Teaching:

Willow Kayak Completed Willows Bay Skiff in San Francisco Introduction To Boatbuilding Sunset at the Woodenboat School  Willow Building Class Kayaking class in Maine

 

 

Current Class Offerings

Building the Willow Sea Kayak:
Build your own sea kayak in a one-week class. Students start with a pre-cut kit containing all the materials needed to build the hard-chined Willow Sea Kayak design. The construction is stitch-and-glue using Okoume plywood. This is a full-on week with the kayak construction finished at the end of class. Students will still have some work to do when they get home, but the end result will be a lightweight rugged and beautiful boat.

Chewonki Boatbuilders Expedition

Locate on Montsweag Bay Camp Chewonki has become a true Maine landmark. Chewonki was originally founded as a boy’s camp but over the years the programs offered have expanded to include girl’s camps, coed wilderness trips and winter full semester sessions open to high school students.

One of their most exciting programs, at least to my way of thinking, is their Boatbuilders Expedition.  During this 5 week class young men and women, ages 15-17, will spend about two and a half weeks building their own kayaks. They will then set out to paddle and explore mid-coast Maine in their new boats.

The Willow kayak has been selected as the new ‘Chewonki kayak’ and this year I’ll be working with the campers to build and outfit the kayaks they will be paddling on their wilderness adventures. I am extremely proud that the Willow was chosen and looking forward to working with the camp staff and the campers!

 

Introduction to Boat Building:
No prior boat-building experience is required, simply a desire to learn. If you want to help build a good-looking, simple flat-bottomed skiff, explore the theories behind boat construction and learn basic woodworking skills this class is a great way to get started. You will be guided through the step-by-step procedures of taking on and completing a similar project on your own. In this course the students build a Karl Stambaugh designed Bay Skiff 15. The construction method is a combination of traditional methods and modified glue-and-screw construction. There will also be discussions in small-craft design, selecting suitable building projects, setting up a shop, and the proper use of hand and power tools.

Elements of Coastal Kayaking:
Develop your kayaking skills through class time and day trips along the coast of Maine. The class will focus on paddling skills as well as equipment and trip planning. We will talk about selecting an appropriate kayak and paddling gear, safety procedures and necessary safety equipment. We will cover transporting kayaks, various paddle strokes, rescue methods and navigation. Students also work at developing a better understanding of weather and sea conditions. This is a fun filled enlightening week in a spectacular setting.

Sailing The Schooner Mary Day:

The Mary Day is a 90’ Schooner sailing out of Camden, Maine. She is a gorgeous boat and in addition to a full season of windjammer cruises several weeks of sail training are also offered. Students spend the week learning the ins and outs of navigation and seamanship while exploring the Penobscot Bay.  The anchorages are snug, the food is wicked good and the learning experience is priceless!

  

Building the Sassafras Canoe:
The Sassafras 12 and 14 are lovely stitch-and-glue canoes that can be assembled in a one-week class. The 12’ boat is a solo 26-pound double paddle canoe while the 14’ boat can be propelled with a double paddle or from a kneeling position using a single paddle.

Building the Annapolis Wherry:

The Chris Kulczycki designed Annapolis Wherry is a graceful pulling boat with sea kindly lines, excellent tracking, a buoyant bow and ample flare. She can be rowed from a fixed station or a sliding seat which makes her very versatile.  This 17’ 9” boat is built stitch-and-glue and assembled in a one week class.

 

 

2008 Class Schedule

Build Your Own Willow Sea Kayak,

Chewonki Boatbuilders Expedition

Introduction to Boatbuilding

Elements of Coastal Kayaking

     • July 13-19, July 27- August 2 and August 31-September 6 at WoodenBoat School   in Brooklin   Maine

Sailing on the Mary Day

 

Building the Sassafras Canoe

Building The Annapolis Wherry