BOATSHOP CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Registration for 2023 classes is open!

Photo © Mark Hawkins Photography

photo by Ashlyn Brown

The Classic Mariners’ Regatta is beautiful classic boats, high-caliber sailors racing their hearts out, and a friendly atmosphere. Since 1984 the Classic Mariners’ Regatta has animated Port Townsend Bay with the Wooden Boat Foundation spirit that is quintessentially Port Townsend. With hand-sewn award pennants and a courtyard dinner, this is a regatta weekend not to miss.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

Delve into the maritime world through craftsmanship, creativity, and education. From one-day skill-building classes to week-long boat builds, our Boatshop offers a wide variety of workshops for all abilities!

2023 Class Schedule at a Glance

To read full class descriptions, click on class names or keep scrolling.
Don't forget to check out our 2024 Boatshop schedule.

Weekend Workshops

Spend your weekend in the Boatshop learning new skills or polishing up existing ones.

Mar 25 Demystifying Marine Finish
May 6 Outboards: Maintenance, Care, and Troubleshooting
Aug 24-28 Wooden Boat Tools and Joinery
Sept 28-Oct 1 Paddles, Oars, Spars, and More
Dec 9-10 Deck The Hulls With Boatshop Offcuts

Boatshop Build Workshops

Craft vessels of your choosing while receiving professional guidance from our Boatshop crew.

May 24-29 Skin-on-Frame Boatbuilding
Oct 2-29 Duckworks Boatshop Takeover
Create your own schedule Boatshop With Benefits

Saturday Summer Series

New for 2023! Starting in July, we will be offering classes every Saturday leading up to the Wooden Boat Festival. This seven-week series will allow students to get their feet wet in a number of areas, while getting their questions answered and building new skills.

Jul 8 Ye Olde Shipwright's Tools
Jul 15 Sharpening
Jul 22 Stationary Power Tools 101
Jul 29 Basics of Lofting
Aug 5 Steam Bending
Aug 12 Epoxy 101
Aug 19 Boat Lettering

Chesapeake Light Craft Builds

NWMC is excited to partner with Chesapeake Light Craft to offer unique boatbuilding workshops. Our professional instructors will help you assemble your own boat from start to finish. These classes will be held over the course of 7 to 9 days—a perfect week-long vacation with your own boat to take home at the end, ready for finish work.

April 8-16 Build Your Own Annapolis Wherry, Expedition Wherry, or Chester Yawl
May 13-19 Build Your Own Kayak or Kaholo Stand Up Paddleboard
Sept 18-24 Build Your Own Skerry or Passagemaker Dinghy for Sail and Row

These classes are designed for adults, with youth registration alongside a parent/guardian possible for some classes. Please call us at 360-385-3628 x1.

All classes have a minimum number of participants, in the rare case that we will need to cancel, we let you know at least 2 weeks before the class start date. Prior to class you will receive an email from our registrar with specific details pertaining to your class.

NWMC is proud to offer scholarships to those facing financial barriers, youth service organizations, schools and underserved youth, so everyone can have the opportunity to learn with us, regardless of financial circumstances. Please note that Boatshop classes have a limited number of full scholarship spots per class. To be considered for a scholarship, or to sponsor a participant please contact our Boatshop Manager, Joel Arrington Joel@nwmaritime.org or 360.385.3628 x123.

Class Descriptions

Classes listed are listed here in alphabetical order. See above for the 2023 schedule at a glance.
Sign up for the NWMC News email list to be the first to know about class updates.

Basics of Lofting

Saturday Summer Series
July 29, 2023 last day to register is July 28
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $99, $89 member

If you have ever seen a set of traditional boat plans, you've seen the table of offsets. The table of offsets is a fully comprehensive set of points that allow the builder to bring the boat to full scale in a two dimensional drawing. This drawing is where the builder derives the ability to make patterns and parts. We'll work through the offsets of a fairly simple skiff to plot our points and fair our lines, and by the end of the day, we will have a boat drawn to scale.

Boat Lettering

Saturday Summer Series
August 19, 2023 last day to register is August 18
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $99, $89 member

Whether traditionally carved or painted, lettering your boat is a great way to add character and show off the passion you have for your boat. This intensive will walk through the process of traditionally carved and painted sign boards through demonstrations as well as hands-on practice.

