The rugged boats of transport, trade, exploration,fishing, research, defence and industry built our civilisations and carried people to every corner of the earth. These working vessels are part of our shared maritime story, and more than a hundred will be celebrated at AWBF 2027.

Tasmania’s own fleet is replete with working and repurposed boats, joined each Festival by vessels from across Australia. In 2027, Sullivans Cove will fill with cray boats, piner punts, trading ketches, fishing smacks, pilot cutters, pearling luggers, passenger ferries, scallopers, couta boats, cruisers and utility craft, alongside the timeless racing and cruising boats that adorn our docks.

International traditions join them, with Taiwanese boatbuilders constructing bamboo craft from a 5,000-year-old design, Balinese sailors launching a traditional fishing jukung, a display of Sulawesi fishing sandeq, Pacific and Māori carvers sharing boat building and navigation traditions, and Japanese wood workers and a traditional honryousen taking to the water in parade and launch.

Around the waterfront, working boats of all shapes and sizes tell the stories of the people, trades and industries that shaped our world. From fishing vessels and trading ketches to passenger ferries, utility craft and traditional boats, each has its own unique history and dedicated crew. Come celebrate the working boats that built our world!