Victoria Classic Boat Festival (Aug 31 – Sep 2, 2012)
If you don’t have any plans yet for the Labour Day long weekend, then you may want to check out the Victoria Classic Boat Festival, running from August 31 to September 2, in downtown Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour.
What started in the late 1970′s has today grown to a festival showcasing over 100 boats coming to Victoria from all around the world. What makes this festival unique compared to others is that it is free to the general public to attend. This is in part thanks to the generous sponsorship of Canoe Cove Marina and Boat Yard and The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.
The boats start arriving on the Thursday prior to the Labour Day weekend. The festival officially kicks off on the Friday with the arrival of the Honorary Commodore. A number of the ships will be open to the public over the weekend in addition to the activity of the smaller boats, motor and steam, running around the harbour. The Sunday morning Sailpast is always a fan favourite – all participants cast off at 10.45am, file out of the Inner Harbour, and parade past the Salute Vessel to take the salute of the Honorary Commodore. Here is a brief description of what exactly a salute is:
The salute is made by “dipping” or lowering the boat’s ensign to one third from lower end of the hoist. The ensign should be left in that position until the Salute Vessel returns the salute in a like manner.
If you’re a fan of classic boats, this is a must-see event for you. Go out and take advantage of this free festival to get up close and personal with some magnificent vessels.
Victoria Classic Boat Festival
Inner Harbour, Victoria BC
Category: Events