Boatshop with Benefits

You create your schedule! last day to register is two weeks before start date
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | $449, $404 member

Design your own workshop! We offer a space with a workbench that you can use and have access to from 8am–8pm for seven days. As a participant, you are not limited to just one week but are welcome to rent the space for as many weeks as you need as long as space is available. With the rental of the space, you will also get 8 hours of one-on-one instruction from the Boatshop manager, Joel Arrington. We team up with outside businesses such as Chesapeake Light Craft and Duckworks to help you with project direction and supplies, including boat kits and rigging.

Build Your Own Annapolis Wherry, Expedition Wherry, or Chester Yawl

Chesapeake Light Craft Build
April 8-16, 2023 last day to register is March 8
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition: $949, $899 member | Kit Cost: Kit Cost Expedition - $2185, Annapolis single - $1785, Annapolis Tandem - $1935, Chester Yawl - $1998 | does not include additional tax + shipping

So, you want to be a contender in SEVENTY48? Then you're gonna need a boat! There's only one caveat—you have to build it first. Through this nine-day class you will have the option to build an Expedition Wherry, Annapolis Wherry, or Chester Yawl.

Solid stability, sea kindly lines, excellent tracking, a buoyant bow, and ample flare make the Wherry a natural choice for rowing in choppy conditions. The open design allows for plenty of sprawling and a picnic basket when beach cruising. Stability is strong for a performance rowing boat: you can step into the boat from a dock and even stand up. However, the narrow waterline means that the Annapolis Wherry is as fast as many “rec” shells, sprinting at 7 knots and cruising at 4-5 knots. At this speed you could cover 30 or 40 miles in a day. We hear of Wherries being used for camping and fishing expeditions.

The Annapolis Wherry is at its best with a sliding seat. From the beginning the interior was designed around a Piantedosi Row Wing, the nicest sliding seat unit on the market. Used with a sliding seat, the Wherry might be unsurpassed as a rowing trainer, exercise boat, long-distance cruiser, or even for open water racing.

Construction uses Chesapeake Light Craft’s exclusive LapStitch™ process. This results in a true lapstrake hull with long, elegant lines that is stiff and light. The doubling of plank thickness where each plank overlaps the next creates a longitudinal “stringer,” which is why CLC’s LapStitch™ boats don’t require as much messy fiberglass work as multi-chine hulls. The Wherry is built of 6mm okoume BS1088 plywood, epoxy encapsulated throughout. Fiberglass cloth is applied to the bottom panels inside and out for extra stiffness and to resist beach abrasion. 9mm okoume frames, thwarts, and flotation tanks ensure stiffness. The outwales, breasthook, and quarter knees are solid mahogany.

Learn more about the Annapolis wherry single or Annapolis wherry tandem

The Expedition Wherry came about as a solution for fitness-oriented rowers who want to go out in cold or rough water, perhaps with camping gear. Designer John C. Harris, who has been designing, building, and enjoying sliding-seat boats for 27 years, spent a lot of time tinkering with the hull lines to find the best compromise between speed, payload, and stability. Most of the boat is decked in, with only a small "sump" area beneath the oarsman's heels to gather bilge water. An optional Elvstrom-type bailer can dispose of any water that gathers there. There are four separate watertight compartments, all accessible through hatches for gear storage. The boat has enough stability, and the compartments provide enough buoyancy, that it's possible to climb back into the cockpit after a capsize, bail out, and continue on your way.

The official max payload is 423 pounds. Thus, a 200-pound oarsman could carry the equivalent of three infantry-sized backpacks worth of camping gear (of course, the lighter you pack, the faster the boat goes). The standard flush deck hatches are large enough for tents, sleeping bags, and kitchen sinks of modest size.

Learn more about the Expedition Wherry

Boats like the Chester Yawl were used as working craft in 19th-century. Efficiency was critical in these human powered craft, so they evolved easily driven hull shapes. Working watermen weren’t immune to good looks, either, so these “livery boats” were often beautiful. The most famous of the type, the “Whitehall” boats of New England, are still considered a touchstone of small craft elegance. The Chester Yawl is based on the Whitehall and adopts its distinctive plumb bow and “wineglass” transom.

