Northwest Maritime Center

Because the Sea is the Most Powerful Teacher We Know

Wooden Boat Festival

The 41st Wooden Boat Festival—the most educational and inspiring wooden boat event in the world—will take place September 7–9, 2018. Join us!

300 boats on land and water
120 presentations
Dozens of exhibitors
Live music all day, every day
Food court & local beers and wine

Facility Rental

Looking for a special place for a wedding, conference, meeting or event?

Located in historic downtown Port Townsend, our facilities include meeting and event spaces that can be configured to accommodate a wide range of groups–from small meetings to large celebrations.

Race to Alaska

What is Race to Alaska? It’s simple: Row, paddle or sail from Port Townsend to Ketchikan without the help of any engine. Get there first. Win $10,000.

The Race to Alaska is the first and best event of its kind. NWMC has organized this event to stimulate imaginations, challenge adventurers and draw attention to the maritime culture.

Events

While summers are definitely our busiest time of year, we have events going on year round. These are some of our upcoming events:

Programs

Our experienced instructors, windy bay and beautiful waterfront location surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade Mountains combine to make the Northwest Maritime Center one of the best sailing programs in the region. Experience sailing for the first time or take your skills to the next level!

Our boat shop also offers instruction on wooden boat building. Build a sailboat, a kayak or learn new techniques from our expert shipwrights.

Membership

Our members help make powerful maritime experiences possible.

When you join as a member, you become part of a special group of people who share a passionate commitment to maritime education and maritime heritage, as well as the sheer joy of being on, near or in the water.

Members get special benefits, including free admission to the Wooden Boat Festival—the West Coast’s largest wooden boat festival.