School - 2019 Course Schedule - ACCESS TO EXPERIENCE - Wooden Boat School
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School ACCESS TO EXPERIENCE 2019 Course Schedule
WoodenBoat School Campus
Our Working Waterfront Mountain Ash Student Housing Farmhouse Student Housing
WoodenBoat School Workshops
DEAR FRIENDS
RATING 39 YEAR
ELEB S!
C
CANADA MAINE
BANGOR
W
elcome to our 2019 course catalog. This season marks
AUGUSTA
our 39th year as an education center for all those
interested in boatbuilding, wooden boat maintenance VT BROOKLIN
and repair, boat design, woodworking, metalworking, sailing,
kayaking, and much, much more. WoodenBoat School remains PORTLAND
NH
committed to preserving the spirit of tradition in wood and
craftsmanship that permeates our 64-acre saltwater campus.
Located on the beautiful coast of Maine, our program appeals
to a diverse group of people from different backgrounds from
all over the world who come to Brooklin to learn and work
BOSTON
in a creative environment. We take great pride in the fact that MA
WoodenBoat School is one of those places that seems to bring
out the best in people. Students are inspired by the time they
spend here.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or more advanced
boatbuilder, woodworker, sailor, or craftsperson, we have classes
and instructors to help you develop a wide range of skills and
instill confidence in the shop and on the water. We’ll provide
you with a friendly and talented staff, outstanding faculty, good
“I would recommend WoodenBoat School to anyone.
food, and comfortable accommodations. It’s an easy place to
relax and enjoy yourself; a “home away from home” for many. I loved the warm and friendly atmosphere and social
We tend to focus on a “hands on” learning approach using interaction with other students.”
hands and minds together. Consider how you felt the last time W.K., Cownsville, Maryland
you made something by hand. Doing something interesting,
being creative, discovering new talents; these quite often bring an Cover photo: Michael Kahn
individual limitless pleasure, inspiration, and satisfaction. Keep
that in mind as you look through this catalog. Have questions?
Just pick up the phone or send us an email and we’ll be glad to Sailing.............................................................4
provide you with plenty of information. I encourage you to try Kayaking ......................................................11
something new this year and discover the adventure and skills of
the wooden boat community. It will be a worthwhile experience Boatbuilding and Woodworking ...............12
that will be treasured for years to come. Everyone is welcome!
Alumni Work Weeks ....................................28
Related Crafts ..............................................29
2019 Off-Site Courses .................................35
Registration Information ...........................36
Rich Hilsinger
Director Application ....................... Inside Back Cover
Celebrating 39 Years of WoodenBoat School 1
COURSES AT A GLANCE
MAY JUNE JULY
19–25/26–1 2–8 9–15 16–22 23–29 30–6 7–13 14–20 21–27
ALUMNI Fundamentals of Fundamentals of Fundamentals of Finishing Out
WORK WEEK Small Boats Fundamentals
Boatbuilding Boatbuilding Boatbuilding
MAY 19-25 with Greg Rössel with Pat Mahon with Greg Rössel
with Geoff Kerr with Warren
page 28 page 15 page
page 12 page 12 page 12
ALUMNI Build
WORK WEEK Making Build Your Own Stitch-
MAY 26-JUNE 1 Building a 15' Aspøya Building the Grand Canyon Northeaster
page 28
Friends With Faering Your Own Dory and-Glue
Your Marine Sassafras Dory Boatbuilding
with F. Jay Smith with Brad Dimock with Andrew
Diesel Engine page 16 Canoe page 17 Schroeher
with John Harris
with Jon Bardo with John Staub page 17
page 20
page 29 page 21
Build Your Build Introduction Sparbuilding Carving a Bent-Wood
Introduction Own Stitch- Your Own Essentials to with Pat Mahon Wooden Box Making
to and-Glue Annapolis of Fine Boatbuilding page 28 Working
with Bill Jordan
Boatbuilding Woodworking page 25
Kayak Wherry with John Karbott Decoy
with John Karbott with Mark page 14 Pond Yacht
with Eric Schade with Geoff Kerr with Frank
page 14 Whitcomb Restoration
page 20 page 21 Restoration Middleton
page 24 of Basic Hand
Elements of with John Stoudt page 26
Boatbuilder’s Fine Strip- Sailing page 27 Tools
Lofting Metalworking with Tim Bishop
Hand Tools Planked Boat with Greg Rössel
with Jane Ahlfeld &
page 23
with Harry Bryan Construction page 13
Annie Nixon Elements of for the
page 23 with Nick Schade page 4 Sailing II Boatbuilder &
page 16 Geoff Kerr & Woodworker Elements of
Elements of Craft of Sail Annie Nixon Sailing
with Erica Moody
Sailing onboard page 4 page 29 with Sue LaVoie &
Blacksmithing (for Women) Gretchen Snyder
for MISTY page 4
with Jane Ahlfeld & Coastal
Boatbuilders Robin Lincoln
with Queene Foster Maine Coast:
page 7 Cruising Boats, Sea
with Doug Wilson page 4 The Catboat
page 30 Seamanship and Sky with Martin Gardner
onboard with Amy Hosa page 5
Coastwise ACTRESS page 34
Navigation with Hans Vierthaler
with Jane Ahlfeld page 9 Elements of
page 5 Sailing
Advanced with Martin Gardner
Coastal & Sue LaVoie
Kayaking page 4
with Kevin
Beckwith Craft of Sail
page 11 onboard
MISTY
Tallship with Queene Foster
Sailing and page 7
Seamanship
with Capt. Barry Cruising
King & Jane Ahlfeld Through the
page 10
Watches
onboard
2019 Schedule at a Glance ACTRESS
with Hans Vierthaler
page 9
Q Sailing Q Kayaking
Q Boatbuilding and Woodworking
Q Related Crafts
2 2019 WoodenBoat School | 207–359–4651
visit WWW.THEWOODENBOATSCHOOL.COM
for more information Off-Site Courses page 35
AUGUST SEPTEMBER
28–3 4–10 11–17 18–24 25–31 1–7 8–14 15–21 22–28
Fundamentals of Fundamentals of Advanced Fundamentals of Fundamentals of
of Boatbuilding
Barker
Boatbuilding Boatbuilding Boatbuilding Boatbuilding
12 with Thad Danielson with Bob Fuller with Greg Rössel with Bob Fuller
page 12 page 12 page 12 page 12
Traditional Traditional Build Your Wooden Boat Repair & Build Your Making
Wood-and- Wood-and- Own Solo/ Interior Boat Joinery Own Stitch- Friends with
Restoration Methods
Canvas Canoe Canvas Canoe Tandem with Walt Ansel
with Greg Bauer and-Glue Your Marine
Construction Construction Canoe page 19 Kayak Diesel Engine
page 19
with Rollin Thurlow (for Women) with Roger McKee & with Dillon Majoros with Jon Bardo
page 18 with Elisa Schine Hilary Russell page 20 page 29
