready for business.
Director of the Maritime Museum Hope McFaddin said, “As the Wooden Boat Show is the largest event in Georgetown County with approximately 30,000 visitors, it is not only a draw for tourism but a community event that utilizes 300 volunteers.” She added, “We are beyond grateful for all the community support we receive to make this event a success year after year.”
To learn more about becoming a sponsor, donating to, participating in, volunteering for or attending the classic event, visit woodenboatshow.com.
By Sarah Rose
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