Join us for the 33rd Annual WoodenBoat Show, at Mystic Seaport Museum.

Schedule of Events:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Concours d'Elegance

All boats exhibiting at the WoodenBoat Show, on land or in-water, are invited to participate in the Concours d'Elegance.

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Speakers' Series

10:30 am: Graham McKay, the Dory Heritage Project 

In 2023, Brad Dimock, Cricket Rust, Graham McKay, and Douglas Brooks formed The Dory Heritage Project, a group dedicated to recording endangered boatbuilding traditions. Their first project focused on Nova Scotia's Milford Buchanan. The group documented every step and nuance as they worked side-by-side on a boat with Milford, the last builder of the iconic Shelburne Dory. The group published a book, titled How the Old Fella Done It, recording a tradition that was in danger of being lost forever.

12:30 pm: Pieter Roos: The Wells Boat Hall at Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport has amassed the largest collection of small watercraft in the country, with 470 boats. Starting in 2026, a 34,000-square-foot former mill space will exhibit a third of that collection, telling the stories of work and pleasure craft from 1824 through the present and of those people who designed, built, and used them. Join Pieter Roos, senior curator of the American Watercraft Collection at the new Wells Boat Hall, to hear some stories of boats and about the plans for the installation of this remarkable new center.

2:30 pm: Brad Abbott, Gannon and Benjamin

Brad Abbott of Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway, Inc.,  will be sharing the history of the boatyard from the early times, when Ross Gannon and Nat Benjamin had to roll their first projects up on the beach in Vineyard Haven Harbor, through the present-day operation, and what lies ahead.  Brad will share the yard's insights on the future of wooden boat building and repair and why it is so important to New England and beyond. 

Skills Demonstrations
09:30 am: Boat Finishes with Mike Coyle-Tim Guilini, Mystic Seaport shipwrights.
11:30 am: Planking with  Walt Ansel-Scott Gifford, Mystic Seaport shipwrights.
12:30 pm: Blacksmithing  with  Mike Saari, Independent metalsmith, Shipyard pole barn.
01:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Susan Constant, Restoration open house, Shipyard large tent.
03:30 pm: Tools and tips for sharpening with Warren Dolphin, Mystic Seaport volunteer.

I Built-Restored It Myself
If you've built-restored a trailerable wooden boat that you'd like to show, we would love to hear from you! There is no entry fee for the I Built-Restored It Myself exhibit, but you must be willing to discuss your wooden boat project with attendees. In the past we've had up to 50 beautifully crafted boats and proud owners-builders. The collection has included kayaks, skiffs, daysailers, canoes, and much more by a variety of designers such as Iain Oughtred, Joel White, Chesapeake Light Craft, Arch Davis, and William and John Atkin. This exhibit always offers plenty of inspiration!

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