This LapStitch™ design's long, graceful sweeps of plank achieve a hull shape of striking beauty, glittering performance. At 15’ long, the Chester Yawl is about the right size for easy trailering (or even cartopping), and the payload of 450 pounds means that two or three adults may safely set out for a picnic or even a camping trip. Although 30 inches shorter than our Annapolis Wherry, the Chester Yawl has nearly twice the volume and a lot more freeboard for handling waves. For casual single and tandem rowing, we do not believe there is a better build-your-own-boat kit than the Chester Yawl.

Learn more about the Chester Yawl

Build Your Own Kayak or Kaholo Stand Up Paddleboard

Chesapeake Light Craft Build
May 13-19, 2023 last day to register is April 14
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition: $889, $839 member | Kit Cost: Kaholo 12-6 - $1325, Kaholo 14 - $1325, Shearwater 14 - $1498, Shearwater 16 - $1498, Shearwater 17 - $1498, Shearwater Sport - $1448, Sectional Shearwater - $1698, Wood Duck 10 - $1298, Wood Duck 12 - $1329, Wood Duck 14 - $1485, Wood Duck Double - $1625 | does not include additional tax + shipping

In this seven-day build class, instructor Joel Arrington will guide you through all the steps of building a Kaholo stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak from a Chesapeake Light Craft kit. Kayak options include: Shearwater 14, 16, 17, Sport or Sectional Sport kayak, or the Wood Duck 10, 12, 14, and Wood Duck Double.

There are no other SUP boards in the world that are easier for a first-time boatbuilder, or better-looking. But you don't give up one bit of performance if you build your own Kaholo! The Kaholos are okoume marine plywood, stitched-and-glued together, and sheathed in fiberglass and epoxy, with a grid of bulkheads and stiffeners inside to make the boards stiff and light. Kits include premium non-skid deck pads, cut to shape, breather tubes, and custom laminated skegs.

It's taken five years and more prototypes than CLC cares to count to refine the two Kaholo SUP boards. Working with surfing and paddleboard guru Larry Froley of Gray Whale Trading in California, they created two beautiful hollow wooden boards with the rare quality of being fast enough to race but stable enough for first-timers. Tracking is great and a fine bow with kayak-derived shaping lifts the Kaholo 12-6 and 14 up and over waves. The tail shape and twin fins facilitate surfing on long swells once your skills build up to that.

"The Shearwater is an eye-catching, light and fast cruiser that does many things well. It is a strong contender for the budget-minded paddler looking to answer the 'if I could only have one kayak' question." -from Sea Kayaker's October 2006 review of the Shearwater 17.

Stitch-and-glue sea kayak design has grown up a lot in the last fifteen years, driven by enthusiastic paddlers who prefer ultralight, beautiful boats that handle like extensions of themselves. The Shearwater design abounds in interesting and innovative features. To emphasize the clean lines, the decks are computer cut from sapele plywood, a beautiful mahogany with a reddish-brown swirling grain, to contrast with the honey-colored okoume sides and bottoms. Flush hatches are standard. Veteran stitch-and-glue builders will find notable tweaks in the Shearwater kits, including CNC-cut "finger joints" instead of the more typical scarf joints. The finger joints eliminate the alignment step required of scarf joints, so parts are quicker to assemble and impossible to misalign. Another luxury in the Shearwater kits is that 99% of the holes for the wire stitches have been drilled for you by their CNC machine. This means faster assembly and no measuring for bulkhead locations, as those holes are drilled, too.

The Wood Ducks are among their easiest-to-build kits. Panels are precision-cut on their computerized equipment, with puzzle-joints and pre-drilled stitching holes for fast and accurate assembly. Sheathed in fiberglass inside and out, the Wood Duck will withstand real-world abuse on gravel or shell beaches and will bounce over submerged stumps without harm. Capacity is ample and meant to accommodate a broad range of paddlers. Cockpits are 38 inches long, for easy in and out, and your legs and knees will not be confined. The Wood Duck 10 will carry paddlers up to 200 pounds, and the Wood Duck 12 will easily handle a 275-pounder, plus gear.