page 18 page 22
Build Your Fine Strip- Introduction Building the
Introduction Own Fox Plank Boat to Cold- Amesbury Build Your Building Half
to Woodcarving Introduction Own Plank Models
to Boat Canoe Construction Molded Dory-Skiff
Woodworking with Reed Hayden
with Bill Thomas with Nick Schade Construction with Graham McKay
Constructed with Eric Dow
with Bill Thomas page 25 Modeling Pond Yacht page 13
page 22 page 16 with Mike Moros page 15
page 24 with Al Ross with Bruce Richter
page 18
Marine and page 26 page 27
Introduction Finishing Out Sailboats and
The Rope and Seascape to Small Boats Sea Sense Seascapes in
Canvas Sailor Photography Elements of Introduction
Boat Design Boatbuilding with Bill Thomas Under Sail Acrylics
with Eric Stockinger with Michael Kahn
with John Karbott page 15 with Havilah with Kaitlyn Metcalf
to
page 32 page 31 with Paul Gartside Canvaswork
page 14 Hawkins page 33
page 14
Lofting page 8 with Ann Brayton
Elements of Elements of page 32
Bronze Woodcuts with Greg Rössel Marine
Sailing II Sailing with Gene Shaw page 13 Cruising Photography
(for Women) with Tracy Eberhart Casting for page 33 Through the with Jon Strout &
with Jane Ahlfeld & & Martin Gardner Boatbuilders The Maine Watches Jane Peterson
Gretchen Snyder page 4 with Michael Saari
Elements of Coast in onboard page 31
page 4 page 30
Craft of Sail Sailing Watercolor ACTRESS
with Geoff Kerr & with Su Johnson with Hans Vierthaler Sea Sense
Row, Row, onboard Elements of Rich Naple page 34 page 9 Under Sail
Row Your VITAL SPARK Sailing II page 4 with Havilah
Boat (for Women) with Martin Gardner
Elements of Hawkins
with Havilah with Arista Holden & Rich Naple page 8
page 4 Craft of Sail Sailing II
Hawkins page 7
page 6 onboard with Jane Ahlfeld &
VITAL SPARK Erica Moody Coastal
Coastal Open Boat page 4 Cruising
with Arista Holden
Cruising Cruising page 7 Seamanship
Seamanship with Geoff Kerr
page 6 onboard
onboard VELA Sailing ACTRESS
with Havilah GLADIATOR with Hans Vierthaler
Hawkins Craft of Sail page 9
with Andy Zuber
page 9 onboard page 10
LEVERA
Elements with Ross Beane
Coastal
of Coastal page 7
Cruising
Kayaking Seamanship
with Nick Schade
page 11 onboard VELA
with Havilah
Hawkins
page 9
Celebrating 39 Years of WoodenBoat School 3
SAILING
How to Choose the Best Waterfront Course for You
We receive many inquiries from individuals who are thinking to forget information from one season to another, especially if you
about joining us on the water, yet are unsure which course(s) to choose. don’t have access to sailing where you live. The next step would
While there are certainly different things to consider, we’re confident be ELEMENTS II. Our OPEN BOAT CRUISING, THE CATBOAT,
that we can help you choose the best course to suit your needs. CRAFT OF SAIL, SAILING GLADIATOR, and SEA SENSE UNDER
All of our Sailing courses focus on becoming a sailor, which SAIL selections get more experienced students out on an exciting
means much more than just learning to sail. Each course takes a array of larger sailing vessels. And, for those folks looking for a
“hands-on” approach, and the majority of class time will be spent in unique “liveaboard” experience, we offer COASTAL CRUISING
boats on the water. Our instructors are fine sailors themselves, each SEAMANSHIP, CRUISING THROUGH THE WATCHES and TALL-
possessing good judgment and a knack for instilling confidence in a SHIP SAILING & SEAMANSHIP.
positive environment. Our classrooms are beautiful, wooden sailing You’ll also find excellent opportunities to gain experience in
and rowing craft that are pure joy to step aboard. Our waters offer coastwise navigation and kayaking. So, take your time and read
some of the finest sailing and cruising in the world. through these pages slowly. Please keep in mind that we’ll be glad
WoodenBoat School’s Sailing program has something for to help you with any decisions that may prove difficult; just get in
everyone, beginner to experienced. A wonderful introduction to the touch with us. Choosing the appropriate course brings not only the
art of sailing is our very popular ELEMENTS OF SAILING course, exhilaration of learning new skills, but the satisfaction of time well
offered throughout the season. For practical reasons, step two could spent for everyone involved.
be repeating ELEMENTS with another set of instructors. It is easy
Elements of Sailing I & II We have various craft here that are suitable for the most timid and the
most adventurous of students. Your on-the-water classroom for the week
Learn-to-sail courses that emphasize seamanship, instill confidence,
will be our fleet of Herreshoff and Haven 121⁄2s—keel/centerboard daysailers
and are fun. that are a pure delight to sail safely. Above all, we want to take the drama
out of sailing—it is a safe and enjoyable sport, and our heavy emphasis on
Elements I seamanship should go far toward ensuring this goal. You’ll definitely have
Jane Ahlfeld & Robin Lincoln — June 23–29 (Women Only) fun this week!
Jane Ahlfeld & Annie Nixon — June 30–July 6 There will be daily classroom lessons about charts and navigation, safety
Martin Gardner & Sue LaVoie — July 14–20 equipment and weather conditions, knot tying and heavy-weather strategy.
Sue LaVoie & Gretchen Snyder — July 21–27 Our instructors focus their entire summer on our fleet and waterfront
Tracy Eberhart & Martin Gardner — August 4–10 facility; their “sea sense” is highly tuned, and experiencing that may be the
Geoff Kerr & Rich Naple — August 18–24 biggest lesson of all.
In our ELEMENTS II course, students who have some prior small-boat
sailing experience will have the chance to refresh their own “sea sense” and
Elements II fine-tune their boating skills. You will work toward handling our vessels
Geoff Kerr & Annie Nixon — July 7–13 competently and confidently. Solo sailing will be encouraged, and a variety
Jane Ahlfeld & Gretchen Snyder — July 28–August 3 of more challenging tactical/navigational exercises will be presented. If
(Women Only) you’re a confident and seasoned graduate of ELEMENTS I, this is the perfect
Martin Gardner & Rich Naple — August 11–17 second step in your mastery of sailing. Essentially, this course is about sailing,
Jane Ahlfeld & Erica Moody — August 25–31 sailing, and more sailing!
Since early in WoodenBoat School’s history, we’ve had the great pleasure
Tuition: $825
and satisfaction of introducing thousands of students to the joys of sailing.
