Sydney's Classic & Wooden Boat Festival

THE 2010 Classic & Wooden Boat Festival at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, will be bigger than ever with a host of family-friendly maritime displays and activities.

Held over the weekend of 16 and 17 October, this year’s festival theme is Old Traditions, New Lives and will look at ways to recycle, reuse and restore.

Registrations are now open for vessels and trade stall holders. The festival provides a unique opportunity to showcase your vessel or maritime trade in front of thousands of interested visitors and boating enthusiasts and to network with other classic boat owners.

Visitors will see more than 100 privately-owned heritage vessels, from graceful yachts and streamlined speedboats to tugs and workboats plus tall ships HMB Endeavour and James Craig.

There’ll be plenty to keep visitors entertained with a range of activities including the popular Deckhand's Line-throwing Competition, together with children’s crafts and demonstrations.

Discover the skills of traditional maritime craftsmen including blacksmiths, rope knotters, caulkers and sail makers. There will be a series of presentations by maritime specialists and opportunities to jump on a heritage vessel for a ride around Cockle Bay. Plus don’t miss the festive marketplace for all things nautical.

Vessel registrations close 10 September 2010 with fees ranging from from $50 (ashore) to $75-$150 afloat (depending on vessel size). Trade stall registrations close 3 September with fees starting from $150.

For more information on the Festival or to register your interest visit www.anmm.gov.au/cwbf or contact the Festival Coordinator on (02) 9298 3777 or email events@anmm.gov.au.