Wooden Boat Show

The Wooden Boat Show at Mystic Seaport Museum showcases the country's most dynamic collection of wooden vessels and maritime craftsmanship. Hosted by the premier American maritime museum, the show emphasizes heritage, restoration, and artistry rather than commercial sales. Highlights include the Concours d'Élegance competition, hands-on Skills Demonstrations, a Speaker Series featuring maritime experts, and a dedicated "I Built/Restored It Myself" category celebrating amateur craftspeople. The intimate show draws wooden boat enthusiasts, restoration hobbyists, marine craftspeople, and maritime historians who value traditional boat-building techniques and design. Set within Mystic Seaport's historic waterfront grounds, the event balances educational programming with the opportunity to admire exquisitely maintained and restored wooden vessels. Both spectators and exhibitors find community among those passionate about wooden boat preservation and maritime heritage.