International Symposium Gathers Strength

It was another successful season at the International Wooden Boat Symposium in the Dechaineux Theatre during AWBF 2017.  Noted speakers from the USA, New Zealand, mainland states and the prestigious Australian National Maritime Museum presented on subjects as diverse as reclaiming rare boat building timber from deep in our highland lakes to the bloodthirsty history of the Batavia shipwreck. Internationally recognised maritime photographer Ben Mendlowitz joined famed yacht designer Ron Holland on the program, which offered 16 sessions across three days, all of them free to the public.  Organisers Chris Palmer and Mike Ponsonby praised the University of Tasmania for their generous technical support and naming rights sponsor ANMM (Australian National Maritime Museum) for their enthusiastic involvement in delivering a world-class event. Her Excellency Professor The Honourable Kate Warner AM, Governor of Tasmania was present to open the program, which enjoys a growing international reputation for quality and meticulous delivery.

‘The Symposium is obviously an important drawcard for the festival’, said general manager Paul Cullen.  It adds intellectual credibility to the event, it offers exceptional insights into subjects that really matter to wooden boat enthusiasts and of course it gathers a very interesting group of people together in Hobart every second year.  We are delighted that the Australian National Maritime Museum has extended its regional presence through participation in the AWBF.  We think that’s a partnership that can be expanded in many ways.  ANMM’s resources are the best in Australia.’

Guests enjoy a presentation at the International Symposium, AWBF 2017, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

International guests Ben Mendlowitz (USA), Lin Pardey (NZ), Ron Holland and Kaci Cronkhite (USA) were among the speakers at the International Wooden Boat Symposium. Plans are afoot to extend the symposium program to allow more enthusiasts to attend without missing any of the Festival highlights.