The 2014 Geelong Wooden Boat Festival enjoyed excellent weather, water conditions and participants. Geelong foreshore was at its best, and was handling a large display of classic vehicles too.

The wooden boats were there, but were in the thick of lots of local boats which weren't necessarily wooden.  People had brought large vessels from various bayside marinas.  A different class and size from my Murray and Goolwa events, and not available for onboard inspection.  Dear sailing ship Enterprize was the hit of the show: great people, and local cruises plus positioning and going home.

One boat wasmissing: the wooden MV Hygeia has been sold, and has gone to New Guinea for heavy maintenance, then will be based in Queensland.  The name is now carried by a modern catamaran ferry.  Both cruise operators were out and about, also a sightseeing helicopter.

Food and drink venues were packed, and there was lots of public entertainment too: music, facepainting, and pirate displays.

In the photos below, look out for Oomoobar.  It was once the family boat for the owners of Arnotts Biscuits.

Story and photos by Roderick Smith.