January 2024
CLASS: Learn the essentials of working with epoxy. 20 January, 9 a.m. - noon, at Chesapeake Light Craft in Annapolis, Maryland. Join veteran boatbuilder/instructor Jay Hockenberry for a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to working with epoxy in our well-equipped classroom workshop here in Annapolis. The class size is limited to 20 students. www.clcboats.com/boatbuilding_classes
New Years Messabout traditionally happens 1 January on Rat Island in Port Townsend Bay, WA. Come have a picnic lunch on the beach, talk boats while rowing, paddling, powering and sailing with the Port Townsend Pocket Yachters. www.pocketyachters.com and for event Q&A on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/900591986701797
Beaver Creek Messabout traditionally happens in early January. Paddle/row Beaver Creek, this particular Beaver Creek is at the Brian Booth State Park 7-miles south of Newport, Oregon. The geography is unusual in that you can go a couple of miles inland in the fresh-water wet area that is basically not tidal. But, also you can go under the Hwy 101 bridge and wander through the State Park until you see the creek flow into the ocean across the beach. Most of us don't go into the surf, but it is there! During the winter, if a storm is not blowing, the area is usually calm and suitable for family outings. A C.O.O.T.S. event: http://www.coots.org
February 2024
Lake Pleasant Wrinkleboat Messabout happens 16-18 February on Lake Pleasant, AZ. All pocket cruisers under 22’ invited. Come and hang out with the group for a low-key camping & paddle & oar & sail craft gathering of ‘lake cruising’ . This is part of the Arizona Yacht Club’s President’s Day Weekend Regatta and will have both short and long course racing. Sign up for racing & cruising or just cruising. For details contact Gary Oberbeck: fairandsquare1@gmail.com
The Worldwide Classic Boat Show is 16 - 25 February. This is something different! Thanks to Off Center Harbor the event is FREE (donations requested) and 100% on-line boat show that features over 1000 craft and organizations from around the world for you to see and read details all from the comfort of your favorite chair. Details: https://classicboatshow.com
Inverloch Classic Wooden Dinghy Regatta happens 17&18 February on Anderson Inlet, Inverloch, Australia. The purpose of the regatta is to display to the public the variety of timber dinghies that were once common along Australian Victorian beaches but are now quite rare. sgycinverloch.com.au
RYA Dinghy Show is 24 & 25 February at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, UK. This is the only show in the world dedicated to dinghy sailing, A weekend of interactive features, expert advice, all the latest boats and kit – and best of all, absolutely everything dinghy. rya.org.uk/events/dinghy-show
Shipwrights Regatta is traditionally held in February (and sometimes in March) at Port Townsend, Washington. Hosted by the Port Townsend Sailing Association on Port Townsend Bay, Washington. All boats types are welcomed. Folks who would like to try sailboat racing but do not have a boat are encouraged to show up at the Skippers’ Meeting and be connected with boats looking for crew. nwmaritime.org/shipwrights
March 2024
Paynesville Classic Boat Rally is 1 - 3 March at Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, Australia. A spectacular fleet of classic boats on water, ranging from Tall Ships, to sailing vessels, classic motorboats, skiffs, fishing boats, small crafts and more. On land, our trailered boats make a fantastic display of classic wooden, fiberglass and rowing boats. Rooftop dinghies will line the foreshore and music, entertainment and maritime stall holders will await your discovery. Bring your own boat on go out at your leisure for a trip on the Gippsland Lakes and return to share stories with other boat lovers. It really is an event for everyone. If it's older than 25 years, or of historical value ... You just might see it at the rally! www.paynesvilleclassicboatrally.com.au
Everglades Challenge begins 2 March, Tampa Bay, Florida. The Everglades Challenge is an unsupported, expedition style adventure race for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. Course is roughly 300 miles and goes from Tampa Bay to Key Largo, Florida. watertribe.com/events/evergladeschallenge
WaterTribe Ultra Marathon begins concurrently with the Everglades Challenge. The Ultra Marathon is an unsupported, expedition style adventure race for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. Course is roughly 62 miles and goes from Tampa Bay to Stump Pass at Cape Haze Marina, Florida. watertribe.com/Events/UltraMarathon
NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show is 2 & 3 March at Lake Rotoiti, South Island, New Zealand. Billed as a weekend of ‘Glorious Hydromatic Relaxation’ there will be displays on land from early morning, races on the lake in the afternoon, both days. Attendees range from sleek cedar kayaks, jet boats from the 60s, clunky clinkers and veteran sailing craft. Come see the restoration projects, chat to the owners, have a laugh as boaties try to start their motors for the Seagull dinghy race with its Le Mans start. facebook.com/NZACBS/ and www.nzclassicboats.com
C.O.O.T.S Season Opener Messabout traditionally happens in March. The COOTS group plots informal gatherings of sail, human, electric and low powered small boats, and those who love them, particularly within an area convenient for residents of Oregon's upper (southern) Willamette Valley. More about the group: www.coots.org
Please, if you know of or coordinate a boating event that has a component geared towards small boats please contact Dave Scobie, wdscobie@yahoo.com, or Small Craft Advisor, smallcraftadvisor@earthlink.net, with the details. Thanks!
The above event details are correct to the best knowledge of this magazine. It is recommended you visit the listed website to confirm dates, registration requirements and any associated cost. If you find any of the above is in error, please contact Dave Scobie with corrections at wdscobie@yahoo.com.