Showcasing a diverse range of vessels across the Festival site, visitors can explore everything from charming dinghies and intricately crafted models to sleek four-foot twos, kayaks and more! Each vessel reflects the craftsmanship and maritime heritage of our seafaring culture, offering a captivating glimpse into the artistry and innovation behind these remarkable crafts.
*Boats Ashore Directory will be available in mid-late January.
Spirit of Tasmania Classic Dinghy Display
Hobart City Hall
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Step into the Ironhouse Brewery Waterside Tavern, the Festival’s ultimate pop-up by the sea. Grab a drink, feast on great food, bust a move or soak up the sun while watching the boats and people at play. With an eclectic lineup of rock, pop, folk, jazz, Celtic beats, storytellers, and shanty bands, the vibes flow all day and well into the night.
Classic Dinghy Display
Hobart City Hall
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
This exhibition features beautifully restored Australian Classic Wooden Sailing Dinghy Classes, from the diminutive Sabot training class to the grand sail plans of classic Sydney Harbour skiffs. Classic dinghies will be rigged and displayed, emphasising the classes that have popularised dinghy racing on Australian waterways.
Bumblebee Dinghy Display
Hobart City Hall
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
This year, the Festival features five delightful “bumblebee” dinghies, each with a unique story. The boats were constructed from high-quality Brunyzeel Marine plywood, with gunnels, thwarts, knees, and tillers made from Tasmanian Huon Pine and King Billy. While some children may be too young to navigate them alone, they still enjoy sitting in the boats and being pulled around, filling the air with laughter and joy.
Welsford Cruising Dinghies
Hobart City Hall & Across the Festival Site
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
From the stability of the Tender Behind and the versatility of the SCAMP to the enduring popularity of the mighty Penguin, few small boat designers have achieved the cult-like following that John Welsford has garnered over the past 40 years. Can you find these gems elsewhere across the Festival site?
Reviving the Rainbow Dinghy
Hobart City Hall
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
The Making Waves Foundation’s “Wright of Passage” program offers hands-on opportunities for personal growth and job readiness, focusing on wooden boat building, sailing, and mentoring. Over four days, watch their team expertly construct a Rainbow dinghy hull, and be sure to check out their beautifully finished Rainbow on display.
Evolution of the Surfboard
Hobart City Hall
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
The “Evolution of Surfboards” exhibit traces the development of surfboards from their wooden origins to modern foam fibreglass designs. It begins with the ancient solid timber boards weighing between 40-60kg and moves to the introduction of the lighter but cumbersome hollow plywood “toothpick” boards. These were later replaced by the more agile Okanui and balsa wood surfboards weighing 10-20kg. The journey culminates in the sleek, lightweight foam and fibreglass Malibu boards surfers use today, showcasing the remarkable transformation of surfboard design over time.
Model Boats
Waterside Pavilion
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Explore an extraordinary collection of wooden model boats, expertly crafted to scale. From Navy ships and clinker dinghies to sailboats and tall ships, these models capture a wide range of nautical history. Some hold deep historical ties to Australia, while others are treasured family heirlooms passed down through generations. Visit the Waterside Pavilion near Constitution Dock to admire this captivating display of maritime craftsmanship.
