Please select your home edition
Edition
X-Yachts Leaderboard 2024 1

Parade of Sail opens Wooden Boat Festival to Pacific

by Australian Wooden Boat Festival 7 Feb 07:04 GMT 7-10 February 2025
Parade of Sail © Ben Wilkinson / AWBF

Hobart's waterfront sparkled with energy today as the 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival officially opened with the breathtaking Parade of Sail. Crowds of spectators lined the shores of the River Derwent at midday to witness over 250 wooden boats and 11 magnificent tall ships make their way from John Garrow Light in Sandy Bay to Sullivans Cove.

In 2025, the festival celebrates the maritime heritage of the Pacific, bringing together a diverse fleet of popular favourites and vessels connected to the region, each with their own unique story.

Among the tall ships participating in the parade were the Endeavour Replica (NSW), James Craig (NSW), Enterprize (VIC), One & All (SA), Windeward Bound (TAS), Soren Larsen (NSW), Julie Burgess (TAS), Lady Nelson (TAS), Young Endeavour (NSW), Rhona H (TAS), and Kerrawyn (TAS).

Adding to the historical significance, Ngataki has crossed the Tasman to reunite with Te Repunga in a friendly tribute before they rally once more—marking the first time since their legendary 1934 trans-Tasman race. This historic event will take place on the River Derwent on Saturday, 8 February, from 3:30 pm.

AWBF General Manger and Festival Director Paul Stephanus said, "There is nothing quite like the Parade of Sail—the sheer scale, beauty, and history on display is breathtaking. To see over 250 wooden boats, from the grand tall ships to the smallest hand-built vessels, moving together across the River Derwent is a sight that stirs the soul. It's a powerful expression of what makes the Australian Wooden Boat Festival so special—the coming together of craftsmanship, tradition, and a shared love for the sea. This year, with a focus on the maritime heritage of the Pacific, the diversity of vessels tells a story that spans generations and nations. It's an unforgettable way to launch four extraordinary days of celebration."

The full 2025 AWBF program and schedule is available online now at awbf2025.org.au.

Related Articles

EAORA boats set for the Rolex Fastnet Race
A dozen boats ready for the start of the centenary edition There was offshore racing on the East Coast long before the East Anglian Offshore Racing Association was formed in 1949. Crouch YC's Houghton Cup dates back to 1911. West Mersea YC's Sunk Race was first sailed in 1935. Posted today at 7:35 pm
Canada's entry into the iconic Rolex Fastnet Race
Team Be Water Positive returns to settle unfinished business Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive will line up this weekend for the centenary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, one of the most iconic offshore races in the world. Posted today at 7:23 pm
Lymington CraftInsure Silver Scorpion Open Overall
Narrowly avoiding the thunderstorms deluging much of the South East Fourteen Scorpions accepted the Lymington Town SC and Royal Lymington YC invitations to enjoy a class start in their regatta for the third year, a great addition to the CraftInsure Silver Scorpion Open Meeting circuit. Posted today at 4:21 pm
RYA Beach Club at SailGP Portsmouth
250 local children, families, and community groups engaged in hands-on activities While the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix thrilled crowds with high-speed racing on the Solent last weekend (19-20 July), a powerful legacy of connection and inspiration was taking shape along the shoreline. Posted today at 4:00 pm
Snipe Women's World Championship day 2
The breeze started to build up earlier in the hot morning temperature As predicted, the temperatures were very hot the morning of the second day and the breeze started to build up earlier than day one. The first race, a windward/leeward course, began at 11 am in 15-17 knots and increasing chop. Posted today at 3:24 pm
Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam Day 7
Sarah-Quita Offringa survives Super Final scare to earn 16th Freestyle world title Sarah-Quita Offringa survives Super Final scare to earn 16th Freestyle world title and 27th overall, while Yentel Caers powers to victory in Men's. Posted today at 3:02 pm
Vaikobi V-DRY-X Team Kit
We speak to Pat Langley and Bart Milczarczyk V-DRY-X is a major launch for the Australian technical clothing brand Vaikobi, launching into the yacht racing team market with high performance outer layer clothing specifically designed to be customised with the branding and colours of that team. Posted today at 12:59 pm
Tom Dolan returns for Rolex Fastnet Centenary Race
Joining offshore racing legend Jérémie Beyou aboard the IMOCA Charal Irish sailor Tom Dolan will once again join offshore racing legend Jérémie Beyou aboard IMOCA Charal for the 100th anniversary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, one of the most historic and demanding offshore races in the world. Posted today at 12:42 pm
RS200s at the Lymington Dinghy Regatta
Always go right and right On the leisurely drive over to Lymington on Saturday for a 1pm start, Karen had been telling me about previous events here being great, but my main take away point was that you always go right and right. And true enough that was the story of the weekend. Posted today at 11:23 am
Hurricane 5.9 SX Nationals at Paignton
2 punctures, 2 lost trailer wheels and a broken mast on the way to the event! Fleets from Starcross, Thorpe Bay, Stone, Datchet, Bala and Gurnard made their way towards to English Riviera. With a tally of 2 punctures, 2 lost trailer wheels and a broken mast, it was a miracle we got there at all! Posted today at 10:53 am