Where maritime heritage meets modern safety – and why C-Tow is the perfect companion for classic boat enthusiasts

The salt air will be filled with history this Labour Day weekend as Victoria’s Inner Harbour transforms into a floating museum. The Maritime Museum of BC’s 46th Annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival returns August 29-31, 2025, promising an incredible celebration of maritime heritage that draws over 10,000 visitors annually.

A Fleet Worth Celebrating

This year’s festival will showcase more than 80 classic vessels – from elegant sailboats to sturdy workboats to luxurious cruisers. Each boat tells a story, representing decades of craftsmanship and maritime tradition. The star of the show? The museum’s own SV Dorothy, a stunning 1897 heritage sailboat that recently won “Best Restored Vessel under 40 ft” at the prestigious Classic Boat Awards in the UK.

What makes this festival truly special is its open-dock policy. Unlike many boat shows, visitors can actually board these floating pieces of history, with many generous owners offering personal tours of their meticulously maintained vessels.

More Than Just Pretty Boats

The weekend isn’t just about admiring craftsmanship. Sunday’s Sail Past and Race continues a 200-year-old tradition where vessels parade before an Honorary Commodore – this year, William E. Harpster and his replica of Joshua Slocum’s famous circumnavigating sailboat Spray. The festival also features live music, maritime artists capturing the scene in real-time, and even a Caribbean carnival running simultaneously at Ship Point.

The C-Tow Connection: Where Heritage Meets Modern Peace of Mind

Here’s something that resonates deeply with us at C-Tow: these classic boats represent the same maritime spirit that founded our company back in 1984. Like these vintage vessels, we’ve been part of Canada’s boating story for over 41 years, understanding that every boat – whether it’s a 1920s wooden cruiser or a 2025 center console – deserves expert care when things go wrong.

Classic boat owners face unique challenges. Vintage engines can be temperamental, traditional rigging systems require specialized knowledge, and older electrical systems don’t always play by modern rules. That’s where C-Tow’s expertise shines. Our captains aren’t just towing specialists – they’re maritime problem-solvers who understand that a 1950s Chris-Craft needs different handling than a modern fiberglass cruiser.

Captain insights from our BC fleet: “Classic boats often need more than just a tow,” explains one of our Vancouver Island captains. “Sometimes it’s troubleshooting a carburetor issue, sometimes it’s jury-rigging a temporary fix for vintage hardware. Every classic boat owner should have that peace of mind knowing help is just a call away.”

Festival Details for Fellow Boaters

• When: August 29-31, 2025 (Labour Day Weekend)
• Where: Victoria’s Inner Harbour
• Cost: Free admission by donation
• Special Features: Artists Aboard program, live music, SV Dorothy tours

For classic boat owners considering participation, registration is open through the Maritime Museum of BC’s website, with costs ranging from $185 for smaller vessels to $358 for boats over 80 feet.

The Bigger Picture

Events like the Victoria Classic Boat Festival remind us why we love this industry. Whether you’re piloting a century-old schooner or a brand-new yacht, we’re all part of the same maritime community. At C-Tow, we’re proud to serve as the safety net that lets boaters of all kinds explore Canadian waters with confidence.

Planning to attend the festival or cruise BC waters this Labour Day weekend? Remember that C-Tow members enjoy 24/7 assistance coverage throughout British Columbia. Because whether your boat was built in 1897 or 2025, adventure shouldn’t wait for perfect conditions.