Maritime Discovery
Maritime Discovery
Available for grades 4–12
Our waterfront campus in Port Townsend is a perfect launching point to engage students in experiential learning through place-based maritime education. Schools can pick from a variety of options and design a Maritime Discovery program that works for them.
New maritime classes for homeschoolers ages 8-12 years old! Join our experienced educators for engaging STEM focused activities. Sign up for individual classes or all the entire series.Build a Maritime Discovery program from a variety of experiential offerings:
On the Water
Sail, row, and navigate aboard historic longboats and other sailing vessels with licensed captains. Learn nautical skills and marine science, and develop confidence and teamwork skills. Longboats are replicas of 19th century ships' boats that up to 12 students row and sail together, offering a window into the maritime history of our region. Our other sailboats provide hands-on experience with all aspects of sailing for up to 5 students at a time. Interested in sailing a tall ship? Ask about our joint programs with Sound Experience on board the historic 101’ Schooner Adventuress.
Boatbuilding
Build a Skunk Island Skill or a 'Nuf under the guidance of an experienced boat builder in our boatshop. Groups of up to five students can work on one boat. Multiple boats can be built at a time. The Skunk Island Skiff is a 12-foot, 140 pound row boat that can be easily handled by a novice rower. The 'Nuf is a featherweight dory that is paddled like a kayak. It is 9-1/2 feet long and weighs 30 lbs. Either boat can be built in 4-5 days.
Mariners' Skills
Learn and explore the skills' of a mariner. Learn about the history of the region while participating in hands-on activities that engage the students in learning STEM subjects. We offer a variety of topics for land-based classes that utilize our classrooms, Pilothouse Simulator, and outdoor campus. Options include navigation, compass use, marine science, soundings, knot tying skills, maritime history, and marine trades.
Marine Science
At NWMC, students take full advantage of our waterfront location as they engage in marine science experiments, collaborate and create team-built STEM projects, withdraw water samples, peer at plankton, and explore the wonders of the marine environment. If you're curious about kelp, passionate about plankton, or mesmerized by passing marine mammals—come join us for some science by the sea! Ask us about joint programs with Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
"I was so happy when I heard our school was doing this program because I want to build and sail my own boat someday."
— Blue Heron student
We're here to help design a program that works for you.
Contact Abbie Smith at 360.385.3628 x110 or abbie@nwmaritime.org.