A Wooden Sailboat Named Dorothy
“Between Wood and Water” is a documentary following the journey of Dorothy, Canada’s oldest functioning wooden sailboat, and her restoration. This 30-ft vessel has a beautiful shape with European lines that excited attention wherever she went.
Over the past 10 years, Dorothy was on Gabriola Island as shipwright Tony Grove undertook her structural restoration for the Maritime Museum of B.C. In July 2022, Dorothy was moved to the Ladysmith Maritime Society, for the final stages of her refit, preparing for a return to water in Spring 2023.
BIG NEWS! In May 2023, Dorothy is re-launching in Ladysmith Harbour.
The Film "Between Wood and Water"
The film chronicles the lasting love affair between this wooden sailboat and the men and women who have saved her from peril many times over her 125 year existence. Chemistry, care and magic is required to balance a living wooden boat. Dorothy has lived in the uncertain space “between wood and water” for over 20 years. Now, after the heroic efforts of a small group of committed boat lovers and wood wizards, she is finally ready to return to water, and sail as a proud ambassador for maritime heritage on this coast.
The film is produced and directed by Tobi Elliott for Arise Enterprises.
BETWEEN WOOD AND WATER is still looking for a broadcaster but will consider online distribution.
Help Us Tell the Story of Dorothy the Wooden Sailboat
Tobi has spent over 10 years documenting the restoration of Dorothy on Gabriola Island, BC. This independent production has operated on a shoestring budget but has great potential for broadcast.
Thanks for the Community Support
We’ve managed to raise over $8k in crowdfunding . We’re also lucky to have support from the Canadian National Film Board of Canada (NFB).
So far, selling T-shirts, calendars and promoting the story through live events has kept Dorothy’s story alive after all these years. A big THANK YOU to all our wonderful supporters and those cheering us on!
We still have some t-shirts available!
Help Us Prove Dorothy's Story Matters
By signing up for up our newsletter, we plan to use this list of subscribers as proof to broadcasters that there is an audience who want to hear Dorothy’s story.
Have connections in the documentary or broadcasting world? Email Tobi.