Our ELEMENTS courses continue to be among our most popular offerings, Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening.
often bringing students back, year after year, for more sail training. Anyone
can learn to sail, but these courses cover much more than that; our expe-
rienced instructors immerse each student in the art of seamanship. Our Elements II Qualifications
emphasis is on the skillful handling of small craft and building confidence Becoming a sailor takes time (more than one Sailing course, we can
in one’s abilities. These come from practice, and more practice. promise), and it takes work. To ensure that you not find yourself “in over
Under the calm and knowing guidance of our seasoned instructors, your head” in our ELEMENTS II course, we ask that you have recently
you’ll learn the essentials—sailing dynamics, boat rigging and spars, and completed our ELEMENTS I course, or have equivalent experience: you
safety precautions—followed by practical lessons on sailing techniques. should feel reasonably comfortable sailing a small boat from a mooring
Daily hands-on exercises and drills will take students through getting under- or dock, and returning her safely, using crew to help. Improving your
way, maneuvering through the points of sail, keeping a course, tacking, sailing skills will ultimately increase your enjoyment of the sport. If you
returning to a mooring and dock, and much, much more. have any questions regarding your abilities, please give us a call.
4 2019 WoodenBoat School | 207–359–4651
visit WWW.THEWOODENBOATSCHOOL.COM
for more information 2019 COURSES
The Catboat
The pleasures of a distinct American sailing craft.
Martin Gardner — July 21–27
Catboats have been around forever and are as much a part of America’s
history as the Model T Ford or the Wright Brothers’ first flight. These shal-
low-draft, broad-beamed, centerboard boats with a single mast right up in
the bow have played an important role among American working and plea-
sure craft.
This course combines practical skills with some fun, relaxed voyaging.
We’ll use catboats large and small. We’ll rig them, sail them, reef them, and
moor them. We’ll learn how to let them take care of themselves, to self-steer,
and heave-to. We’ll pick exciting destinations for day trips, sail to them,
anchor, and explore local waters and islands. We’ll cover all the basics of sea-
manship with particular emphasis on navigation, using tools ranging from
the lead line to the iPad.
Catboats lend themselves to relaxed sailing, and we’ll make a point of
soaking up the beauties of the Eggemoggin Reach and other local waters
as we cruise under plenty of canvas. Prior sailing experience required for
this course.
Tuition: $825
Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening.
“On a scale of 1 to 10, I give Martin Gardner an 11. Patient, knowledgeable, self-deprecating humor, and
professional in every way, are words that come to mind when describing Martin Gardner as a sailing instructor.
I loved how he broke up the classroom instruction with guest presenters, each of whom are knowledgeable and
entertaining in their own right. I cannot recommend THE CATBOAT course and the instructor more highly.”
G.S., Bourne, Massachusetts
Coastwise Navigation all—to continuously visualize the connection between the chart and your
Knowing where you are on the water. spot on the water—takes skill and experience. Your instructor will help you
acquire both. You’ll learn about symbols, scales, specialized charts, and more.
Jane Ahlfeld — June 16–22
You’ll examine compasses—types, azimuths, lubber lines, the confusions
Except in the smallest bodies of water, the sailor is helpless if he or she of deviation and variation. Parallel rules and dividers will become your friends
lacks the age-old skills of piloting and dead reckoning. The goal of this as you learn the techniques of plotting courses, LOPs, and fixes. You’ll move
course is to give students a really thorough understanding of and facility on to more advanced procedures such as running fixes, compensation for set
with, the subject—approaching it both “academically” and on the water. and drift, bow and beam bearings, circles of position, and the six-minute rule.
You’ll start with charts, the fundamental tool of the navigator. Modern You’ll be boating a lot in this course, putting your lessons into practice
charts present an incredible amount of information, and to really utilize it and getting skillful with the tools. You’ll use traditional and reliable instru-
ments like the compass and leadline, and you’ll get your hands on electronic
devices like depthsounders, Loran, and GPS.
The beauty of this course is that it provides the ideal blend of the theory
and practice of coastal navigation. By week’s end, you should be able to enjoy
the niceties of piloting and relax more with your boat on the water.
Tuition: $825
Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening. The course will include
a day with marine electronics writer, and former WoodenBoat instructor,
Ben Ellison on his 37' lobster yacht GIZMO, aboard which is installed a
rotating variety of cutting-edge chart plotters, radars, sonars, and other
modern aids to navigation.
Celebrating 39 Years of WoodenBoat School 5
SAILING
Open-Boat Cruising
The skills for adventuring.
Geoff Kerr — August 11–17
Beach cruising is an exciting step beyond daysailing. Maybe you’d like
to cruise the Maine Island Trail, participate in the annual Small Reach
Regatta, or do some extended cruising. With simple skills, basic equipment,
and modest boats, one can spend an overnight or an extended expedition
voyaging in reasonable comfort, relative safety, and engaging adventure.
Doing so in a trailerable, beachable boat opens up dazzling parts of the
world to exploration and enjoyment. This course is designed to introduce
you to beach cruising with hands-on experience using time-tested boats,
gear, and techniques.
This course will be based onboard NED LUDD and SWIFTY, two of Iain
Oughtred’s versatile Caledonia Yawls. Instructor Geoff Kerr will share his
knowledge gleaned from many years of sailing and camp-cruising with NED
in Penobscot Bay and beyond. You will learn and practice a wide variety of
real-world cruising skills and tactics. Days will be filled with trip planning,
keeping an eye toward weather, tides, and currents; practical navigation
using a chart and compass; rowing, sailing, reefing, and beyond; anchoring,
beaching, and getting ashore; communications; and safety.
Each day will start with a planning session for that day’s adventure, your foulweather gear (just in case). A list of personal gear and clothing will
choosing a destination and routes to maximize adventure and your oppor- be provided upon registration.
tunities to stretch your experience. You’ll land frequently, with a major stop
midday for lunch, island exploration, and the chance to try to keep your boat Tuition: $825
where it belongs. These island sessions will also allow for demonstrations Note: You should come to the course with at least intermediate sailing skills.
and discussions of provisioning, camping gear and strategies, and access to We’d also like you to realize that while this is not a survival course, it will be
and stewardship of beach cruising grounds. Afternoon return passages will an active one. We’ll be planning and making daily passages, rowing and
be by different routes, taking full advantage of the wonders of Penobscot Bay sailing as it happens, come sun, rain, fog, or calm. We’ll be in and out of
and the ever-changing conditions. Students will return to campus in time boats repeatedly, with wet feet and no docks. It might be hot, it might be
for dinner and to recharge for the next day. All you’ll need to bring with cold, it might be wet…it will be fun.
you are your enthusiasm for small-boat sailing, your sense of adventure, and Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat where large sailboats and powerboats dare not go. Along the way you’ll learn
healthful (and potentially life-saving) skills that will increase one’s strength
Human power on the water.
and endurance, yet will prove gentle to joints and muscles. Anyone who can
Havilah Hawkins — July 28–August 3 get in a boat can learn to row. This week you’ll learn how to row correctly.
