Category: ALL POSTS

Gina Bonneau from the Class of 2013 has been hired to work at the Seth Rolland Custom Furniture business located in Port Townsend, Washington.

Gina was a dedicated student in the Traditional Large Craft program under the supervision of instructor Ben Kahn. Gina was detail oriented and very focused in her woodworking. Her class built two of the Whitehalls for the BBC and Discovery Channel to replicate John Wesley Powell’s journey down the Colorado River in 1869.

The video series was release in England and excerpts can be seen on Youtube at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPuootys0i8NkLr6SspSBWwtICvT0DzW6

Congratulations, Gina! We are so proud of your accomplishments!

–

–

–

Gabe Boylan graduated from the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding in 2013 with a focus on Traditional Large Craft. Gabe was hired onto a research vessel after graduation and then onto the crew of the vessel Kwai in Hawaii.

“This will be Gabriels 4 voyage with the KWAI having joined us as a young man from Nebraska who had never been to sea. He is now a man, a sailor and a very valuable crew mate on the KWAI. We are so happy to have him.”

“The purpose of KWAI is to carry cargo, passengers, and crew in a well found sailing vessel between the islands of the Pacific Ocean. The objectives include:

· To maintain and build further on our strong working relationship with the islands we service, through freight, trade and passengers.

· To finish the refit of the KWAI as a strong safe sailing ship for world voyaging, with accommodations for 8 paying passengers and cadets and 8 professional crew members.

· Incorporate facilities for divers, researchers and scientific personnel to make the ship suitable for expedition charters.

Voyaging under sail

The main goal of this project is voyaging on the high seas. The present service is a packet vessel between Hawaii and the Cook Islands which offers excellent year round sailing across the trade winds in both directions. Adventure travelers and crew immerse themselves in a life at sea, sharing the opportunity to learn seamanship, navigation, rigging and ship and small boat handling. A round trip schedule of two to three months will allow for half the time at sea and half the time in port or at anchor. The ocean passages are memorable, but so are the relaxed stops at very remote islands.

Why a Sailing Vessel?

A powerful sailing ship, driven only by the free energy of the wind, dependent only on nature and the resources she carries aboard is not only a work of art and beauty, she is a proven, economical vehicle of transportation where fuel is expensive and often scarce. Our sails are our the subsidy, and the fuel in our tanks often goes ashore to run island generators, while the ship quietly rides the waves in the timeless tradition of her pedigree.

Trading Opportunities

For centuries these islands were supplied by infrequent ships arriving to sell their cargoes to the local inhabitants. Even in these modern times many of the small islands on our route are still not supplied on a regular basis. With approval and support from the local governments and island councils we provide a comprehensive service. We deliver ordered cargoes from the least expensive sources in Hawaii, and charge a purchasing fee and freight on all goods. We now take back dried seaweed as return cargo to Hawaii and have proposed to carry copra from Washington to Christmas, a much needed service.

Adventure Travel opportunities

Adventure travel remains a lucrative niche in the tourism industry. We offer a unique chance to visit remote islands, most accessible only by ocean voyages. On our vessel, passengers are be able to witness and take part in historical sea travel and trading. Long term, rewarding relationships have been established with the island communities and our passengers will be happy to meet the locals and able to pay for guided fishing, snorkeling, or exploring trips. In the age old island style, bountiful luaus ashore and lively parties aboard will be inevitable. We appeal to the eco-tourist as well as sail power is an environment-friendly way to see the world. The Pacific Islands will continue to offer risk-free destinations where political turmoil can be left behind.”

–

The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is everyone’s wooden boat school!

–

–

Quentin Ganser graduated with the Class of 2012 and returned with the Class of 2013 to work on the school’s Bartender project.  After that time he was hired as a composite fabricator for Scaled Composites in California.

“Founded in 1982 by Burt Rutan, Scaled has broad experience in air vehicle design, tooling and manufacturing, specialty composite structure design, analysis and fabrication, and developmental flight tests of air and space vehicles.

The employees at Scaled come from a diverse background of talents, experience, and interests. This unique combination of individuals helps promote an innovative and creative atmosphere. Scaled offers the opportunity to pursue career and personal interests in a manner that can be found nowhere else by following one simple rule: have fun.”

Best wishes, Quentin, with your growing career!

–

–

The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is everyone’s wooden boat school!

–

–

Our own Steve Kim (Class of 2014) was recently hired as an Apprentice Boat Builder at Van Dam Custom Boats in Michigan. Congratulations, Steve! We are so happy for you that you nailed the job of your dreams! This job was posted nationally so the competition was intense.

Steve graduated from the Traditional Small Craft program and took Yacht Interiors for summer quarter. He came to the Boat School with a strong background in construction management, but he wanted to “get his hands dirty” and actually build things.  Steve was detail oriented and showed a high level of discipline in his attendance and work performance while at the school. By the time he graduated he had the combined craftsmanship skills and work ethic to succeed.

