Sailing classes are an important part of the Apprenticeshop’s mission and are offered during spring, summer, and fall in Rockland Harbor. Various short courses and workshops are offered throughout the year in areas such as kayak construction or half-hull model building. The school also partners with the local high school’s Fisherman’s Academy, and offers a girls-only workshop led by a woman instructor.

The Boat School, the oldest boatbuilding program in the country, evolved from a local vo-tech institute in Eastport to a community college and is now becoming a public/private educational center. The school offers wooden boatbuilding courses as well as classes in composite boatbuilding, mechanics, rigging, boat repair and restoration, and more. It’s a more industry-driven curriculum, where students can earn certification as a composites technician.

At the other end of the coast, The Landing School in Kennebunk offers wooden boatbuilding, composite boatbuilding, yacht design, and courses in marine systems. Like the Boat School, The Landing School is career-oriented, with courses leading to diplomas or degrees, but also offers short summer courses, including “boot camps” on particular topics and a captains course. Students range from high school graduates to adults seeking career changes.

HELPFUL SITES

• thewoodenboatschool.com/index.php

• apprenticeshop.org

• theboatschool.net/aboutus.html

• landingschool.edu