Beginning December 1 and continuing through May, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels is offering public boatbuilding through its Apprentice for a Day program. During museum hours on select Saturdays and Sundays from December 1 through May 26th, participants will be creating a replica of Ghost—a circa 1916-1920 deadrise bateau skiff that is part of CBMM’s collection of historic Chesapeake vessels.
By constructing a boat from start to finish throughout the process, traditional Chesapeake boatbuilding techniques will be taught to participants of all skill levels under the direction of a CBMM shipwright. The process includes lofting; steaming and shaping the chine; milling and installing side frames; centerboard trunk and centerboard construction; decking, rudder and mast making; and more.
Participants can be a part of the whole process, or can sign up for specific dates. The Journeyman’s Special package includes any four days for one reduced price, and can diversify the experience to include several different skills.
Individual classes are $45 for museum members and $55 for non-members. A four-day Journeyman’s Special package is $150 for members and $200 for non-members, with gift certificates available. Participants must be 16 or older, unless accompanied by an adult.
To purchase a gift certificate or to pre-register, call 410-745-2916. To download the complete Apprentice for a Day winter/spring 2012 schedule, visit www.cbmm.org/l_boatyard.htm.
In photo: The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is offering public boatbuilding through its Apprentice for a Day (AFAD) program beginning December 1 and continuing on select Saturdays and Sundays through May 26. Step by step, participants will build a replica of Ghost, a deadrise bateau skiff noted for its herringbone planking and sharp deadrise increasing at the bow and stern. Participants can be a part of the whole process, or can pre-register for specific dates. The Journeyman’s Special package includes any four days for one reduced price. The full schedule is available at www.cbmm.org/l_boatyard.htm or by calling the museum at 410-745-2916.