Keeping Our Maritime Heritage Alive

October 2016
Written By: 
Bree Moore
Photographs by: 
Keith Jacobs

Head to the waterfront to take in the sights and sounds of the annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show

The Wooden Boat Show will be held October 15–16 along Front Street in downtown Georgetown.

More than 140 classic wooden boats will be displayed on land along Front Street in historic downtown Georgetown and along the waterfront during the 27th annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show. The show, which was named the Southeast Tourism Society Top Twenty Events in 2016, is put on by the Harbor Historical Association and all proceeds benefit The South Carolina Maritime Museum.

Saturday starts off with a tour of the boats, ranging from kayaks to yachts, displayed in the water and along Front Street. Meet with the craftsmen behind the boats or grab a T-shirt at The Ship’s Store. For lunch, head over to the beer garden with your choice of Cajun gumbo, shrimp creole, chicken pileau or hot dogs.

After that, you’re going to want to witness the Wooden Boat Challenge as teams of two compete to build a rowing skiff within four hours and then race their boats along the Sampit River. Cash prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners. An awards ceremony takes place that evening for all boat exhibitors.

On Sunday, bring your mini sailors (age 8 to 15) to compete in the Wooden Opti Regatta, organized by the SC Maritime Museum’s Youth Sailing Program. Boating not your thing? Try your hand at the Cardboard Boat Regatta by sailing boats made entirely of corrugated cardboard. Finish your day with Dan the Knot Man as he teaches proper knot tying technique.

Each day features live music, vendors, shopping and kids’ activities. This free, two-day festival will share as much history as it does fun for the whole family.

Georgetown Wooden Boat Show

October 15–16

Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Free.

Front Street in Historic Downtown Georgetown

www.woodenboatshow.com