NEWPORT BEACH — The spirit of classic seafaring tradition is set to take over Newport Harbor once again as the 2025 Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival returns June 13 and 14 with a fresh new theme: “Stories of the Sea: Wooden Boats in Film & Fiction.” As a proud sponsor, The Log is thrilled to celebrate the artistry, history, and timeless glamour that this cherished event brings to Southern California’s coastline each year.
“Our festival’s 2025 theme captures the appeal of wooden boats for so many … ‘Stories of the Sea: Wooden Boats in Film & Fiction,’” said Steve Paljieg, Co-Chair 2025 Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival. “Not only are wooden boats a rare, precious, and disappearing breed of watercraft, they have, over a broad expanse of time, played a starring role in so many of the books and films we hold dear. The Western Flyer in John Steinbeck’s The Log From the Sea Of Cortez and The Rose in the Russell Crowe movie Master and Commander. Whether it’s a simple tale of time on the water or a starring role in a maritime adventure, all wooden boats have their own stories to tell.”
Credit: Western Flyer Foundation.
Organized by the Balboa Yacht Club, the Wooden Boat Festival has become a signature event in Newport Beach, drawing boat enthusiasts, maritime historians, and families alike. This year’s festival honors wooden boats not just as vessels, but as enduring symbols in iconic movies, novels, and American culture.
In a harbor known for its gleaming luxury yachts and cutting-edge vessels, wooden boats continue to hold a special place in Newport Beach’s boating culture. “Almost all of us have some strong affinity for the sea,” said Paljieg. “Whether it’s sitting on the beach, cruising or sailing on our own watercraft, or even grabbing a ferry over to Catalina Island. It’s primal. It’s part of our DNA.” Wooden boats, with the stories etched into their timeworn hulls, offer a rare and authentic reminder of that deep-rooted connection to the ocean, preserving a sense of tradition that continues to resonate today.
The festivities begin with a Hollywood-inspired Friday Night Premier on June 13 from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests will stroll a red carpet lined with classic wooden runabouts while enjoying a cocktail soirée, complete with live music, gourmet foods, and a lively auction of exclusive nautical experiences. The evening captures the old-Hollywood glamour that pairs perfectly with the festival’s “Stories of the Sea” theme. Tickets for the Friday event are $95 per person and must be purchased in advance, as the event is capped at 300 people. Proceeds from the Friday night auction and a portion of ticket sales go to benefit the ALS Foundation in honor of the Festival’s Founder, Ralph Rodheim, fund a scholarship for a deserving young shipwright at the Northwest School of Boat Building, and support youth sailing programs on the bay.
Saturday, June 14, brings the main festival event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Balboa Yacht Club, where visitors can admire more than 30 breathtaking wooden vessels, both in the water and along the docks. Feel history come alive through the distinguished speakers who’ll tell the tales of these iconic boats. Attendees can also walk the Wooden Boat Walk of Fame, peruse the curated photo exhibit “Cruising with Legends, The Boats of Hollywood’s Elite,” or cruise with “The Duke” by catching a ride on John Wayne’s icon of the bay, the Wild Goose for the ticketed price of $65 (includes Saturday admission). From stunning runabouts to meticulously restored rowing boats, the festival invites guests to step aboard, meet the owners, and immerse themselves in a maritime tradition that continues to inspire.
“This year, our festival has grown by getting smaller,” said event co-chair Stephen Paljieg. Working in partnership with the Newport Beach Aquatic Center, the club’s South Lot will showcase a diverse collection of wooden rowing vessels, including some that have competed in the Olympic Games. Among them are the remarkable crafts celebrated in the film The Boys in the Boat, each carrying its own unique story. A special highlight this year includes the opportunity to board the legendary Western Flyer, the historic vessel that carried author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts on their 1940 expedition to the Sea of Cortez. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the rich rowing culture highlighted in The Boys in the Boat and enjoy a photo exhibit featuring Hollywood stars with the classic boats they cherished. “Come for the boats and stay for the day!” the festival’s co-chairs encouraged.
Adding to the day’s festivities, guests can cruise aboard John Wayne’s famous yacht, the Wild Goose. The scenic one-hour harbor tour offers a rare glimpse into the Duke’s personal quarters, with stories shared by the ship’s captain about Wayne’s life on the water.
The festival will also feature plein air artists painting live scenes of the harbor, guest speakers sharing maritime stories, live music, and delicious artisan foods, wines, and craft cocktails. For families, kid-friendly dining options and plenty of activities will be available.
General admission to the Saturday festival is $15 per person, and children 12 and younger are free. Free parking and shuttle service are available at 1600 Newport Center Drive between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Credit cards are accepted for all purchases, and no cash will be handled on-site.
Both the Silent Auction and Live Auction held during the Friday Night Premier will raise funds to support the festival’s ongoing mission: preserving maritime heritage and promoting education and appreciation for the craftsmanship of wooden boats. Bidders will have the chance to win unique experiences, luxury items, and nautical memorabilia, with all proceeds benefiting festival programs. Silent Auction bidding is already open and will close at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14.
Now in its ninth year, the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival is more than just a showcase of beautiful vessels — it’s a celebration of the stories that wooden boats carry with them, whether through classic films, beloved literature, or the lives of the people who built, sailed, and loved them.
With its stunning harbor backdrop, elegant events, and wide-ranging activities, the 2025 Wooden Boat Festival promises an unforgettable experience for boaters, history buffs, and families alike. The Log is honored to help support this classic and classy Newport tradition — and we can’t wait to see you there.
For more details and ticket information, visit newportbeachwoodenboatfestival.com.
