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Classic boats in watery spotlight this weekend in Victoria

Festival marks 35th anniversary in the Inner Harbour

Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the place to be this Labour Day weekend, as close to 100 classic sail and power boats from throughout the Pacific Coast and beyond arrive for the 35th Victoria Classic Boat Festival.

The free event gets underway Friday (Aug. 31), with boats arriving through the day to the docks along the Inner Harbour Causeway. The docks will be open to the public during the day through Sunday to give spectators a close-up look at the craftmanship and care taken in producing and restoring these amazing vessels.

Ship Point will feature displays and a Kids Zone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The Classic Rowing Regatta down the Gorge starts at 10:45 a.m. and will finish up at Ship Point.

Starting at 1 p.m., teams of four will contest the traditional dory races in the harbour. The races are open to anyone to compete and to watch.

The festival highlight happens Sunday at 11 a.m. with the annual sailpast from the Inner Harbour to Ogden Point. Afterward, sailing yachts will race off the Dallas Road waterfront.

For more information, visit classicboatfestival.ca.