Photo Credit: Tom Walker

Summer is here and the harbor is, once again, coming to life. Boaters are bursting with excitement and eager to launch out into the sparkling and welcoming waters of Newport Harbor and rev back up the engines. Or in the case of the iconic Duffy – switch on that electric motor for a leisurely cruise and much-needed chatter amongst friends. While out and about, it’s common, almost impossible to avoid and very entertaining to “boat watch”. As boaters cross each other’s paths and throw out a wave and friendly nod, they give the vessel a good look up and down. Boaters admire the beauty, luxury and infectious energy that each boat brings out on the water. For those who haven’t spent a lot of time on the water, these gestures may not be as customary. Good news! There’s an event here in Newport Beach that can bring this experience to life for all ages and walks of life. A free event to the public, the 4^th Annual Wooden Boat Festival is coming to town to showcase the collection of beautifully crafted boats that are housed in the Harbor and beyond.

Photo Credit: Tom Walker

On June 10th, the Balboa Yacht Club will host the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival. The event will take place from 10am until 5pm. 50+ classic show-ready wooden vessels will be lined up for the admiration of Newport Beach residents and visitors . Your opinions and expertise count – people’s choice voting will take place from the start of the festival up until 3pm. There will be opportunities throughout the afternoon to set out aboard the 82 foot schooner, Curlew.

Stay all day long and enjoy delicious food, libations and live music by the bay.  The weekend starts with the first ever RyboRendezvous on the West Coast, honoring the “Stradivarius” of sport-fishing boats as the featured marque for 2017. Pat Rybovich, daughter of boat builder and designer Tommy Rybovich, is the featured speaker Saturday at 5:30pm. She’ll be discussing her family’s American company that created the modern sport-fishing yacht in the 1940s. She has documented the rich history in the book: Rybovich: The Stuff of Legend, and also is writing a screenplay. It’s set to be a memorable event not to be missed by boating enthusiasts and curious onlookers! Want to take home the ultimate Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival Swag? The official wood-billed hat is available for purchase on the event website. It’s also available now – in case you decide to purchase beforehand and wear to the event. These are the same hats issued to all Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival entrants. The event organizers have made it so parking will be a breeze. Take advantage of the free shuttle running from the Newport Beach Country Club to the Balboa Yacht Club! Or utilize the complimentary water taxi that will be offering rides from docks and resorts around the Harbor. For more information on event details, visit newportbeachwoodenboatfestival.com

Catch you on the docks!

Photo Credit: Tom Walker