This new course will give students the opportunity to get out on the water You’ll row fine traditional pulling boats, dories, prams, peapods, flat-bot-
in fine style at low cost. Recreational rowing in traditional craft is making a tomed skiffs, and try out other designs. No matter what previous experience
strong comeback these days. Instructor Havilah Hawkins, a lifelong water- you bring to the course, technique can always be improved. You’ll learn to
man, will use a variety of human-powered boats to take students across open keep as comfortable as possible since rowing is supposed to be fun. A variety
water to coves, creeks, and islands out back of nowhere, exploring places of rowing strokes will be covered and practiced, including the art of sculling—
that is, how to propel a boat by working a single oar over the transom. We’ll
also look at safety equipment, tides and wind, simple navigation and charts.
Havilah will cover the history and evolution of rowing craft and designs.
Students will have access to the WoodenBoat Research Library where your
instructor will explain how to read and understand hull-lines drawings.
What makes a suitable boat? How does one choose proper oars, oarlocks,
and accessories? How is thwart placement determined?
There are a lot of folks out there who think of rowing as “work,” to be
avoided if at all possible. This week with Havilah Hawkins will be enlighten-
ing and enjoyable as we debunk that myth and discover the joys of messing
about in small boats.
Tuition: $825
Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening.
6 2019 WoodenBoat School | 207–359–4651
visit WWW.THEWOODENBOATSCHOOL.COM
for more information 2019 COURSES
by sharing their own experiences and by encouraging you to think and feel
Craft of Sail a boat through various real and “what if ” situations. With a maximum of
Learn and enjoy big-boat sailing with a master. five students, there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions and try tricks
On board the 39' Yawl MISTY at the helm.
Queene Foster — June 30–July 6; July 14–20 There are numerous sailing schools out there, but few offer experience
in cruising/charter-sized vessels like these—and none that we know of offer
On board VITAL SPARK instruction by such experienced sailors on such lovely yachts.
Arista Holden — August 4–10 (Women Only); August 18–24
Tuition: $825
On board LEVERA Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening.
Ross Beane — August 11–17
CRAFT OF SAIL is for folks who have some experience in big boats but
who want to improve their skills on the water, particularly in the context “I took your CRAFT OF SAIL course hoping to understand
of a cruising-sized vessel. Subjects include sail theory, hull and rig balance, better how to maximize vessel performance, coordinate crew
helmsmanship, piloting in clear weather and fog, approaching and leaving when at the helm, understand running rigging—all of these
floats and moorings, knots and rigging, man-overboard strategy, handling
expectations and more were totally met. I spent the week on a
ground tackle, crew management; and, with those of our vessels that have
power plants, maneuvering under power, and the rudiments of auxiliary glorious boat on the magnificent Maine coast, and was taught
engines and navigation instruments. by a master sailor. Queene Foster imparts wisdom, respect for
The seaman aspires to the mastery of many subjects, but the essence of the boat and weather conditions, the importance of safety—all
the craft of sail is sea sense: the ability to tune in to a boat, the weather, and with enormous diplomacy, modesty, and good humor.”
the crew, and apply good judgment so that all work together harmoniously.
Our instructors understand this, and they will help you to acquire that sense E.F., Brooklyn, New York
LEVERA was designed by naval architect K. Aage Nielsen and built to exceptionally high standards by
the Paul E. Luke yard in East Boothbay, ME in 1966. As a 41' keel/centerboard sloop she placed second
in her class during the 1968 Newport to Bermuda race, and when you sail aboard her, you’ll understand
why—she’s fast, seaworthy, and balanced, all the while in comfort, style, and grace. LEVERA’s hull of
double-planked mahogany with laminated frames makes her strong. Her sloop rig makes her efficient,
and her roomy cockpit makes it all enjoyable. LEVERA offers a comfortable, safe, stunning platform as
students learn the finer points of big boat sailing along the picturesque Maine coast.
MISTY is one of the famed 39' Concordia yawls built at Abeking and Rasmussen in Germany for the
Concordia Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Designed by Ray Hunt and Waldo Howland in
1939, the 39s served as family cruisers and successful bluewater racers, and are known for their intricate
construction details, beautiful proportions, and grace on the water. MISTY spent 45 of her 52 years on the
Great Lakes in the care of one loving family who raced her successfully. She’s received excellent care over
the years, and has never needed a major rebuild. Her layout and details are original. Her yawl rig provides
many lines to pull to adjust her sails to perfection. MISTY is easy to sail in nearly all conditions, because
none of her sails are too large to handle.
VITAL SPARK is a Bill Harris–designed Concordia 31' ketch built by the Concordia Company in 1964.
She features a large catboat-style cockpit and 6'2" headroom below decks. Her interior is fashioned from
butternut and aromatic Massachusetts cedar, and her hull is northern white cedar on white oak frames.
She is a particularly well-balanced and comfortable sailer, carrying almost 550 sq. ft. of sail, and very
much at home on the waters of the Eggemoggin Reach and Jericho Bay.
Celebrating 39 Years of WoodenBoat School 7
SAILING
Sea Sense Under Sail
gaff sloop of his own design, VELA. This will be a glimpse into the lure of
On board the 50’ gaff-rigged sloop VELA sailing—a week full of seamanship, skills afloat, sound advice, and story-
Experience the true joy of sailing with a lifelong sailor. telling under sail. You’ll learn how to control VELA on all points of sailing,
how her sails work, their trimming, the forces involved, dealing with wind
Havilah Hawkins — September 1–7; shifts, picking up moorings, anchoring, and lying-to. Haddie will also share
September 8–14 his thoughts on the practical aspects of running and maintaining a large
Havilah “Haddie” Hawkins has been sailing and fooling around in boats vessel, and running a safe ship. Students will also learn about navigation, the
throughout his life. His father, Havilah “Buds” Hawkins, designed, built, weather and tides, the visual signs you should watch for, coastal geography
sailed, and skippered boats his entire life and was a well-known fixture in and geology, marine life, sea conditions, and using common sense. Above
the wooden boat community. It’s no wonder salt water quickly found its way all, this will be a wonderful occasion to enjoy the fun and rewards of sailing.
into Haddie’s veins.
WoodenBoat School is excited to offer students a one-of-a-kind oppor- Tuition: $825
tunity to sail and learn from this master mariner on board the beautiful 50' Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening.
