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FOGO, N.L. - The annual Fogo Island Rowing Regatta celebrates 300 years of wooden boat heritage in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Traditional wooden boats were once built in every coastal region of the province, but boatbuilding skills have been lost in many communities in recent decades.

Fogo Island and Change Islands, off Newfoundland's northern coast, continue to be known for fine boatbuilding techniques.

The regatta, featuring traditional punts (wooden rowboats), offers "friendly competition" for everyone from novices to experienced rowers. The highlight, on Aug. 5, is "the Great Fogo Island Punt Race to There and Back," which follows a course across about 16 kilometres of open ocean. Punts entered must be between 3.8 and 5.6 metres long. First prize is $3,000.

The wooden boats of Fogo Island and Change Islands "embody the very nature of our people: ingenious, creative, adaptable, resourceful and hard working," says the website, www.fogoislandregatta.com.

Also, in July and August there will be boat building demonstrations in Seldom, N.L., with opportunities for visitors to row a heritage punt in Seldom Harbour.

The regatta complements other summer festivals in the area: the Change Islands Garden Party, Aug. 4-9; Etheridge's Point Seaside Fest, Joe Batt's Arm, Aug. 1-3; Town of Fogo Come Home Year, Aug. 4-10; and Brimstone Head Folk Festival, Fogo, Aug. 8-10.