The Richmond Maritime Festival returns to Steveston next weekend, offering a unique chance to watch a historic Japanese-Canadian boat being restored. Visitors can see the 37-foot-long Crystal S gillnetter come back to life at the Richmond Boat Builders near Britannia Shipyards Heritage National Site.
The 22nd annual festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24. Among its many activities, the live restoration of Crystal S stands out as a rare opportunity to witness maritime history in progress.
Crystal S was built in 1963 by Steveston resident Bud Sakamoto and his father. The vessel represents a classic Japanese-Canadian gillnetter, blending Western and European boat-building methods with traditional Japanese techniques. Dave Sharp, a resident shipwright with Richmond Boat Builders, leads the restoration project. He describes Crystal S as a “perfect example of a Japanese-Canadian gillnetter that evolved in Steveston.”
Currently, much of the focus is on the boat’s stern. Sharp notes that framing the back half of the vessel is a “big milestone” for the team. Visitors can watch the restoration in action and speak directly with Sharp about the boat, its construction, and its history.
Sakamoto has been a key consultant, sharing his knowledge about how the vessel was built, maintained, and fished. He also provided original materials, including old bolts, for the restoration. Sharp says, “It’s kind of cool to be able to put some of the original stock from the Sakamoto Works back into this boat.” The team aims to make the restoration as authentic as possible, using original materials and traditional techniques wherever they can.
The work focuses on repairing the visible wooden structure. Sharp explains that the boat will be rebuilt as if it were returning to service. “It will be seaworthy — technically it will float,” he said. However, since no mechanical or electrical work is planned, Crystal S will ultimately serve as a static display.
Beyond the boat restoration, the festival offers a wide range of activities celebrating Steveston’s maritime history. Visitors can tour heritage boats such as the 103-year-old SS Master tugboat, MV Gikumi, Midnight Sun, Sandra Jean II, and Island Provider. Many of these vessels can be boarded, giving guests a hands-on experience of the maritime past.
The festival also features music on Steveston’s largest stage ever. Performers include Murfitt & Main, Collage Trad, Irish Wakers, Nautical Notes, and The Whiskeydicks. Families can explore the Octopus Garden, with free face painting and interactive street-theatre picture-card shows from Stories on Wheels.
Food lovers will enjoy more than 15 food trucks serving a variety of dishes, alongside picnic areas for visitors to relax and eat. Art exhibitions, puppet shows, and interactive displays provide even more ways to engage with the region’s maritime culture.
The Richmond Maritime Festival offers a mix of history, culture, and hands-on experiences for all ages. Watching the live restoration of Crystal S provides a rare glimpse into Japanese-Canadian boat-building traditions while celebrating Steveston’s rich nautical heritage.
