The 3rd Wooden Boat Gathering - May 2026
From 1st to the 4th May we’re excited to announce that Woodbridge and Waldringfield Boatyards in association with the OGA’s River Deben Rally, will be hosting the 3rd Wooden Boat Gathering.
A full itinerary and tickets information can be found here. So what’s happening this year? On Saturday 2nd, three amazing speakers - Loic Le Marchand, Prof. Richard Birmingham and Belinda Joslin - will bring some interesting topics to life, that will no doubt simulate conversation and ideas around wooden boats.
Since taking ownership of Nyala in 2017, television director Loïc Le Marchand has spent years exploring the coastlines of France, the UK, the Netherlands and Portugal aboard the classic yacht. Loïc will be sharing stories and footage from his voyages, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known ports and anchorages he has discovered along the way.
Prof. Richard Birmingham has had a fantastic career starting by training at the International Boatbuilding Centre, Lowestoft to then becoming the first professor of Small Craft Design at Newcastle University amongst many other achievements. He will be sharing his experiences in naval architecture.
Belinda Joslin - the founder of Women in Boat Building and the creator of the Wooden Boat Stage. Both amazing initiatives, she will be speaking about the Wooden Boat Stage’s 2026 line up and looking back on some of the highlights of 2025. We look forward to hearing all about it!
As well as the fascinating talks, there’ll be many other activities and attractions. BBQ’s, boat trips, launching facilities and boatbuilding, all possible because of the generous support given by Matt Lis who runs the Woodbridge and Waldringfield Boatyards.
This long weekend is all about having a relaxed and sociable time and ensuring that everyone is having an experience fit for them! It’s about bringing boatbuilders together and anyone interested in wooden boats or boatbuilding. This event isn’t a commercial event, it’s about celebrating and publicising the work of the WBTA, wooden boats, and ensuring everyone has a wonderful weekend.
The collaboration with the Old Gaffers Association will no doubt enhance the weekend with sailing on the Deben estuary and a sprinkling of local knowledge, allowing everyone to have something to interest them.
If this all wasn’t enough or doesn’t tickle your fancy, there’ll be tours of the Sutton Hoo replica ship under construction at The Longshed along with plenty of good food and great company.
We hope to see many of you there and look forward to the long Bank Holiday weekend in May. Good weather (fingers-crossed) and great conversations to be had!