“On one hand, I wanted to know more about sailing tactics in tight places, current, shifting winds, and reading
the sea conditions. On the other hand, I wanted a big boat experience. SEA SENSE UNDER SAIL with Haddie
Hawkins was the whole package and lots more! VELA is the best ‘classroom’ I have ever been on. What an
awesome platform to work with and learn on.”
M.L., Biddeford, Maine
ACTRESS is a beautiful 75' brigantine designed by Murray Peterson in 1937 and built by Scott
Kennedy in East Boothbay Harbor, Maine. With her 80,000-lb displacement and 56'-long deck,
ACTRESS makes a wonderful platform for learning to navigate and sail our beautiful coast.
Carrying nine sails, she offers plenty of opportunities for everyone to handle sails, ropes, and sail.
Capt. Hans Vierthaler purchased ACTRESS in 2017 and has set her up to carry six passengers for a
very unique sailing experience.
VELA, a 50' straight-stemmed, gaff sloop, was designed by owner/skipper Havilah Hawkins and built in 1996
by the Wooden Boat Co. in Camden, Maine. Sporting two headsails, topsail, and a large mainsail—800 sq ft
on a 35' boom—VELA is a pleasure to sail in all wind conditions. Lazyjacks and lifts enable the huge mainsail
to be easily handled by only two people. Comfortable, seaworthy, and well balanced, this beautiful boat
provides a perfect classroom for students who will learn how to work with the wind and sea, not against them.
GLADIATOR is a true, original Friendship sloop built in 1902 in Bremen, Maine. Designed by Alexander
McLain, she measures 32' on deck, has an 11' beam, and draws 6'. She fished in the Gulf of Maine until 1927
before being converted to a pleasure sailing craft. GLADIATOR sailed in the Chesapeake region in the 1930s
through the late ’60s. Bill Zuber then purchased her in 1967, brought her back to Friendship, Maine, in 1972,
and, along with his son Andy, extensively rebuilt her from 1982 to 1987. A distinguished member of the
Friendship Sloop Society since 1967, GLADIATOR has won several Sloop Races, as well as The Chowder Cup
and the Retired Skipper’s Race. Carrying nearly 1,200 sq ft of sail, she is a fun boat to sail and may be the
perfect vessel in which to gain a better understanding of the art of seamanship.
8 2019 WoodenBoat School | 207–359–4651visit WWW.THEWOODENBOATSCHOOL.COM
for more information 2019 COURSES
ACTRESS. After spending the first night in a secluded anchorage, Hans
Cruising Through the Watches and his students will gather together and determine the best option for an
Voyaging safely and confidently under sail. extended cruise after listening to the weather, developing a “back-up” plan
On board ACTRESS should conditions change, and laying out a watch schedule. Tuesday you’ll
Hans Vierthaler — July 14–20; September 1–7 set off on your adventure.
Designed to build the confidence of sailors who are seeking new
If you’ve ever wondered what it is like and how to make an overnight
challenges and wish to go beyond the boundaries of day sails from the
or extended trip along the coast, or an ocean voyage, this week with Hans
WoodenBoat waterfront, CRUISING THROUGH THE WATCHES may help
will shed plenty of light on the subject. We offer this opportunity to the
one prepare for eventual boat ownership and/or realize the dream of an
experienced, large-boat sailor wishing to advance his or her skills in the
extended cruise. Whatever your reasons for signing on for this course, you
areas of coastal piloting, navigation, sail-handling, watch-keeping, safety at
will find your captain is an experienced and patient instructor, and eager to
sea, and much more. Shipboard life and cooking aboard will also be part of
share his many years of experience sailing in the coastal and offshore waters
this cruising experience. In addition to the topics covered in our COASTAL
of Maine.
CRUISING SEAMANSHIP courses, the centerpiece of this liveaboard
course will be journeying overnight to a destination Students will be able Tuition: $1550
to immerse themselves in the daily routines of a traditional sailing vessel,
while learning how to choose and plan a long-range destination appropriate
for weather and tide conditions, safety considerations, standing a watch, and
nighttime piloting. The moon will be moving toward its fullest stage during “I am a much better, confident sailor thanks to
this week, and we hope to take full advantage of it and experience the thrill
of moonlit sailing.
WoodenBoat School.”
The week will start with Hans explaining the various systems, instru- S.F., Camden, Maine
mentation, and sail configurations aboard his beautiful 75' brigantine
Coastal Cruising Seamanship
A week of cruising on the coast of Maine aboard two classics. Hans Vierthaler and Havilah Hawkins are both seasoned, proven, and
enthusiastic sailors, who have spent a good portion of their lives sailing and
On board VELA living aboard boats. Each instructor will create a custom-tailored course in
Havilah Hawkins — August 4–10; August 18–24 which you will be patiently coached toward the next level in your sailing
career—whether it be skippering a vessel on your own, or crewing with
On board ACTRESS
increased confidence, competence, and enjoyment. Everyone shares in the
Hans Vierthaler — July 7–13; September 8–14
responsibilities of the cruise, including skippering, navigating, and cooking.
Over the years we’ve learned that the best way to discover the pleasures There’s time, too, to savor the pleasures that cruising is all about—feeling
and develop the skills of cruising under sail is to sail off in the right boat with a well-found vessel moving through a seaway, experiencing the peace and
the right skipper. This season we are again proud to offer four liveaboard freedom of life at sea, and slipping into quiet anchorages each night. There
courses on board two classic vessels. will even be opportunities to row ashore and explore some of the beautiful
Students can choose between the 75' Murray Peterson–designed islands that are part of Maine’s gorgeous coast.
brigantine ACTRESS, with Hans Vierthaler as your instructor, and the 50' This is a rare opportunity to learn anything and everything you wish to
Havilah Hawkins–designed gaff sloop VELA skippered by the designer about the complex subject of big-boat cruising, and we’re very pleased to have
himself. Both are beautiful examples of a bluewater sailing vessel and a great the chance to offer it to you. Sign up for a truly great adventure under sail!
boat on which to learn about sailing. Each is designed to provide the max-
imum of comfort and seaworthiness, and can accommodate students in a Tuition: $1,300 onboard VELA
safe, spacious manner. $1,550 onboard ACTRESS
“This was a magnificent experience. I met some really fine people. Your staff is
outstanding. The words ‘no’ and ‘we can’t’ are not in your lexicon. You all do
such a fantastic job. I will definitely be back and will recommend WoodenBoat
School to my friends. Thank you so much!”
