The Kachemak Bay Wooden Boat Society
(KBWBS) was conceived in Homer during the winter of 1992-93. The founders’
intent was to foster appreciation of the area’s maritime heritage, provide a
forum for local wood boat builders and shipwrights to showcase their talents, and to
have a little fun. The non-profit organization operates on entirely volunteer efforts.
The first Kachemak Bay Wooden Boat Festival was held in May 1993. The event kicked off with a film
presentation Friday night, followed by a weekend of activities for both kids and adults, including
demonstrations of traditional boatbuilding skills, rowboat races, kids’ toy boatbuilding, and
(of course!) displays of wood boats. In subsequent years other events were
added, including the ever popular Sea Chanteys and Tall Tales at the Salty Dawg
Saloon. From its inception through 2006, the Wooden Boat Festival was held in
early May. Cool blustery weather was the norm, and snow was not uncommon.
In 2007 the Wood Boat Festival shifted to Memorial Day Weekend
in collaboration with the Former Kachemak Kayak Fest and the SeaFair, as part of a new joint
festival. The KBWBS is pleased to present the 16th Annual Kachemak Bay Wooden
Boat Festival in cooperation with our friends in the 2nd Annual K-Bay SeaFest.
Check out the Wooden Boat Society's new web site at
www.kbwbs.org
