Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival 2026

Traditional wooden sailing vessels remain central to the maritime culture of The Bahamas. Built by hand and sailed competitively across the islands, Bahamian sloops represent a living tradition that connects craftsmanship, community, and cultural identity. This presentation explores the history and contemporary significance of wooden boat building and regatta sailing in The Bahamas, examining how these vessels function as both technological achievements and cultural symbols. Drawing on archival research, oral histories, and field documentation of regattas throughout the archipelago, the talk highlights the builders and sailors who sustain this tradition and the communities that gather around it. Particular attention is given to the role of wooden boats in national regattas and island competitions, where rivalries, local pride, and generational knowledge intersect on the water. The presentation situates Bahamian sloop sailing within broader discussions of maritime heritage, demonstrating how wooden boats continue to carry cultural memory and identity across generations.