Boats 'with a soul' gather in Newport Harbor

by Daily Pilot/Sail-World Cruising on 18 Sep 2010 There is an aura and allure about wooden boats, particularly the older graceful designs, that moves the heart of true sailor more than any modern plastic creation.

As the high end of sailing goes further and further high-tech, it seems wooden boat enthusiasts are multiplying.

It's the second annual Wooden Boat Festival in California's Newport Harbor, and not just for sailing boats.

Among the draws will be a World War II-era air-sea rescue boat — as ready to fight as it was more than 60 years ago.

Organizers said they have more room on the water and more dry-dock exhibits this year. While boats won't be for sale, wooden-hull enthusiasts say there will be plenty of nautical history there to make it worth the price of admission.

'What do you think is prettier, a hunk of plastic or a piece of finely varnished wood?' Newport's Daily Pilot was asked by Stephen Kincaid, commodore of the Wooden Hull Yacht Club, which is essentially a group of wooden boat owners. 'Wooden boats sail with a soul. They don't bounce across the water like a ping pong ball. They cut through the water.'

Among other draws will be the Irving Johnson, an unmistakable tall ship that reaches rises nearly 90 feet high. Price of admission includes a ride to the Irving Johnson and a tour.

It's that sort of craftsmanship that stokes the enthusiasts' passion.

'A wooden boat was built and not manufactured,' Kincaid said. 'Every piece was cut, fitted, screwed and bolted. It wasn't just fiber glass chopped and put into a mold and voila, you have a boat.'

With a touch of sadness, he added, 'We're basically the only ones left taking care of them.'

If you love the sight of a good wooden boat and are anywhere near Newport Harbour at the beginning of October, check out the show - October 2nd, at the American Legion Yacht Club in Newport Beach, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, go to http://www.thewoodenboatfestival.com