Montreal is a major maritime port, and both our access to the open water (the magnificent St-Lawrence River) and our very own canal provide historical waterways perfect for a festival celebrating all sorts of classic boats.

Sperry Top-Siders (who else?) will sponsor a stage down in the Old Port that will feature local acts such as celtic ensemble The Paddingtons, goofy girl group Les Gourmandes, Senegalese-Quebecoise singer Marième and more. Possibly the coolest thing about the festival is the roster of speakers they’ll have on hand: From Billy Rioux, who will recreate a 2000 km voyage from Baie-St-Paul to Niagara Falls on a Square-sailed raft, to Alain Boucher, who will detail the history of schooners on the St. Lawrence, to Michele Dagenais from the University of Montreal who’ll be talking about Montreal’s link to the river, to Michel Leboeuf, the St. Lawrence’s ambassador at the David Suzuki foundation, who’ll be describing the ecosystem of the river. There will also be practical talks about how to buy and restore a classic boat, and the Blue Route, a kayak route around the island of Montreal.

The fest offers a series of movies in their Ciné-Maritime programme, most of them documentaries about various maritime feats, including Boxed In Under The Stars, about two French brothers who cross the ocean without any directional instruments, and Ice Water in the Veins, about a famly who crosses the St. Lawrence in an ice canoe.

And last but not least, the most inventive attraction of the festival: A guided “catastrophe walk” around the Old Port, in which many Montreal-centric maritime disasters will be examined. Kind of like a ghost walk, only better because it’s real.

THE DETAILS

Montreal Classic Boat Festival August 19-21, 2011

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The Belvü, a swanky yacht, docked in Old Montreal is the kind of craft only the very well-off ( and their friends ) usually get to visit .  Except that this handsome embarcation is made accessible to anyone looking for a glammed- up, Miami Vice- style nautical experience . The spacious boat’s decks, bars and dining areas are open for after-works drinks. Think hip lounge on the water. Every Friday night the Belvü takes its guests on a 45 minutes mini-cruise across from the Old Port. The boat also offers longer rides : fancy dinners, up-river trips during the fireworks and can be rented for private parties.

www.belvu.ca

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You’ll be able to see 80 of these classics at the Festival du Bateau Classique in the Old Port (McGill and de la Commune Streets) of Montreal, from August 20th through the week-end.

This fun event offers a festive moment for all:  talks, music, workshops. You will be able to talk to owners and captains, as well as visit some of the boats.  There are some fabulous photographs by Alain Franck, who specializes in maritime history.  You can also visit the ‘Green’ Salon, where boat manufacturers will show off their stuff.

There will also be guided visits on the history of the Lachine Canada, artists will be on location to paint the scenic displays.  An exciting musical performance by International Military Music will feature more than 150 musicians from Brazil, Canada, Italy and Russia.  It’s all free!

Check out the site for all the details.

www.fbcmontreal.com

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