Steve received a scholarship through the Boat School – we are so proud that our investment has now paid off for him and for the Van Dam Custom Boats company.

“At Van Dam Custom Boats, great is never good enough. We put our heart and soul into our custom wood boats, giving each one the attention to detail required to produce something truly unique and unlike any other.”

“We take one of the best custom wooden boat building techniques—cold molded wood—and blend it with the design creativity and boat building experience found in our team. This combination produces wooden boats and yachts that redefine quality. We are so confident in our product that we offer a lifetime warranty to prove it. From start to finish, you are a part of our team. We design and build based on your personal preferences and discerning tastes to create a custom boat as unique as you.”

http://vandamboats.com/

–

The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is everyone’s wooden boat school!

–

–

From Mark, “I just started Tuesday at Ballenger Spar Systems.  I’m very excited to continue the journey that I began at Boat School — learning new things and acquiring some new skills.  Buzz Ballenger has been at it for nearly 40 years. Ballenger has built rigs for Bill Lee (Santa Cruz Yachts), Olsen, Farrier, Corsair trimarans, Moore Sailboats, and custom work for racing and cruising yachts in tandem with marine architects.

Not much of the work is in wood, but rather aluminum, stainless steel and carbon fiber.  Ballenger machines the bits and pieces that go on masts and booms, so I’ll be picking up experience running CAD programs on CNC machinery, and eventually working on a water cutter that slices through plates of steel and aluminum like a knife through butter.  I’ll be able to hone welding skills as well.  You might check the Web site (ballengerspars.com). 215 Walker St, Watsonville, CA 95076; (831) 763-1196.

Lest you worry that I’ve stopped making sawdust, you should see and smell my garage!  I’m turning out bits and pieces, and I have a personal boat project on deck as well.

I hope you’re all doing well.  I think of you often, and always with the deepest gratitude.  I left a large piece of my heart at Boat School.  Mary and I know that some day, some how, we’ll be back on the Quimper Peninsula.  Until then, the adventure continues.”

–

The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is everyone’s wooden boat school!

–

–

We are exceedingly proud of our graduate Hannah Lynch from the Class of 2010! Here is a post from the Rocking the Boat website about her:

“Hannah Lynch, Boatbuilding Program Director, graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2005, with a degree in Outdoor Recreation, Leadership & Management, and it was there she began to develop a deep appreciation for both wooden boatbuilding and teaching in unconventional environments. She spent the next several years, mostly in Utah, working in adolescent mental health, in both a wilderness and clinical environment, and in education, as a National Park Ranger.

In 2009, she attended the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Hadlock, Washington, to study traditional small craft construction.”

Hannah’s contributions as a boat building educator will make a positive impact on not only her students, but on our country and our world. Thank you, Hannah, for sharing your passions and talents with others!

Credentials: B.I.A., School of the Art Institute, Chicago, IL; B.F.A., School of the Art Institute, Chicago, IL; Vocational Certification, Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building, Port Townsend, WA.

Patrick has had a lifelong love of working with wood. He joined Madison College in 1998 after running his own Woodworking business for several years.

Originally trained as an architect, he has a strong interest in Architectural Millwork. His pursuits have led him around the world in search of how other cultures train their craftspeople. After living in Japan for 2-1/2 years, he returned to the US to study traditional Wooden Boatbuilding. Although he is boat less, Patrick employs the curved and circular techniques he learned in much of his work.

Alex Finn (Class of 2014) is now working at Areys Pond Boat Yard in South Orleans, Massachusetts!

“At Arey’s Pond Boat Yard, we are dedicated to building beautifully crafted vessels in keeping with Cape Cod’s proud heritage of fine boat building. We are also committed to being a small, neighborhood boat yard that meets the needs of the local sailing community. It is our goal to deliver first class service to our customers while providing a supportive, rewarding work environment for our employees.” http://areyspondboatyard.com/

(You can see his photo and text entry from the company’s website at left).

Alex was a delight to have at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. He was a hard worker and always had a smile. He restored a Willits Brothers canoe during Repair and Restoration. He graduated with an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Traditional Large Craft.

Best wishes, Alex! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments!

Michael Voderberg (Class of 2014) was hired by Farrand Orchards in New Zealand and is also working on an exciting boat project there, Fiona. Here is a note from Mike:

“So as far as my employment goes I was hired as an independent contractor by Farrand Orchards. It is a commercial kiwifruit farm in KeriKeri New Zealand. As well as learning how to be a commercial orchard manager I spend a large portion of my time restoring a 12 meter motor sailor named Fiona. The boat was owned by my employer’s father and has heaps of sentimental value to him. It is quite an honor to be able to bring this family treasure back to life. Between the two different aspects of my job I am kept quite busy often spending the mornings out under a canopy of fruit. Then when the sun gets too oppressive it’s into the boat shed for the afternoon and evenings. Here are some photos of my various projects.”

