Go back in maritime history at Montréal’s Classic Boat Show

Classic old boats have a certain look and charm that you don’t get with today’s modern motor yachts. These vintage wooden vessels were once at the forefront of the boating scene and have played a major part in maritime history. If you’re interested to learn more about their history and get a chance see them up-close, Montréal’s annual Classic Boat Festival is the place to do it.

The free three-day event, organised by Sperry Top-Sider, takes place in the waters of Parks Canada from August 19 to 21. More than 70 classic boats will be docked at the quays of the Old Port varying in size from a few metres to 20 metres. Visitors will be able to go onboard the vessels and meet their captains, on hand to share their stories, boating tips and advice. It’s a great way for those new to the boating world to learn more about Montréal’s rich maritime heritage.

Off the water, there will be numerous exhibitions about the building and restoration of wooden boats, ports and the fascinating maritime culture of the Inuits as well as three historical exhibits tracing the history of the Canadian Navy and the Old Port. Children can also get a taster of the boating world and take part in various workshops that will teach them the art of knotting, nautical charts and navigation.

In addition, a series of interesting talks will take place during the festival covering a range of memorable moments in boating history, from the PS Lady Sherbrooke (a Molson ship that sank in the St-Lawrence river in the late nineteenth century) to the journey of PERH Kalm of 1749, and Robert Grenier will present a film on the restoration of the Red Bay Chaloupa in Newfoundland.

For the first time, the festival is also introducing maritime-themed cinema into the mix. A selection of international short films and documentaries will be screened including Around Cape Horn by Irving Johnson; De l’eau glacée dans les veines by Yannick Savard, Les voiles de Borollos by Raymond Collet and ZEB: Schooner Life by Gordon Massighan (which tells the story of a legendary captain in New England). The highlight will be the Saturday screening on the terrace of Morning Light by Mark Monroe. The documentary follows 15 students who took part in the famous Transpac sailing race from Los Angeles to Honolulu.

There’s also a great line up of live music shows to add some jazz to the occasion including performances from Christine Tassant et les Imposteures, The Paddingtons, Les Murènes, The Bombadils, Melogramme, Maracuja and Rodrigo Salazar.

All in all, it will be a fun-filled few days and you’ll come away with a richer understanding of the history of the wonderful world of boating.

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