19th century sloop among boats to fill Victoria’s Inner Harbour for festival

The Maritime Museum of B.C.’s 46th annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival will return to the Inner Harbour this Labour Day weekend. Running Aug. 29 to 31, the festival will feature up to 90 restored heritage and classic vessels, open for viewing Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is by donation, with $5 suggested. Highlights this year include the return of the 1897 sailing vessel Dorothy, live maritime music on the docks, and the Artists Aboard program, where local artists will create new works inspired by the festival.  The event is supported by the City of Victoria, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and several local sponsors. “The Pacific Northwest is blessed with an enormous number of traditional boats – from sailboats, to workboats, to cruisers,” said Brittany Vis, executive director of the museum. “The festival began in 1977 with the idea that our maritime heritage must not only be preserved, but also celebrated.”