C.I., Pflurgerville, Texas
Celebrating 39 Years of WoodenBoat School 9SAILING
outlined along with a review of the previous day’s experiences. Then sails
Sailing GLADIATOR will be hoisted, and off you’ll go. Throughout the week, you will navigate and
Lessons aboard an historic 32’ Friendship sloop—a traditional voyage to as many pristine destinations on local waters as we can squeeze
American sailing craft. in. The days will be filled with hands-on exercises including navigation, sail
Andy Zuber — August 18–24 handling, lines and rigging, safety at sea, reefing, heaving-to, sailing off and
up to moorings, and anchoring. And, yes, lots and lots of sailing! While
One of the many interesting facts about the Friendship sloop is that it was under sail, you will be able to apply your small-boat sailing techniques and
originally a very popular and successful workboat in Maine waters and then, gain larger-boat sailing experience. As each day winds down, you’ll sail back
after disappearing for almost half a century, it returned as a popular pleasure to the school’s waterfront and bask in the rewards of spending an exciting
craft in the first decade of the 20th century. GLADIATOR was designed and day under a full spread of canvas on a beautiful, traditional sailing vessel.
built by Alexander McLain in 1902 in Bremen, Maine, and after years of
service as a fishing boat and pleasure craft in Maine and Chesapeake Bay Tuition: $825
waters, she returned to Friendship, Maine, where she was extensively rebuilt Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening.
by the Zuber family from 1982 to 1987. Since then, GLADIATOR has sailed
a great deal of the Maine coast and raced successfully with the Friendship
Sloop Society, winning many sailing regattas. With nearly 1,200' of canvas,
she provides all who sail her a hearty taste of traditional seamanship. With
“The week SAILING GLADIATOR was a fun, relaxing time, as
plenty of lines and sails to handle, she has the feel of a real vessel under way well as an exceptional learning experience. Both Andy and
and is fun to sail! his father, Bill, were a remarkable team. It was a privilege to
During this five-day course, Capt. Andy Zuber will guide students spend five days with them on the water. I learned so much
through the lessons of handling a mid-sized sailboat. Each morning will
more than sailing. Thank you!”
begin with the crew meeting on board to discuss the forecasted weather
and sea conditions, winds and tide. Together, the goals of the day will be M.G., Starksboro, Vermont
Tall-Ship Sailing and Seamanship
Learn numerous skills and sail handling
aboard the schooner MARY DAY.
Capt. Barry King & Jane Ahlfeld — July 7–13
WoodenBoat School invites you to join Jane Ahlfeld and Capt. Barry
King for a week of experiential instruction aboard one of Penobscot Bay’s
legendary tall ships, the schooner MARY DAY. Launched in 1962 and
rebuilt during the winter of 1999/2000, the schooner is 90' on deck, 125’
sparred length, displaces 96 tons, and carries 5,200 sq ft of canvas with more
sails than any other windjammer on the bay. She is a big, pure sailing vessel,
designed and rigged along the lines of a traditional coasting schooner, but
built with comfort and safety in mind.
During this unique, “hands-on,” team-oriented course, students will
have the opportunity to become integral members of the MARY DAY crew.
Topics covered will include general seamanship, coastal navigation, and
marlinespike seamanship. Students will be divided into teams to learn the
skills that every sailor needs aboard any vessel. The crew of MARY DAY
will expertly guide you in trimming and handling sails, steering, plotting a
course, stitching a ditty bag, and going aloft (optional) to stow the topsails.
On Friday, students will take command and utilize the skills they have been
learning during this unique week.
The rhythm of shipboard life provides a unique environment to experi-
ence the sights, sounds, and smells of the Maine coastline. Most importantly,
Barry and Jane bring humor, joy, and a relaxed atmosphere to the sailing
experience. Join Barry, Jane, and the crew of the MARY DAY for a great
week under sail discovering the workings of a traditional sailing ship.
Tuition: $1,200 800–992–2218; www.schoonermaryday.com. There is space available for
Note: This is a six-day course that begins and ends in Camden Harbor, friends of participants who would rather not take part in the hands-on
Maine. All reservations should be made through the schooner’s office at sail training.
10 2019 WoodenBoat School | 207–359–4651visit WWW.THEWOODENBOATSCHOOL.COM
for more information KAYAKING
The Pleasure of Sea Kayaking
Expert guidance for enjoying
paddling in all types of water.
Perhaps nothing, absolutely nothing, conveys the
joy of being afloat quite so purely as a kayak. Thus,
WoodenBoat School offers you a variety of outstanding
opportunities in a world-class setting to learn and
enjoy the art of this popular water sport. In a series of
day trips, you’ll explore some of the most spectacular
parts of the Maine coast. From the basics to tips on
accomplishing more advanced sea kayaking skills, these courses and talented instructors will enable you to discover a new and
exciting environment that beckons just off saltwater and freshwater coastlines everywhere.
Choose from the following courses:
Elements of Coastal Kayaking Advanced Coastal Kayaking
Nick Schade — August 4–10 Kevin Beckwith — July 7–13
Selecting an appropriate kayak; safety skills; basic gear and equipment; An all-inclusive review of various strokes and braces; maneuvering;
transporting kayaks; paddling strokes; launching and landing; nautical techniques to handle wind, waves, and weather; rules of safety; Eskimo rolls
charts and navigation; capsize and recovery skills; and better understanding and rescues; long-distance paddling; and more. The course is intended for
of weather and sea conditions are a sample of the many topics covered in this those looking to gain skills, further their understanding of gear, and spend
fully comprehensive course. Good fun and a great education! more time on the water. If there is interest, an extended trip will be designed
Tuition: $825 including an overnight on one of the nearby islands. This is not an intro-
ductory course. Previous kayaking experience is required.
Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening. Students should be in
good physical condition, have reliable balance and agility, and the ability to Tuition: $825
enter and exit kayaks from beach or rocky shore.
Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening. Students should be in
good physical condition, have reliable balance and agility, and the ability to
enter and exit kayaks from beach or rocky shore.
Note: Kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts,
and life jackets will be provided
“Kevin Beckwith was excellent! He is personable,
by the School, but students are very knowledgeable, and able to work well with each
welcome and encouraged to bring individual student. I learned a ton about kayaking and
their own if desired. feel much more confident and better equipped for my
future kayaking adventures.”
D.J., Ooltewah, Tennessee
“This place is magic!”
