Our Programs - Boatbuilding Apprenticeships
12 Week Intensive
Our 12-week traditional boatbuilding intensive introduces students to boatbuilding through the construction of a 11’ 3”, flat-bottomed lapstrake rowboat, the Susan Skiff. The Susan Skiff provides a strong foundation for learning the basic elements of building any wooden boat. Participants take the boat home upon completion.
9 Month Apprenticeship
Our 9-month Apprenticeship program offers the opportunity to learn traditional wooden boatbuilding and seamanship in a hands-on, community-minded environment. You will start off your apprenticeship by building an 11’ 3” Susan Skiff in pairs. After you complete your Susan Skiff, you will work on a more complex project commissioned by an actual client as part of a small crew of 9-month and 2-year apprentices.
2 Year Apprenticeship
The 2-year Apprenticeship is similar to the 9-month program in content and character but involves a longer time commitment and a deeper engagement with the crafts of boatbuilding and sailing. The first year of the program runs alongside the 9-month apprenticeship. In the second year, Apprentices continue working on commissions, gaining more skill and experience with each new project.