Mike, we are exceedingly proud of you and your accomplishments! Best wishes from the Boat School!

You can click on each photo once and then again to open the larger image.

Penelope Partridge has been hired at Zyl Vardos in Olympia, Washington to work on building tiny houses!  Penelope was an enthusiastic student in the Traditional Large Craft program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. She worked extensively on the Hanson designed Forest Service Scalers boat while at the Boat School. We are pleased to hear that Zyl Vardos sees her potential and has hired her to help with their tiny house construction!

Austin Bewley

Lead Designer at Hull Historical

Fort Worth, Texas
Architecture & Planning

Previous

Woodlands Design Group,
Innovative Architects & Associates

Education

Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building

“Known for award-winning design of exceptional architectural interiors nationwide, Hull Historical provides expertise in residential and historic preservation. It is a company that is passionate about classical design and the level of detail and craftsmanship it brings to every project. The work is commissioned as it would have been centuries ago, painstakingly and accurately executed to last for generations. Not only is the company known for its design, fabrication and installation of architectural interiors for private residences and country estates, it also provides expertise in historic preservation of public buildings revered as architectural gems across the country. Hull Historical is dedicated to creating beauty and preserving the future.”

Mussa Ulenga graduated with the Class of 2014 from the Traditional Large Craft program. Mussa was instrumental in the building of the Chamberlin-36 that year. He worked on the transom of the Chamberlin-36, which was quite the undertaking. Mussa was a hardworking student who always stayed with a task until it was completed. He has a background in business and has lots of ideas about businesses he would like to develop so we are excited to see where his career will take him. Congratulations, Mussa, for being hired at Custom Wood Interiors in Seattle. We are so proud of your accomplishments and look forward to hearing more updates as the years go by!

Chris Lindstam (Class of 2014) was hired by The Boat Company in Port Orchard, WA.

“Taking an Alaskan Cruise in 2015 or planning ahead for 2016? See Alaska ‘up close and personal’ with The Boat Company. Incorporated in 1979 by the McIntosh Foundation, The Boat Company is the only non-profit educational organization offering luxury eco-cruises through Southeast Alaska (a portion of the cost of most trips is tax deductible). With over 35 years of cruising and conservation in Alaska’s Inside Passage, The Boat Company has reinvested between $25 and $30 million into conservation efforts throughout the region.” http://www.theboatcompany.org/

Chris graduated in the Contemporary Wood Composite Boatbuilding program with his Associate of Occupational Studies degree. Chris also took Repair and Restoration in the summer quarter of his program. The thing I remember most about Chris was his willingness to get dirty and to get the job done regardless of the challenges. Chris distinguished himself at the school with his work on repair and restoring a 1960s Chris Craft speed boat.

We are so proud of you, Chris! Best wishes!

We are so proud that John Sandoval (Class of 2014) has been hired as a shipwright at Schooner Creek Boat Works in Portland, OR.

“Schooner Creek is one of the largest and most advanced boat repair, maintenance, and new construction yards in the United States. This includes fiberglass repair, custom woodworking, vessel painting, electrical, rigging loft, winterization/storage, yard services,  full service metal shop, and mechanical/systems.” http://www.schoonercreek.com/

John graduated from the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding with an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Contemporary Wood Composite Boatbuilding. He distinguished himself as a student particularly in the building of a cedar strip cold molded Grandy. After graduation he was hired by the school to help complete the Bartender that the Contemporary Program students built.

Nice work, John. We are so proud of you! Best wishes!

We are proud to announce that Drew Larson (Class of 2014) has been working on the restoration of Alyssa, a 42-foot sloop from Bremerton, WA. Drew has been employed with shipwright Kees Prins as an apprentice. This boat project gave him the opportunity to further his woodworking and boat building skills under the tutelage of a highly respected shipwright.

Drew’s next professional step will be working with Cape George Marine in Port Townsend, WA. http://capegeorgecutters.net/

Drew  graduated in the Class of 2014 from the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. He completed his Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Contemporary Wood Composite Boatbuilding. He also took Repair and Restoration during the summer quarter at the school. Drew always impressed us with his mathematical mind – he could summarize so many boat building processes in mathematical patterns! He was a highly disciplined student who always took care to get jobs done in a meticulous manner. Drew’s problem solving abilities were also noteworthy.

Best wishes, Drew! We are so proud of your accomplishments!