Build Your Own Skerry or Passagemaker Dinghy for Sail and Row

Chesapeake Light Craft Build
September 18-24, 2023 last day to register is August 16
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition: $889, $839 member | Kit Cost: $1845 Base Kit Price, Sprit Rig - $1345, Gunter Sloop Rig - $1545, Lug Rig w/ Reef - $1470 | does not include additional tax + shipping

Join instructor Joel Arrington for this seven-day build class where you'll be guided through the process of constructing a Skerry or Passagemaker Dinghy.

The Skerry is a plywood-epoxy composite boat, assembled using Chesapeake Light Craft’s exclusive LapStitch™ technique. The sides are 6mm Okoume, while the bottom is 9mm, sheathed with fiberglass for those hard beach landings. The interior includes 9mm okoume frames and sealed air tanks at the bow and stern for buoyancy. The matrix of high-quality plywood and marine epoxy allows great strength and a glossy finish. To build a Skerry, all you need is a pair of sawhorses and a warm place for a shop. No mold, no lofting, and no odd tools beyond a couple of sharp planes, a drill, a bucket of C-clamps, and a sander.The flaring sides make the Skerry stable and dry under sail. The stock sprit rig was chosen because it's easy to set up and handle, powerful for its size, and stows inside the hull for transport. Windward performance is excellent. The boom is out of the way of the crew—no bonked heads—and the boat can be rowed with the sail up. This is such an important and practical feature for small boat handling that it’s bizarre not to find it in more smallcraft. Under oars, the Skerry has a long, easy glide and excellent tracking. Two rowing positions permit the Skerry to be rowed with one, two, or three adults on board. Ultralight weight—about a hundred pounds—also means the Skerry is easy to handle ashore. Given a heavier car, good quality roof racks, and two average adults, the Skerry can be cartopped with ease. Or, if you use the boat by yourself most of the time, the lightest, simplest boat trailer or dolly will work. The daggerboard trunk is included in, and integral to, the "base model" rowing kit. Thus all builders can add the sailing rig from the start, or at some point in the future.

The Skerry measures 15'0" overall and 4'6" wide. Draft is 5", or with the daggerboard down, 30". The rudder kicks up easily for beach landings and has the traditional Scandinavian push-pull control rather than the more typical tiller. Everyone who has ever spent time in a Skerry has lauded the push-pull tiller as it opens up the interior for flexible seating, whereas a traditional tiller severely limits the seating positions.

Are you tired of moving heavy, traditional dinghies that weigh 200 pounds, or struggling with a limp, awkward inflatable that can't be rowed or sailed? CLC designer John C. Harris has drawn an elegant, Norwegian-styled pram that weighs only 90lbs, but can survive real abuse in the dinghy park. With a 650-pound payload, the Passagemaker can haul the entire crew in one go, or ferry blocks of ice and jerrycans of drinking water from the quayside to the mothership. The sailing rig components store flat inside the 11'7" hull; fasten three shrouds and the mainsheet, hoist up the mainsail and jib, and you've got a fast, fun, stable sailing dinghy that will please even the most ardent and discriminating sailing enthusiast.

The Passagemaker is a handy boat that can be rowed, sailed, and powered with up to three large adults. The Passagemaker Dinghy is easy to build but looks great and performs beautifully. It’s a boat with smooth glide when rowing, spirited performance when sailing, and steady handling with an outboard. People are drawn to the design as a fun and practical daysailer. Slide the 90-pound hull onto the family car, throw in the kids, the dog, a cooler, and a picnic basket, and spend Saturday afternoons gliding around the lake or bay. When you're done, the Passagemaker can be leaned up against the side of the house or wedged into the far corner of the garage.

The Passagemaker Dinghy is well within the reach of first-time boatbuilders. There are no tricky steps and no special tools are needed. Completion will average 100 hours for the sailing version. The daggerboard trunk is included in the base kit, so you can upgrade to the sailing option at any time in the future.

