More than 1,200 visitors came to the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay (RMYC BB) on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November for the 2026 Timber Boat Festival, where more than 80 classic timber boats lined the marina.
The fleet showcased more than a century of boatbuilding. Elegant classic yachts and ketches sat alongside nine Halvorsen-built cruisers and yachts, while working boats such as Tasmanian cray boats, a former snapper trawler and a WWII-era army work boat told stories of life on the water. Visitors also admired a 1962 Riva speedboat, an International 8 Metre, a couta boat and a steam launch, as well as newly built boats proving that the craft of timber boatbuilding is very much alive.
First held in 2001 as a one-day event, the festival now runs over two days with both onshore and on-water exhibitions. This year it was also part of RMYC BB’s centenary celebrations. Founded in 1926, the Club officially opened its transformed waterfront clubhouse in June 2026, and festival-goers made the most of its new rooftop and dining area, with panoramic views over Scotland Island and Pittwater.
Live music played across both days. In the Kids Zone, younger visitors enjoyed face painting and activities, and many children took to the water for a sailing session with the Making Waves Foundation. The Australian Skin Cancer Foundation offered skin checks, Marine Rescue showcased its work on the water, and the NSW Water Police welcomed visitors aboard their patrol vessel.
“It was wonderful to see so many families, boat lovers and exhibitors enjoying the festival together. Even with Sunday’s weather, the atmosphere on the marina was fantastic, and with the new Club overlooking the display, everyone had a chance to enjoy the festival.” – Jayson McDonald, CEO, RMYC BB
130 Years of Timber Boats
The oldest boat on display was Heartsease, a 50 ft yacht built by Charles Bailey Jnr, which is celebrating 130 years and went on to be named Best Boat in Show. She was joined by Utiekah II, a Bermudan cutter from 1911, and a Penobscot-design canoe from around 1912, while MY Martindale, a 66 ft ketch built in 1932, showed the grandeur of the era.
The biggest boat was Goolara, a 66 ft 11 in passagemaker built in 1956 by the Maritime Services Board of NSW, and the smallest was Mary Jean, a 12 ft Australian Cadet skiff built in Hobart in 1982. The youngest was Vera, a mahogany barrelback modelled on the runabouts of the late 1930s, which Rod Stendrup began building in 2019 and completed in January 2026.
And the winners are…
With such a high standard of boats on show, choosing the winners was no easy task.
Best Boat in Show – Heartsease. Celebrating 130 years, Heartsease was shortlisted by the Wooden Boat Association of NSW, with RMYC BB Commodore David Rogers making the final call.
People’s Choice – Sunbather. Voted by festival visitors, in a close race with Harry and Born Free.
Encouragement Award – Longana. Presented to owner Tim Felsted in recognition of the boat’s extensive restoration.
Coldest Fridge – MY Martindale. Decided in a draw, with Harvest Moon and Born Free also shortlisted. Judged by RMYC BB CEO Jayson McDonald, Assistant Marina Manager Jacob Jeskie-Falzon and RMYC BB Timber and Classic Boat Community representative Andrew McKillop.
Congratulations to all the winners. Given the quality and variety of the fleet, every owner who brought a boat can count themselves a winner.
Heartsease, Best Boat in Show 2026.
Thank you
RMYC BB extends special thanks to the festival sponsors, Navico Group, Robert Oatley Vineyards, Ampol, Shoreside Clothing, JP Sailmakers and Newport Marine Services, and to the onshore exhibitors who helped bring the festival to life: Shoreside Clothing, Collins Marine / Nanni Australia, Newport Marine Electrical, All Boat Support, Wooden Boat Association of NSW, Yachting Holidays, Freedom Boat Club, Newport Marine Services, Making Waves Foundation, Newcastle Caravans & RVs, Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, Marine Rescue Broken Bay, Andrew Moore and Fortified Oceanic.
A special thank you goes to every boat owner who shared their vessel and its story with the public. RMYC BB look forward to welcoming you all back to Newport next year.
For more information, visit royalmotor.com.au
