Wooden Boat Association

 The purposes of the Association are:

  • by holding regular events on the water, to encourage the use of wooden boats.
  • to encourage the retention of traditional wooden boatbuilding skills.
  • to encourage the development of new methods of building wooden boats.
  • to facilitate the exchange of information regarding the use of timber as a boatbuilding material.
  • to record the history of wooden boatbuilding and boats, especially within Australia.
  • to foster facilities for wooden boats.
  • to encourage the preservation and better utilization of valuable timbers.
  • to promote the use of timber and timber products as boatbuilding materials.
  • to create fellowship amongst those interested in wooden boats.

You can download a complete copy of our Rules of Association here.

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Join the WBA

Membership is open to all wooden boat enthusiasts. Many members own boats, others do not, but all enjoy the chance to get together and "muck about with boats". Their boats include rowing boats, putt-putts, radio controlled models, pond yachts, canoes, kayaks, steam-powered boats, sailing dinghies, dayboats and ocean-going yachts.

The Wooden Boat Association is based in Melbourne, with regular sailing days scheduled on Albert Park Lake, as well as other venues around Melbourne, and at least one weekend each year elsewhere in the state.

Especially welcome is the first-time wooden boat builder or restorer, who can expect to receive ample advice and assistance in getting their dream onto the water.

Benefits of Wooden Boat Association Membership 

  • Become part of a friendly and sociable group of people with a common interest in wooden boats.
  • Receive Shavings, a monthly newsletter bringing timely news about events and activities in Victoria.
  • Regular meetings with a wide range of interesting speakers and activities. Our usual venue is the Albert Park Yacht Club, with visits to other venues from time to time.
  • Monthly sailing days, on Albert Park Lake and other locations close to Melbourne.
  • Use of the Association's own boats, two traditional sailing boats, Begonia and Lindsay Symons, our canoe Stringybark, and our extremely rare Port Philip 12.
  • Access to the Association's extensive library of boatbuilding and other nautical books.
  • Companionship with sister associations in other states

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