Deck The Hulls With Boatshop Offcuts

Weekend Workshop
December 9 & 10, 2023 last day to register is December 1
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $249, $225 member

This is your chance to spend a weekend in the Boatshop learning the basics. We are offering this course as an opportunity for students to come into the Boatshop and start building foundational knowledge of all things shop—from safety to basic hand tools, power tools, joinery, gluing, clamping, and beyond. During the process, students will be able to complete multiple small projects of their choice including great holiday gifts such as cutting boards, toys, trinkets, apple boxes, hand tools, and more! This is a great opportunity to develop and refine your skills while working with instructors who are well-versed in woodworking.

A plethora of materials will be available for students to choose from for their projects. Students are welcome to utilize the available tool resources here in the shop or bring along their own if desired. Students are asked to provide their own Personal Protective Equipment, including an N95 mask, eye protection, and ear protection.

Demystifying Marine Finish

Weekend Workshop
March 25, 2023 last day to register is March 20
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $99, $89 member

Join the Boatshop crew as we dive into a couple classy fleet boats to show all the tricks of the trade when it comes to keeping your boat looking good and protected from the elements. Finish work can be intimidating for a boat owner because there is such a large spectrum of different types of paints, oils, additives, and varnishes used to protect your vessel. In this one-day intensive, we will cover preparation, implementation, clean-up, and proper safety precautions—breaking down each with hands-on demonstrations. Students will leave with a newfound confidence and a checklist full of everything they need to know about finish work.

Duckworks Boatshop Takeover

Boatshop Build Workshop
October 2-29, 2023 last day to register is September 1
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $499, $459 member per week or $1799, $1699 member per month

Duckworks, the fine folks that brought you the Scamp, Scout, and Portage Pram, are taking over the shop and opening up the space for you, the builder. This is an open platform workshop that allows you to choose what to build while receiving professional guidance from the Boatshop manager, Joel Arrington.

Duckworks Boat Builders Supply is a small family business that has been helping boat builders (and others) with their needs for more than 20 years. Whether you're starting from scratch or simply need new hardware, line, or other gear for an existing boat—Duckworks can help. They have boat plans from over 36 designers (and counting), from the smallest dinghy to ocean-going vessels. They can also help you with epoxy, fiberglass, paint, marine hardware, rope, tools and countless other gear. This is an enthusiast-run company—they’re out there messing about in boats, just like you! As a result, they offer proprietary designs and products.

Book by the week or join in for the whole month! Students will have the opportunity to book the time they need to complete the project they choose. Interested in joining the fun but need more help deciding what to build? Give us a call and we will help nail down the perfect project for you. To order your kit, visit the Duckworks website, but be sure to contact our registrar for your exclusive NWMC takeover coupon code first!

Epoxy 101

Saturday Summer Series
August 12, 2023 last day to register is August 11
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $99, $89 member

In the ever-changing world of boatbuilding and repair, the use of epoxy has become more and more prevelant. Epoxy can be used as a resource in a wide variety of ways, but it can be a bit intimidating for the inexperienced. In this intensive, we will work through a litany of products to demonstrate how you can benefit by utilizing epoxy in your next project. We'll cover proper preparation techniques, implementation, fiberglass, fiberglass repair, adhesive properties, filets, fairing, clean-up, and more.

Outboards: Maintenance, Care, and Troubleshooting

Weekend Workshop
May 6, 2023 last day to register is May 1
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $99, $89 member

We've all been there—stranded. Whether at the dock or halfway across the straits, there is never a good time to experience outboard troubles. In this Saturday intensive, we will break down and demonstrate all the proper steps one can take to make sure that their outboard motor is in prime working order all season long. The class will be divided into four main topics: The Anatomy of an Outboard, Basic Start-Up and Operation, Troubleshooting, and Proper Winterization and Storage. Each topic will be covered with live hands-on demonstration, both in the shop and on the water. This is an opportunity to utilize years of experience to ensure you have the right tools and knowledge to make the most out of your time on the water. Lunch will be provided.

