When most people think of wooden boat, what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a lot more to wooden boat than just the basics.
Those of you not familiar with the latest on wooden boat now have at least a basic understanding. But there's more to come.
Thousands of people will gather in Georgetown Saturday for the 17th Annual Wooden Boat Show. The event will be held at the intersection of Front and Broad streets from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Featuring one of the Southeast’s finest wooden boat exhibits with more than 100 classic boats on display, there is something for everyone.
Exhibits and activities include: the Wooden Boat Challenge boat building competition from noon to 4 p.m. with a relay race with the boats at 5 p.m.; a children’s model boat building area; maritime arts, crafts, books and supplies; and food including Cajun gumbo, shrimp Creole and hot dogs.
The most popular event of the Wooden Boat Show is the Wooden Boat Challenge, where teams of two compete using the same plans and the same materials to build the Georgetown Bateau. Teams have four hours to build their boats and then they must compete in a rowing race in their boat across the Sampit River and back.
“You can get a winning point for having completed the boat in the least amount of time, a point for having the best-built boat and a point for winning the rowing race,” Jim Clark, one of the judges for the contest, said. “It shows not only craftsmanship, but speed of building and how well you can handle a boat in the water.”
There will also be two interesting demonstrations during the event: Knot tying by Dan “The Knot Man” Machowski and carving a wooden boat from a log with antique tools by Tiny Tim.
Joseph Cave is the winner of this year’s Wooden Boat Show poster contest with his colorful depiction of a 30-foot sailing vessel. The original is hanging in the Rice Paddy Restaurant and will be auctioned off during the boat show.
Money raised through sales and donations during this event will go toward the Harbor Historical Association's plans for establishing a maritime museum in Georgetown.
“It is a wonderful thing that people come here to Georgetown to see these dedicated boat builders giving it their all,” Susan Hibbs, one of the many organizers of the event, said. “I think people are fascinated and inspired by this boat show.”
Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what's important about
wooden boat.
