Workshops
Whether you are thinking about building your own boat, want to learn a new skill, or simply enjoy hearing and talking about boats, there's something for everyone. All workshops are free of charge and no registration is required.
Workshop Tent
Building History for the Future with BLUENOSE IV
Joan Roue will discuss the importance of preserving the Bluenose legacy and the need to preserve the heritage of the boatbuilding industry in NS. Blueprints for the original Bluenose, Bluenose 1V and the Sloop will be on display. A video slideshow of the Bluenose will also be shown. Joan will also do a book signing for her book entitled "A Spirit Deep Within".
Sponsored by: Mahone Insurance Group
Albert Kennedy is a deep sea fisherman from Greenland to the Georges Bank and his speciality is decorative rope work. This is a hands-on wokskop.
Sponsored by:
Do's and Don'ts of Epoxy Applications in Boat Building
Scott Dagley of Dagley’s Boat Works discusses the use of stitching glue compounds, fairing materials, and different fibreglass cloths in wood. Scott continues to build boats under Dagley's Boatworks, while managing NorseBoats at 151 Montague St., Lunenburg.
Sponsored by: Commercial Tent
Everything you always wanted to know about varnishing
Natasha Kilburn of Kilburn Marine @ Gold River Marina will demonstrate proper techniques for varnishing and painting boats and answer any questions you may have.
Sponsored by: South Shore Concrete
Learn to Sail on beautiful Mahone Bay
Part I
With Michael Ernst of Sail Mahone Bay has 30 years instructional experience with the Royal Yachting Association. This 2-session workshop will provide an introduction to the basics of this exciting activity. On Thursday evening, participants will look at sailing skills, terminology and knot tying. On Friday participants will be on the water sailing, putting theory into practice.
Location: Thursday, Workshop tent
Multihull Power Boats: Making Inroads in Many Roles...
Multihull power boats are becoming more common in both pleasure boat and working boat varieties. Michael Mason of Mason Marine Designs Inc. will outline the advantages and drawbacks of multihull power boat designs. Mr. Mason will discuss the variety of multihulls available in North America, clarify the issues surrounding the rumours of instability and poor seakeeping of multihulls, and show examples of successful multihull vessels.
Sponsored by: South Shore Truck Centre
Nick Kilburn has spent ten years in the Caribbean on his 80-foot schooner and owned a charter business in Tortola. Today, Nick and his wife Natasha own Kilburn Marine located at Gold River Marina. Nick will discuss and demonstrate proper rig tuning, wire splicing and rig overhaul so important for safety in racing and sailing.
Sponsored by: South Shore Sand & Gravel
The story of Oak island: Danny Hennigar
Oak Island Nova Scotia, is the site of the world’s longest running and most famous treasure hunt. The mystery began in the late 18th century and continues to this very day. Come to this well received and interesting presentation and learn why it is that after 213 years, with our advanced technology and abilities of the 21st century, the mystery of Oak Island remains unsolved. Discover how it began, the tragedies, the humor, hope and struggles. Find out what is happening at Oak Island today.
Danny Hennigar is a long time resident of Lunenburg county who has spent over thirty years keenly researching and following the treasure hunt at Oak Island. His fascination or infection, as he has often calls it, about Oak Island started in earnest when he secured a summer job as a tour guide on Oak Island from 1973 - 1975 with the Provincial Department of Tourism. Mr. Hennigar has since written articles for magazines, appeared on local and regional television, as well as local, regional and international radio shows where he enjoys relating the history of the worlds longest running and most famous treasure hunt. As an executive member of the Oak Island Tourism Society, he and his wife Yvonne have been instrumental in the founding of an annual festival called Explore Oak Island Days where people from around the world come to Oak Island for a tour, to see artifacts and displays, watch rare movies and consider this mystery. Along with the many members of the Oak Island Tourism Society, it is their collective hope that they can establish a world class interpretive center and permanent walking tours of Oak Island.
Sponsored by: CIBC Wood Gundy
For recreational boaters, this informative session, given by Michael Ernst of Sail Mahone Bay, is designed to cover the basic skills of using a compass and chart. Michael will be pleased to answer any questions you may have on this subject.
Sponsored by: Seabright Marine
Entertainment Tent
Van Fancy of Fancy's Oars and Paddles will be demonstrating his technique of installing leathers to oars. Van Fancy is a well known manufacturer of a huge variety of oars and paddles for canoes throughout Canada and the United States. No Charge
Sponsored by: South Shore Ready Mix
Paint the Festival - CANCELLED
Paint the harbour at festivel time! This workshop will be of interest to all aspiring artists who enjoy painting maritime scenes and wooden boats.Pre-register at the wharf office or phone 624-0348. Limited supplies available. Interested participants are asked to bring their own water colour equipment (paints, brushes, paper and board).
When: Friday August 1st 9:30am-12:30pm
Where: Entertainment Tent No Charge
Other Locations
Introductory Kayaking Lessons at the festival
East Coast Outfitters of Mahone Bay are offering free introductory kayaking lessons. Enjoy the scenic waters of Mahone Bay from a kayak while learning paddle strokes, rolls, and safety measures. Workshops limited to 6 people each.
Place: Participants meet at the boat launch on the government wharf. Bookings can be made ahead beginning Thurs. July 31. Call Claire at 624 - 0334
Learn to Sail on beautiful Mahone Bay
Part II
With Michael Ernst of Sail Mahone Bay has 30 years instructional experience with the Royal Yachting Association. This 2-session workshop will provide an introduction to the basics of this exciting activity. On Thursday evening, participants will look at sailing skills, terminology and knot tying. On Friday participants will be on the water sailing, putting theory into practice.
Location: Friday, On the water.