Troy graduated from the Contemporary Boatbuilding program in 2013. He set a high bar as far as work ethic goes – always the first one in each morning and last out at night. When everyone else was chatting and getting ready each morning, Troy could always be found at his bench sharpening his tools to get ready for the day! Congratulations on your career successes, Troy!

“SEA Marine Yacht Services of Port Townsend, WA is a full service Boatyard & Marina, providing recreational & working vessel owners with a full spectrum of services for outfitting & maintaining a motor or sailing vessel. Our dedicated staff handles a broad spectrum of services including boat storage, maintenance, re-power, refits, and full restorations on any type of boat or yacht. Our full range of services includes; Mechanical & Propulsion, Brokerage, Rigging, Bottom Paint Packages, Woodworking, Fiberglass, Electrical Repair & Installation, and marine electrical services.

SEA Marine supports the boating community through a comprehensive array of services designed to enhance our customers’ experience on the water. We design and deliver these services with the understanding that each customer’s boating style, preferences and financial capacity is unique. Our goal is to provide service in a way that provides value to our customers over the long term, rewarding employment to our staff, and financial stability for the long term health of our business.”

SEA Marine provides personal service, expert advice before, during, and on completion of the work and accurate cost accounting while maintaining close communication with the customer. We stand behind our work; even with the passage of time.

Hello Everyone!

It has been exactly one year since I graduated from the NWSWB! This morning as I sit sipping my coffee, I can’t help but recall the amazing things I experienced at Boat School: the friends I made, the boats we crafted, the knowledge I internalized, and ultimately, how those experiences have helped me since.

I am currently the Chief Mate on the schooner Lewis R. French.  A wooden boat built in 1871 in Maine, and a National Historic Landmark, the 101′ French takes people vacation-sailing along the coast of Maine. Before our sailing season begin, I was directing the crew on standard maintenance items such as painting and varnishing — things I’d done plenty of times before.  But for the first time in my life, I was able to contribute to the structure of the ship.

The Captain and I replaced an entire section of the deck, as well as a sill for the cabin house.  I was proud to be able to offer legitimate assessments of the project based on what I’d learned at school, as well as do much of the work efficiently, utilizing the tricks-of-the-trade I’d practiced as a student.

Before sailing down east, I was in Port Townsend right after school working aboard the schooner Adventuress as their Winter Mate.  The 133′ wooden schooner was undergoing her largest and final phase of hull restoration.  Leading a team of 12-15 volunteers, we completely revamped the schooners interior including engineering projects, carpentry, and finishing. My team also supported the skilled team of shipwrights at Haven Boatworks. Again, thanks to my time at Boat School, I was able communicate with the shipwrights in their boatbuilding language to effectively move the project forward.

I cannot thank the instructors and staff of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding enough.  Especially my instructor, mentor, and friend Jeff Hammond.  I am so grateful for everything you have given me.

I hope all is well for everyone at the Boat School.  I hope you have a fantastic next school year!

Zach

—

Zachary W. Simonson-Bond

Chief Mate, Schooner Lewis R. French

USCG Master, Inland, NMT 100 tons

[email protected]
(360) 202-2125

Bradley Suedekum was born in Delta, Colorado and from an early age showed that he was “bound to wander.” He finished high school in Ft. Collins, Co., eventually joining the US Army as a Cavalry Scout in 2005. During the next eight years he would find out what he was made of, but more importantly, what would help shape his ever changing landscape. He served in two deployments 2005-2006 and again in 2008-2009, both to Iraq. He was honorably discharged in February 2013, at which time he was faced with a big choice to make.

Bradley and his fiance, Courtney Stoffel, decided to pack up everything and move out to the Northwest. Not having anything lined up for the future was uncertain but full of hope and potential. Courtney found her place at the Downtown Seattle YMCA as the Assistant Director of Healthy Living. Meanwhile Bradley found his calling at the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building. He attended the school for one year and earned an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Traditional Small Craft and Restoration and Repair. “There is nothing more peaceful or beautiful than the construction of wooden boats.”

After graduation Bradley and his fiance moved to Seattle to start the next phase of their lives. Bradley first got a position at Jensen’s Motor Boat Company where he was welcomed with open arms. Having worked there for a month Bradley was again blessed with the opportunity to move over to the Center for Wooden Boats. “I am very excited about this and humbled by the opportunity that has been afforded me.” This is the perfect opportunity for me to really help bring focus and historical value to this amazing organization.”

Brent Davis came by the Boat School today to say hi and to bring a potential student by to check out the school. It’s great to see our established graduates reaching out to young people to share with them the fulfillment of working in the marine trades and in woodworking. Brent owns his own business, Brent Davis Construction, Inc., and has an impressive gallery of projects completed that you can see at the following webpage: http://www.brentdavisconstruction.com/gallery/gallery.htm. Best wishes, Brent, and keep coming by to say hi – we always love to hear about what our graduates are up to!