Plans develop for wooden boat festival

Plans are set for the Cathlamet Wooden & Classic Boat Show to be held August 4 and 5 at the Elochoman Slough Marina in Cathlamet.

Organizers are welcoming all classic craft including those of various construction materials. All sizes are encouraged, they said; the only limit being the ability to tie off at the marina dock. Also wanted are boats of all modes of propulsion and function, be it boats used for work, pleasure or recreation.

Food and craft vendors will be on site. Entertainment includes the popular Rubber Ducky Derby, operational demonstrations by the United States Coast Guard, live music, and a variety of boat races.

Puget Island boat builder Michael Baccellieri will lead a team from the Lower Columbia River Chapter of the Traditional Small Craft Association in building a 12-foot Salt Bay wooden rowing skiff. Association members are making available the opportunity to experience the Columbia River in our boats with rides or rowing in our classic craft.

A Sunday swap meet will be held featuring nautical articles for sale; all vendors are welcome. An Ugly Car Show is being held at the River Mile 38 Brewery on Saturday.

Organizers ask that each visitor vote for their favorite boat in several different categories. The winners will be announced near the end of the show on Sunday. As is tradition, the boat selected as best-in-show will receive a special commemorative plaque and be featured in advertising and marketing for the following year's show.

A brief summary of three craft of particular interest confirmed for this year's show follows.

--Island Butterfly – 1908 replica salmon gillnetter. The boat was voted Best Sail Boat and Best in Show in 2017. She is owned and operated by Greg and Muriel Prestegard of Puget Island.

--The Salty Lady – 1942 U.S. Navy captain's gig. The Salty Lady was voted Best Power Boat in the 2017 show. She is being restored by Mr. John Gillon of Portland.

--The Slough Coot--21-foot cutter. The Slough Coot is the latest restoration by local Island boat builder Baccellieri. It is a Cape Henry 21 designed by naval architect Dudley Dix. She will be joined at the show by Slough Chick, a 7-foot dinghy currently under construction, and Rachel, an 18-foot Pelicano design by Sam Devlin and crafted by Baccellieri in his Island boat shop.