Paddles, Oars, Spars, and More

Weekend Workshop
September 28-Oct 1, 2023 last day to register is September 15
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $499, $459 member

A crash course in how to make a square piece of wood round. This four-day course will walk you through the process of laying out and shaping spars, paddles, and oars. Students will receive demonstrations in both traditional and more contemporary building techniques while utilizing a number of hand and power tools. Students will have the choice of building set of oars, a pair of paddles, or a small solid spar to take home as well as build their own set of spar gauges to take home to continue mastering the craft. Students in the class will also learn birdsmouth construction of a small mast that will be utilized as part of the Northwest Maritime Center's fleet. Students will need to provide their own personal protective equipment, including work gloves, eye, and ear protection. This class has a three-student minimum.

Sharpening

Saturday Summer Series
July 15, 2023 last day to register is July 14
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $99, $89 member

Keeping edge tools sharp and well-honed always makes work more effortless and enjoyable. In this class, students will learn the ins and outs of keeping edge tools ready for the next project. We'll cover techniques for chisels, gouges, planes, scrapers, and western saws. Students will learn the sharpening processes—both by hand as well as electrically assisted. Feel free to bring tools of your own to practice on. Everyone who attends the class will get a whetstone to take home and keep.

Skin-on-Frame Boatbuilding

Boatshop Build Workshop
May 24-29, 2023 last day to register is April 10
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: One person canoe $849, $799 member: Wee Lassie or PH13
Two-person canoes and rowboats $999, $949 member: Great Wicomico, Shenandoah Peapod or Shenandoah Whitehall

The fuselage style of skin-on-frame construction makes for a great introduction to boatbuilding. In this week-long course, students will choose from five of Dave Gentry's boat designs and create a craft that is fun to build, easy to transport, and classic in design. The boat construction consists of plywood frames with spruce and fir longitudinals that are wrapped in a specially engineered ballistic nylon. Once constructed, the boat is sealed with a two part urethane that keeps the boat very light but also durable. Students will receive all the parts and materials they need to construct the boat, and at the end of the class will take them home.

Boat Design Options:

Stationary Power Tools 101

Saturday Summer Series
July 22, 2023 last day to register is July 21
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $99, $89 member

In this day long workshop, we will cover the basics of operation for the tablesaw, jointer, planer, drill press, and bandsaw. These are all tools commonly found in a shop, and we will demonstrate the proper use and function for all. Besides operation, we will also cover the processes and procedures for proper care, tuning, and troubleshooting of each machine. Students will get to work hands-on with the machines and hopefully, by the end of the session, all questions will be answered. Bonus content: If you've ever wondered how a SawStop tablesaw mechanism works, here's your chance to find out as we intentionally trigger the SawStop mechanism as part of the workshop!

Steam Bending

Saturday Summer Series
August 5, 2023 last day to register is July 28
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $99, $89 member

Steam bending is a fun, efficient process that has been utilized in the construction of boats for generations. In this workshop, we will break down the process so that it is easily repeatable for the student to implement at home. You'll gain a real world lesson in biology and chemistry as we talk plant structure and how the steaming process helps the builder tie wood into a knot. We'll also demonstrate processes that utilize the steam maker, steam chamber, jigs, clamps, forms, and compression straps. At the end of the class, students will take home a new skill and hopefully a couple souvenirs.

Wooden Boat Tools and Joinery

Weekend Workshop
August 24-28, 2023 last day to register is August 11
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $499, $459 member

This extended weekend open shop platform serves as an introduction to wooden boat joinery. Whether aesthetic, structural, or both—all the parts of a wooden boat fit together in a purposeful way. In this course, we aim to introduce the purpose and show the student to how all the parts of a wooden boat fit together through traditional joinery. Students will develop skills using hand and power tools, through demonstrations and guided projects, and will receive an in-depth tutorial on tool care and shop safety. Students are encouraged to bring their tool kit with them, but they also are welcome to utilize all the tool resources the shop has to offer. Upon completion of the three-day course, participants will have a beautiful mallet and bevel gauge to take home as well as a new set of skills to hone.

Ye Olde Shipwright's Tools

Saturday Summer Series
July 8, 2023 last day to register is July 7
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuition Cost: $99, $89 member

Take a deep dive into the tool bag of a shipwright and see the variety that has evolved over centuries of boatbuilding. This is a great opportunity to put your hands on tools, learn new skills, and get all your questions answered. We'll be talking corking, measuring, gauging, planing, patterning, and so much more. Starting out with a broad lecture style introduction, we'll then move into Q&A and finish with lots of hands-on opportunities!

