Southport Magazine

When: Saturday, September 27th
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Old Yacht Basin,
Bay and Moore Streets
Cost: Free admission
Info: www.southportwoodenboatshow.com

Our small, cherished town of Southport has thrived upon its connection with the water since its first establishment in 1745. Southport comes alive through its nautical and maritime environment. This is a sleepy town where we call our neighbor “Captain,” dangle our feet off of the edge of a moving boat or dock, sit and watch the waves break against the sand, and wave to the pilots bringing in the large container ships.

The Southport Wooden Boat Show displays dozens of handmade boats, both on land and in the water. Courtesy photo

For the fifth year in a row, the Southport Wooden Boat Show returns to the Old Yacht Basin to inspire others to gain the knowledge of the craft and art of wooden boat construction and the skills it takes to conduct such a project. They continue to celebrate and share the region’s maritime and boatbuilding history.

The history of boat making is so dense and rich that it dates back to the Egyptians and even the building of Noah’s ark. Being able to travel on land is one thing, but being able to travel by water is brilliant. The craftsmanship, time, dedication and pristine that goes into making just one boat, whether it be wooden, fiberglass, plastic or canvas, is extensive and labor intensive.

“Capt. Robert Potter and Capt. Bert Felton, both owners of traditional wooden work boats, felt that this presented an opportunity to use that recognition to bring attention to theirs and other old working boats,” Jim Trent of the Southport Wooden Boat Show reveals. “They also felt that something could be done to preserve the history of not only their boats, but also the history of work boats in general in the Southport area.” This finally pushed them to announce the first Southport Wooden Boat Show, held on October 9th, 2010.

Most of the boat exhibitors come primarily from North and South Carolina, but as the event is continuing to grow each and every year, we can expect participants to start coming from a few more places. Last year, Bert Felton disclosed to Southport Magazine that the first show featured about 15 boats, while the 2012 event showcased 35 to 40, and it continues to grow. The boats that are displayed are immaculate and breathtaking. Being able to share someone’s passion of wooden boat restoration and preservation is a magical thing. There is a boat that speaks to everyone.

“The importance of the show provides an effort to preserve the history of work boats in the Southport and coastal Carolina areas as wooden boats are becoming more and more scarce,” Trent shares.

The Wooden Boat Show provides something interesting for a variety of people: wooden boat displays (both on land and in water), vendors with nautical- and maritime-theme clothing, jewelry, art, and more for those who enjoy the thrill of shopping. Also, demonstrations that are maritime-related will be taking place sporadically, kids’ events and a Seafood Chowder Cook-off.

Trent blissfully affirms a few of the maritime-related vendors that will be on hand for the show: Carolina Ships in a Bottle, The Adventure Kayak Company, B. Murrell Jewelry (sea glass and shell jewelry), Artful Whimsies (nautical clothing), Coast Guard Auxilliary, Old Marlin Spike (nautical rope products), to name a few. Maritime-related vendors can join until September 20th; details are available at www.southportwoodenboatshow.com.

The Chowder Cook-off usually encourages a bit of friendly competition because of the hard work that goes into trying to make the best chowder. All of the chowders are required to be made from scratch, with the most fresh local seafood and ingredients. This just adds to the environment of Southport and its connection with the salty water.

“In keeping with the working boat and martime theme, it was decided that a chowder cook-off would be an appropriate activity at the show,” Trent notes. “It would help create a general interest and attraction from the general public.”

Brunswick Catch, a local organization encouraging restaurants and seafood retailers to use fresh seafood caught in local waters, also urge all competitors to use local seafood for their chowder pots.

Tickets to taste all of the contestants’ chowders, as well as ballots to vote for the best-decorated booth, will be on sale at the chowder tent for $5 (children under 6 are free) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The tasting and voting period will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m. Folks wishing to compete can register at the show’s website for $25 prior to September 13th. Afterward the fee raises to $50. Last year’s first-place winner was Ports of Call Bistro and Market, while the South Brunswick High School Culinary Class and Blue Marlin Restaurant took second and third respectively. Yacht Basin Eatery garnered nods for Best Booth.

Boat owners may register in advance; details are available at www.southportwoodenboatshow.com. It costs $25 for the first boat and $10 for every boat after, including one lunch ticket.

As for spectators, it’s free to come out and share the history, hard work and passion of the memorable, beautiful wooden boats.