K.L., Atlanta, Georgia
Celebrating 39 Years of WoodenBoat School 11BOATBUILDING & WOODWORKING
How to Choose the Best Boatbuilding Course for You
The key to deciding which class best suits your needs is to BUILDING THE AMESBURY DORY-SKIFF. If you are interested
carefully read each course description, which incorporates much in a certain type of construction, there is plenty to choose from.
information about the course’s content and level of experience. You’ll find various courses in the following construction methods:
We’ll also be glad to help you with any questions you may have after plank-on-frame, plywood-epoxy, strip-plank, stitch-and-glue,
reading this catalog, and if need be we can put you in contact with and much, much more. You’ll also find a wide variety of courses
our instructors. Choosing the right course means that you will be in which a class or individuals will build canoes or kayaks. A fair
satisfied, appropriately challenged, and among others whose goals number of students are interested in taking a series of courses, with
and abilities are similar to yours. Keep in mind that having some a goal of becoming more proficient or even working toward a career
previous hand tool/woodworking experience will result in a much in boatbuilding.
richer experience for anyone interested in one of our boatbuilding We suggest considering the following sequence: LOFTING;
courses. For those lacking this experience, we highly recommend FUNDAMENTALS OF BOATBUILDING; BUILDING HALF
taking our INTRODUCTION TO WOODWORKING course or a MODELS; ELEMENTS OF BOAT DESIGN; then one or more
basic carpentry class in your hometown before signing up for one courses that focus on a particular design or type of construction.
of our boatbuilding classes. Many of our shop courses are designed for beginning, intermediate,
For those of you looking for a great introduction to traditional or experienced woodworkers; a wise choice based on skill level can
wooden boat construction, we recommend: FUNDAMENTALS OF determine how much you may benefit from the course. Again, take
BOATBUILDING, INTRODUCTION TO BOATBUILDING, and time to read each course description carefully.
Fundamentals of Boatbuilding and
Advanced Fundamentals of
Boatbuilding
The theory and practice of classical boatbuilding.
Fundamentals of Boatbuilding
Greg Rössel — June 2–15; June 30–July13
Pat Mahon — June 16–29
Warren Barker — July 21–August 3
Thad Danielson — August 4–17
Bob Fuller — August 18–31; September 15–28
Advanced Fundamentals of Boatbuilding
Taking it one step further.
Greg Rössel — September 1–14
Fundamentals of Boatbuilding is the core curriculum of our boat-
building courses and one of our most popular offerings. This series deals
generally with the whole craft of boatbuilding, specifically with wooden
lessons—tools, body plans, types of construction, planking methods,
boats, and most specifically with plank-on-frame small craft.
steam-bending, lamination, woods, fastenings, and much, much more.
We tend to build challenging boats in these classes—round-bilged,
ADVANCED FUNDAMENTALS is designed for experienced individu-
carvel, and lapstrake-planked types—because if you can build one of these,
als looking for ways to continue their education and taking the “next step”
you can build almost anything. Ideally, each class will start one boat, work
in working on more complex designs and projects. Daily lessons will include
at planking another, and finish a third. The emphasis is always more on
scarfing, interior and exterior joinerwork, sparmaking, centerboard instal-
learning than on pushing through a project. Each session combines daily
lation, and various other details. This course is a wonderful complement to
discussion periods with an abundance of practical work. You’ll start out
any earlier boatbuilding exposure you may have sampled. Previous boat-
discussing boat plans and design, and how to develop a project plan.
building/woodworking experience is required.
Lofting will follow (see LOFTING, as follows, for a complete treat-
ment of this subject). From there, it will be a steady stream of boatbuilding Tuition: $1,275 (two-week course)
12 2019 WoodenBoat School | 207–359–4651visit WWW.THEWOODENBOATSCHOOL.COM
for more information 2019 COURSES
Lofting
Making sense of all those lines and numbers.
Greg Rössel — June 23–29; August 25–31
Without question, lofting is an essential skill for the boatbuilder. Once
you’ve mastered it, you can at least start to build any boat for which there
are plans. Moreover, you’re going to be able to interpret plans and better
comprehend the shape of the vessel, and what the building process will be.
Lofting takes time and concentration, and a good teacher really helps (see
WoodenBoat Nos. 110 and 111).
In this week you’ll discuss the written material that Greg has developed,
build half models, and—in teams—loft several small craft. Tables of off-
sets, diagonals, buttock lines—all will be demystified and will become the
wonderful tools they are for understanding, discussing, and building boats.
This course is meant to dovetail with the two-week FUNDAMENTALS
OF BOATBUILDING course which Greg will also teach.
Tuition: $825
Materials: $53
Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening.
“Greg Rössel has the extraordinary ability to explain difficult concepts in various ways so all students
understand. I wanted a technical understanding of boat geometry and design, along with a greater
appreciation for subtle design differences. A great course on LOFTING.”
D.S., Bethesda, Maryland
Building Half Models also encourages folks to bring lines drawings of their own boat or favorite
designs.
The practice and pleasure of carving half models. Besides creating one or two models of your own, you will learn a lot
Eric Dow — September 22–28 about boat plans and gain a feeling for the long tradition of half-hull
modeling—and go home with the ability to build more on your own.
There are few products of woodworking as exciting to behold as a well-
done half model. It reveals the character of the boat it represents at a scale Tuition: $825
that can be admired at a glance and appreciated for a lifetime. Half models
Materials: $145
are a wonderful way to remember a boat of the past or dream about one
of the future. Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening.
Half-hull modeling is both a practical way to enjoy woodworking with
limited time and tools, and a tangible way to grasp the intricacies of boat
plans. To carve and mount a half model yourself is to forever capture a
“I’ve taken six courses at your school, and BUILDING
design in three dimensions. HALF MODELS turned out to be one of the very best of
In this week of hands-on participation, you’ll explore the tools, tech- the bunch. Eric enabled me to learn new skills and gave
niques, and materials for half-model making from lines plans; the woods; great advice helping me with my models.”
the glues; the tools; the paints and varnishes. Students will have access
to the extensive model plans collection at The WoodenBoat Store. Eric N.H., Woolwich, Maine
“Your FUNDAMENTALS OF BOATBUILDING course definitely exceeded my expectations. It was
challenging and focused yet fun at the same time. Being exposed to different craft increased the
richness of the course. Well done!”
K.R., Naples, Florida
Celebrating 39 Years of WoodenBoat School 13BOATBUILDING & WOODWORKING
On Monday, you will discuss your initial ideas with Paul and learn how
Elements of Boat Design to begin a drawing on your own, using some basic drafting skills. Paul will
Learn the principles and process—then practice on your own design. spend the remainder of the week mixing theory and practical sessions with
Paul Gartside — August 11–17 as much practical drawing time as possible. You’ll work toward a deepened
understanding of how a hull interacts with wind and water, and of the com-
If you have ever wished you could design your own sailboat, powerboat,
promises that must be made in every design in order for the finished boat
rowboat, or canoe, then here’s a course for you. Boat builder and designer
to be best suited to its purpose. With only five days to work together, no
Paul Gartside will take you step-by-step through the principles of boat
one is going to come away with a complete set of plans under their arm, but
design, and efficiently lead you from an initial idea to a workable set of plans
depending on the group, it should be possible to get some projects pretty
with reasonable confidence in the outcome. If you come with your own con-
well fleshed out and the steps to completion clearly defined. If we can leave
cept to work through, so much the better; otherwise Paul will help students
each student with enough basic knowledge to design a good-looking boat
without a specific plan come up with some interesting ideas to work on.
that performs well, and a burning desire to go ahead and start on another,
This is a paper-and-pencil course, working at the drawing board with
then we will consider this course a success.
the traditional tools of curves and battens. While most designers use com-
puters these days, Paul still draws all plans by hand and from a teaching Tuition: $825
point of view feels this is the best approach. Theory will take place with
Note: This is a five-day course ending Friday evening.
blackboard sessions and will be applicable regardless of your experience and
current practice.