Boat Shop Space Rentals

Looking to rent space in the shop for your next boatbuilding project? Learn more about our space rentals.

About the Instructors

Joel Arrington

Joel Arrington is just a southerner lost wandering through the west looking for water. Joel, originally from southwest Georgia started his westward migration with a ten year career as a fly-fishing guide and carpenter in Colorado. There, he developed his passion for being on the water and crafting with his hands but after a few too many subzero winter days he was ready for a new adventure and landed in Port Hadlock, Wa. where he attended to Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. This allowed him to channelize his passion for water and love of woodworking into a career building boats. As boat shop manager, Joel is ready and eager to help others delve into the wonderful world of boats and boatbuilding

Sam Trocano

Sam has been working with wood for almost his whole life. Growing up he managed his family’s tree and timber farm. After leaving the military he went into construction and fine homebuilding. Wanting more refined skills he pursued a BFA in Woodworking and Furniture Design, but changed course for the NW School of Wooden Boatbuilding. Upon graduation, he worked as a shipwright while living aboard and cruising his 32′ Cutter. He is now the Fleet Maintenance Coordinator and is responsible for the upkeep of over 50 boats.

OUR CANCELLATION POLICY

Stay tuned for the 2021 CMR plan!

Classic Mariners' Regatta Criteria

We have opened up the criteria of Classic Mariners to expand the racing fleet beyond wooden boats!

The Classic Mariners’ Regatta is now open to yachts that have been built to a design or in the spirit of sailing yachts prior to 1967. There will be an acceptance committee that will determine if your boat meets this criteria. They will also consider boats that were built in the “Spirit of Tradition.”

Registration & Race Entry: $60

Registration for the Classic Mariners’ Regatta includes:

Entry for all three Classic Mariners' Regatta sailboat races
Welcome Gathering and Skippers' Meeting
Five beverage tickets (Yes, they're good for beers, too.)
Entry to the awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon

Please register in advance for the race; however if you're not arriving until late Friday night, please call 360.385.3628 x104 or email barb@nwmaritime.org and you can register at the skippers meeting on Saturday.

Moorage

If you would like to dock with the Classic Mariners group, which may mean rafting up, please call or email the Northwest Maritime Center office to add your name to the list for CMR raft-up. If you would like a more private dock, please call Point Hudson directly to reserve your own space. Either way, when you arrive at Point Hudson please proceed directly to the Point Hudson Marina office to pay for your moorage. Approximately 1.25 per foot.

Northwest Maritime Center Office: 360.385.3628, registrar@nwmaritime.org
Point Hudson Marina Office: 360.385.2828

A weekend of races!

This year the Classic Mariners' Regatta, SEVENTY48, and Race to Alaska are back to back in a weekend of epic fun and on-the-water adventure! So come on down to the Northwest Maritime Center and Pope Marine Park to watch and race in the regatta, cheer on SEVENTY48 racers as they arrive from Tacoma, take part in the R2AK madness on Sunday during the Ruckus, and see the R2AK teams set off on Monday.

Registration Coming Soon

Schedule

2021 schedule coming soon

All weekend events taken place in the Regatta Headquarters, upstairs at the Northwest Maritime Center

Monday, May 31

Last chance to purchase tickets to Saturday's dinner

Friday, June 4

5:00 PM
Welcome Gathering
• Eat, drink, and meet the other racers

Saturday, June 5

9:30 AM
Mandatory Skippers’ Meeting
• coffee and light snacks provided

12:00 PM
First Classic Mariners' Regatta Race Start; Second race starts immediately following first

5:00 PM
Classic Mariners' Regatta Dinner:
• Menu TBD; $12
• Located at Regatta Headquarters

Deadline for purchasing dinner tickets is Monday, May 31

Sunday, June 6

10:00 AM
Rowing Race

12:00 PM
Final Classic Mariners' Regatta Race Start

4:00 PM
Classic Mariners' Regatta Awards Party
• Located at Regatta Headquarters