Record Parade of Sail
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival commenced with the largest number of boats ever, in the Parade of Sail 2023.
12 February 2023
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With over 300 afloat vessels registered to attend the biennial event, the opening Parade of Sail took place on the River Derwent on Friday 10 February, starting at the John Garrow Light, Sandy Bay.
Thousands of spectators lined the shores of the River Derwent and were delighted to see hundreds of wooden boats, follow 11 Tall Ships and the Goveror’s ML Egeria up to Sullivan’s Cove.
Australian Wooden Boat Festival Patron John Bertrand AO and AWBF General Manager Paul Stephanus were joined by The Premier of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockcliff at a private function in Sandy Bay.
The four-day Festival is a biennial event that has been sorely missed during the pandemic years. It runs 10 to 13 February and is free for the public with a jam-packed program of displays, entertainment and activities.
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Paul Stephanus said “It was the largest Parade of Sail in many, many years. What a delight for all of Hobart.
“We are so excited to welcome boats from all across the country to our little harbour. It is set to be a big four days ahead of us.”
The official Festival Opening and Welcome to Country will took place in Constitution Dock with the launching of a traditional Indigenous Watercraft which was built over the past six months.
The site spans from Hunter Street to Salamanca Place, opening Friday 10 February to Monday 13 February, with free entry to the public.
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