Students need not have any previous experience with boat design or
“Paul Gartside has a wonderful delivery of a complex
mathematics; just a keen interest in boats will do. Although there will be
some simple calculations, the main focus will be on understanding the con- subject matter. Having an excellent approach to
cepts and principles that play a part in boat design and in developing an eye teaching, he spent lots of one-on-one time with each
for aesthetics. In spite of modern technology, designing boats is still as much student. An excellent course!”
an art as it is a science. The eye and judgment of the designer are still the
S.H., Laguna Beach, California
most important ingredients in any design.
Introduction to Boatbuilding
A one-week primer on building small boats.
John Karbott — June 2–8; June 30–July 6; August 18–24
There are many individuals who would like to build their own boat but
don’t know how to get started. Many first-time builders have run into prob-
lems understanding the process of what to do first and, as a result, soon
get intimidated and the idea loses momentum. John Karbott, professional
boatbuilder and instructor, invites anyone interested in wooden boats and
woodworking to join him in any of these three six-day courses focusing on
the skills and techniques used in basic boatbuilding. No prior boatbuild-
ing experience is required, simply a desire to learn. If you want to build a
good-looking, simple sailing skiff, John can help you get started and guide
you through the step-by-step procedures to taking on and completing such
a project on your own. setting up a one-man shop, proper hand and power tool usage, and much
Students will build two of John’s handsome 121⁄2' semi-dory skiffs com- more. Whether you have a hankering for traditional skiff construction like
bining marine plywood, white oak, and Northern white cedar. The course the 121⁄2' semi-dory skiff or are simply looking for a perfect introduction to
will start with understanding boat plans and lofting, and proceed through wooden boat construction, you will thoroughly enjoy this week with John.
scarfing, framing, planking, and interior joinerwork.
As the skiffs take shape through each week, John will lead discussions Tuition: $875
in small-craft design, selecting a suitable design for the amateur builder, Note: This is a six-day course ending Saturday afternoon.
“I cannot think of an instructor better suited to teaching INTRODUCTION TO BOATBUILDING than
John Karbott. His experience building and repairing boats, along with his former occupation as a
fisherman, gives him a greater breadth of knowledge which he brought to this course. After this week
with John, I now have the sense I could build a boat myself.”
R.W., Beverly, Massachusetts
14 2019 WoodenBoat School | 207–359–4651visit WWW.THEWOODENBOATSCHOOL.COM
for more information 2019 COURSES
versatility of various types of patterns and show you
Finishing Out Small Boats how to make them, as well as how to use them.
Creating neat woodwork and joinerwork. You’ll learn about making curved parts including
Geoff Kerr — July 14–20 laminated outer stem and intricate interior fittings.
Instructors will demonstrate methods for measur-
Bill Thomas — August 25–31 ing and layout in the hull to accurately position
Here’s a week that promises to be a fulfilling interior parts and pieces. They will also explain how
and challenging one, with plenty of opportunity to accurately scribe and fit parts such as the breast-
to learn—with head and hands—how to build the hook, quarter knees, and bulkheads. And you’ll learn
intricate parts and finish out small open boats. The how to use epoxy and other glues and bedding com-
joinerwork of a small boat is particularly exacting pound; and to become familiar with woodworking in
because there is nowhere to hide slipshod work— three dimensions with no right angles in sight.
no burying rough joints under decks or in cabine- Working both at the bench and in the boat, you’ll
try. Boatbuilders Geoff Kerr and Bill Thomas will refine your skills with a wide array of boatbuilding
teach you how to make elegant parts and gorgeous, tools, from planes, spokeshaves, scrapers, and chisels
tight-fitting joints for a boat you’ll be proud to to the tablesaw and bandsaw.
varnish. Throughout the week, Geoff and Bill will be
The course is designed to be a follow-up to some showing you many tricks, tips, and jigs that make
of our traditional boat construction and plywood/ each job easier and faster, as well as better looking,
epoxy hull building classes and very useful to anyone for joinerwork makes a boat beautiful and truly
completing a small boat. Many of the skills and tech- yours. Note: Previous woodworking experience is
niques you acquire can be transferred to big boats as a requirement for this course.
well. Your instructor will start the week describing
how to organize a project as complicated as finish- Tuition: $875
ing a boat. Students will learn how to work from boat Note: This is a six-day course ending Saturday
plans and drawings. Your instructor will explain the afternoon.
Building the Amesbury Dory-Skiff
An exercise in traditional wooden boat construction.
Graham McKay — September 8–14
During the Victorian period, Amesbury skiffs were a common sight at
resorts and as tenders for harbor use and clamming. They are a variation
of the dory and are built in much the same manner; communally they are
called “dory-skiffs.”
Founded in 1793 in Amesbury, Massachusetts, Lowell’s Boat Shop is the
birthplace of the American fishing dory. Thousands of dories and skiffs were
manufactured at Lowell’s throughout the last two centuries. We invite you to
join professional boatbuilder Graham McKay in constructing a traditional 14'
Amesbury rowing skiff. As lead boatbuilder at Lowell’s, Graham has extensive
experience and insight into traditional dory and skiff construction methods. be the winner of a beautiful, new rowing skiff. Previous boatbuilding/
Graham will use John Gardner’s The Dory Book as a construction guide woodworking experience will be beneficial in this course.
through the course. The skiff will be built from traditional methods with the
bottom and topsides planked in northern white pine and the frames, stem, Tuition: $875
and other parts made of white oak. Laps will be secured with copper rivets, Note: This is a six-day course ending Saturday afternoon.
and the frames will be joined at the chines with riveted stainless-steel clips.
Using traditional Lowell’s building methods, lofting will be minimal,
using patterns lofted from plans and planking by eye. The skiff will be built “I just wanted to tell you and your staff how much I
upright so that plank lines can be sighted and the rivets easily reached. By enjoyed my course with Graham McKay. It was the best
week’s end, the hull should be completely planked and the inwales bent into
week of my life, and I learned so much from the course
place and fastened.
Graham will cover building from plans, copper-riveting, caulking, it was unbelievable. WoodenBoat School is one of the
spiling, beveling and lap fitting, steam-bending, and other traditional skills. coolest places I have ever been to!”
This will be a fast-moving, exciting class where everyone will be actively A.D., East Haddam, Connecticut
involved. And if you’re lucky in the class lottery on Saturday, you could
Celebrating 39 Years of WoodenBoat School 15You can also read
