From July 12 through July 14, Rockland’s waterfront will swell with traditional wooden boats as the harbor and town host this year’s WoodenBoat Show. This year’s show, known as the International Festival of Seamanship and Boatbuilding, is actually a combination of three events, including the Watercraft Challenge, the Atlantic Challenge and the traditional WoodenBoat Show.
The Watercraft Challenge is a gathering of historically significant boats from all over the world. Visitors can expect to see craft hailing from Norway to San Francisco. The Watercraft Challenge as well as the traditional elements of the WoodenBoat show will be located in the southern portion of Rockland Harbor between the Black Pearl and the town docks. In the Buoy Park area, demonstrations of boatbuilding will be ongoing as well as a variety of food and music.
The first Atlantic Challenge competition to occur in Maine will take place in the north end of the harbor. Teams from around the world will display skills of seamanship as they race their own Bantry Bay gigs around Rockland Harbor. Launches will usher visitors from one side of the harbor to the other.
Between 10 and 15 thousand people are expected over the course of the three days, and hosting this year’s show is expected to provide a good stimulus for local businesses. It has been nearly 10 years since Maine hosted a WoodenBoat Show. Last year’s event was held in South Haven, Michigan. The Atlantic Challenge Foundation and WoodenBoat Publications are sponsoring this year’s event.