Exhibitor Info & Registration

36th Annual GWBS – October 18 and 19, 2025

About the exhibit

Over 100 classic wooden boats will be displayed in the water and on Front Street. Vessels ranging in size from kayaks to large yachts will be exhibited in twelve exhibit categories: Row, Canoe, Kayak, Surf/Paddle Boards, Sail, Classic Sail, Inboard Power, Classic Inboard, Outboard Power, Classic Outboard, Owner Designed & Built, and Century Class. There are also categories for model boats and cradle boats. Visitors will be able to meet and talk to wooden boat craftsmen, manufacturers and owners. Maritime arts, crafts, models and demonstrations will also be on display. Awards will be presented to the winners in each of the exhibit categories and to the People’s Choice winner. Special Awards will also be presented.

Do you have a wooden boat?

Registration is limited to boats whose main structural strength is derived from wood components. External applications or sheathing of fiberglass, reinforced plastic, etc. are acceptable.

You can display your boat on land or water

Boats will be displayed on Front Street and floating dinghy docks projecting into the Sampit River will be used for water displays. Dock space for larger vessels is available on a first come, first-served basis. Drafts up to seven feet can be accommodated.

Exhibitor Fees

$35 per applicant – includes the registration of one boat, a Welcome Bag (canvas tote bag with GWBS logo), one Official GWBS T-shirt (voucher), and admission for one to the Saturday night Exhibitor Dinner
Additional boats may be registered by the same applicant for $5 each.
Additional admissions to the Saturday night Exhibitor Dinner for family members or guests are $20 per person.

Exhibitor Set-up and Docking | More Info

Water exhibitors can begin docking at 3 pm on Friday. To arrange earlier dockage, contact Johnny Weaver at 843-907-1878
Land exhibitors can begin set-up at 7 am Saturday.

Exhibitor Schedule

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17

Water Exhibitors can begin docking at 3 pm.
Exhibitor Welcome Reception 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Held under the tent located beside the SC Maritime Museum at 729 Front Street. Beer, wine, and snacks will be served to welcome our exhibitors. Exhibitors can check-in and pick up their Welcome Bags at this time.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 – Exhibit hours are 11 am until 6 pm

Land exhibitors can begin set-up at 7 am
Exhibitor check-in 8 am – 11 am
Pick up your Welcome Bag which contains your exhibitor sign and name tag. Check in at the Registration / Information Tent located in front of the SC Maritime Museum.
Judging begins at 10 am
Display your exhibitor signs and wear your name tags so the judges can find you!
Awards Ceremony 4 pm
Exhibit winners will be announced from the stage at Front & Broad Streets.
Brass plaques will be awarded and winners will receive ribbons to display on their boats.
Exhibitor Dinner 7 pm – 9 pm
Held under the big tent located in Maritime Park. Dinner and open bar.