Apprenticeshop in Rockland to Host Open House

Rockland, Maine - The Apprenticeshop, a school for traditional boatbuilding and seamanship in Rockland, is opening its doors to prospective students and the local community on Saturday, October 5, from 9:00 to 4:00. Hands-on workshops, tours, discussions and a Q&A will highlight The Apprenticeshop’s 9-month and 12-week courses.

Since 1972, The Apprenticeshop has been dedicated to inspiring personal growth through boatbuilding, craftsmanship, community and traditions of the sea. Craftsmanship is developed as apprentices work alongside a master builder to learn the traditional methods of wooden boatbuilding.  Seamanship is practiced as apprentices sail vessels built by the shop, and the shop itself is maintained by the apprentice community.

The program has become a catalyst for the revival of traditional wooden boatbuilding and an integral part of the greater Rockland community.

During the Open House, hands-on workshops will be available both in the morning and the afternoon. Two hour workshops begin at 10:00 and again at 1:00. Under the guidance of an Apprenticeshop instructor, participants will learn how to craft wooden mast hoops, an important part of traditional boatbuilding. Sailing and rowing sessions, weather dependent, will also be offered by our skilled instructors and apprentices. This is a great opportunity to experience traditional wooden boats out on the water. Space and materials are limited, so be sure to contact the office to secure your place.

Throughout the day shop tours will be provided by instructors, apprentices and staff members. Come see the shop, learn about the tools, the boats, and what it’s like to be an apprentice boat builder. Taking a guided tour through the shop provides a glimpse into what goes into making a traditional wooden boat, and is a great opportunity to learn more about our CORE, ADVANCED and INSTENSIVE programs.
CORE: Concepts of Wooden Boatbuilding, a 9-month course, is a solid foundation in the craft. It is rigorous and designed for students new to boatbuilding. Students come away with the skills necessary for an entry level position in a wooden boatbuilding shop or yard.

A second 9-month course, ADVANCED: New Construction and Restoration, is designed to build on the skills gained in the CORE program. Students become apprentices on commissioned boats or restorations and work in tandem with a master builder.

INTENSIVE: Traditional Boatbuilding is a 12-week, full submersion into boatbuilding and provides a unique “learn as you go” opportunity. Each student chooses from a selection of three boats, a Susan skiff, a Nina sailing dinghy or a sea kayak, then works under the guidance of Ashop instructors building his or her chosen boat. At the completion of the program the community celebrates with a boat launch.

To register for a tour or workshop please contact us at (207) 594-1800 or email us at info@apprenticeshop.org. The Apprenticeshop is located at 643 Main Street in Rockland, Maine.