Boats are part of Greater Victoria’s lifeblood, and one group believes it’s worth celebrating this aspect of the region’s history. Over the Labour Day long weekend, more than 95 historical vessels docked at the capital’s Inner Harbour for the 46th Victoria Classic Boat Festival. Hosted by the Maritime Museum of BC, the event invited the public to tour the boats and chat with their owners from Aug. 29 to 31. From small dinghies to imposing steamboats, some having travelled as far as California and Toronto, this year’s lineup featured many notable vessels, including the Dorothy, a wooden sailing ship built in 1897 and one of the festival’s oldest boats. For Bill Noon, chair of the festival, this was the event’s “best weekend ever,” welcoming an estimated 10,000 people. More than being floating museums, many over a century old, Noon believes these classic boats should be celebrated for their cultural significance and the craftsmanship that went into making them. “We all came from the sea,” he said. “The First Nations looked at the ocean, and we arrived by sea. This is our transportation route, our roots, and (part of) everyone’s culture. And the skills that went into these boats and the materials they used are incredible. “They should be celebrated because we don’t build stuff like this anymore.” In addition to opening the Inner Harbour’s docks to those interested, the festival also showcased local musicians playing maritime tunes and hosted numerous booths to educate the public on Victoria’s long-standing history with vessels of all types. For those who missed the chance to attend this year’s celebration, Noon invites everyone to next year’s festival. For more information, visit mmbc.bc.ca [http://mmbc.bc.ca].
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