Become an apprentice

12-Week Apprenticeship

Our 12-week traditional boatbuilding program 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 you the chance 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. These flat-bottomed skiffs provide an excellent platform for learning the basics of boatbuilding and tool use, teaching the skills you will need throughout the rest of your apprenticeship. 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. They take on more responsibility in the community, teaching and mentoring 9-month apprentices and often serving as project leaders.