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Newport Beach to Host Annual Wooden Boat Festival

Attendees enjoying the 9th Annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival.

News Summary

The Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival is set to celebrate its 9th annual event, showcasing historic wooden vessels and their connection to film and fiction. This year’s theme delves into ‘Stories of the Sea,’ featuring notable boats like the restored ‘Western Flyer,’ which is famous for its ties to author John Steinbeck. The two-day festival will include educational talks, artistic creations, health screenings, and family-friendly activities, emphasizing community engagement and maritime culture.

Newport Beach to Host 9th Annual Wooden Boat Festival

The 9th Annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival will take place on June 13-14, 2025, showcasing a variety of historic wooden vessels and celebrating their connection to film and fiction. This year’s theme, “Stories of the Sea: Wooden Boats in Film & Fiction,” will highlight the cultural significance of these boats in entertainment and literature.

One of the festival’s key attractions will be the fully-restored “Western Flyer,” a sardine trawler well-known for being the vessel used by celebrated author John Steinbeck on his famous voyage to the Sea of Cortez. The festival aims to celebrate classic wooden boats and their stories, as emphasized by event co-chair Denise Archambault.

Festival Experience and Offerings

The festival will feature a rich, two-day schedule with opportunities for attendees to view up to 30 historic wooden boats from across the West Coast. An array of activities are planned to engage the community, including educational talks by noted boat restorers and craftsmen.

Additionally, local artists will be in attendance, creating artwork inspired by the showcased wooden boats. These creative pieces will contribute to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere while further highlighting the artistry involved in wooden boat construction.

Tickets for the event are available for purchase in advance, as the festival is expected to sell out. A special opening night preview is also scheduled for June 13, with limited tickets available for early access to the exhibition.

Health, Auctions, and Family Activities

The festival will offer various initiatives focusing on health and community well-being. Sponsor Kaiser Permanente will provide skin cancer screenings to promote health awareness among attendees, gearing toward those who enjoy outdoor boating activities.

To support the festival’s mission, a variety of wooden boat experiences will be auctioned off, with bids starting as low as $150. Also available will be cruises on the historic “Wild Goose,” a yacht that was once owned by actor John Wayne, providing a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to experience a piece of Hollywood history.

The festival is committed to promoting maritime education and the preservation of wooden boating traditions, especially in light of their declining numbers. Family-friendly activities, including educational programs about wooden boats tailored for children, will further ensure that the festival appeals to all ages.

Community Engagement and Volunteerism

At the heart of the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival is community involvement, with over 100 volunteers contributing their time and effort to make the event a success. The festival also relies on significant local sponsorships, underscoring the communal support for maritime culture and historical vessels in the region.

Overall, the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival serves not only as a celebration of classic wooden boats but also as a platform for education, preservation, and recreation. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the various programs and immerse themselves in the rich stories of these magnificent vessels.

For more information about the festival, including ticket purchases and detailed event listings, visitors can refer to the official festival website.