The Chandler Maritime Education Building is complete!

The Chandler Maritime Education was officially opened to the public at the 33rd Wooden Boat Festival in September of 2009. As residents of Port Townsend watch, a dream over a decade old is taking its final form. While fundraising continues to make the entire dream a reality, the buildings that will house all the NWMC and Wooden Boat Festival programs will be in full operation in just a few months.

"I know this is a very satisfying outcome for many, many, people," said Executive Director Stan Cummings," we still have a ways to go in securing funding and completing the project, but this is a milestone worth noting."

FIRST FEDERAL COMMONS

This public outdoor space in the heart of Port Townsend's downtown waterfront is a focal point year-round for community gatherings and maritime activities, from small-boat launchings and landings to seamanship demonstrations, educational programs and music performances. More than 1400 pavers, laid in the shape of a compass rose, are engraved with the names of community members whose support and financial contributions made this project possible.

WOODEN BOAT CHANDLERY

The well-stocked chandlery and gift shop will feature top quality traditional marine hardware and supplies, fine hand tools, and an extensive collection of maritime books and artwork. Many items are created by local artisans and are beautiful as well as practical. The chandlery is the west coast's foremost resource for "all things wooden boat." Grand opening in the new space on Water Street is May 1, 2010.

MESSING ABOUT IN BOATS SHOP

Sailmaking, leather and rope work, hand-tooled craft and family boatbuilding are a feast for the creative soul. Observe and converse with working craftspeople or grab a piece of sandpaper and pitch in on a community project. Students are engaged in diverse tasks, lectures, and exercises, including restoration of the Northwest Maritime Center's legacy boats. All of this can be observed from the mezzanine walkway.

HELEN KEELEY BOATHOUSE

The large boathouse doors open to reveal the sleek hulls of dozens of rowing shells, day-sailers, and sea kayaks. Launch your kayak or sailing dinghy from the beach next to the Boathouse, or drop your shell into the water from a floating dock in the more protected waters of Point Hudson Marina. A public restroom with showers for those who have boats in storage is across the breezeway.

CONFERENCE FACILITY with catering kitchen

Up to 185 people can enjoy the spectacular view while participating in the variety of programs and classes that will be offered. The meeting room features an outside deck, reception-sized lobby, window screens, large retractable doors that can divide the room in half, state-of-the-art multimedia presentation equipment, and full service catering kitchen.

H. W. MCCURDY LIBRARY

The Wooden Boat Foundation's extensive maritime collection can be found here. View artifacts and maps. Computer work stations are incorporated into the layout for distance learning opportunities and high-tech links to maritime resources around the globe.

PILOTHOUSE

A representation of a modern vessel's bridge contains the latest navigation, communication and vessel control equipment. The commanding view of Admiralty Inlet, and the sights, sounds and state-of-the-art technology, transport students and visitors to the world of current maritime commerce.

CLASSROOMS

On the second level, above the Bosun's Locker, well-lit, tech-equipped rooms with high ceilings provide flexible space for small breakouts from the conference area, or for classes that serve ongoing programs.