The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is pleased to announce that it is building a vital addition to its Port Hadlock facility, thanks to strong local support. The 1,000 square foot addition, costing an estimated $112,000, will house large machinery where students will learn to prepare wood for the boats they are building or repairing. Having the machines in a separate room will allow the School to manage noise and dust. Over the last month community members and the Board have stepped forward with commitments for over 75% of the project costs.
“Having started at the Boat School on October 1, I’ve already been inspired by the warmth and generosity of the local community,” reports a delighted Betsy Davis, the school’s new Executive Director. “This key investment in our Port Hadlock Heritage Campus will help us better serve our growing numbers of students.”
The new Milling Room will contain a B-17 Ship Saw built in the mid-1930s that accommodates a 16” thick timber when the blade is vertical and 12” thickness at the extreme cutting angle of 45 degrees. The saw is being donated temporarily by Rosario Straits Group Inc., a local project management company, that is also donating professional services to the project. Students will learn how to safely use the Ship Saw along with other stationary power tools needed for milling wood for the boats they are building. A specially designed dust collection system will also enhance safety for students and instructors throughout the shop.
Nearby residents Duke and Jeanne Shold contributed to the project due to their commitment to education and to their high regard for Jeff Hammond, instructor for over 25 years, who will be retiring this summer. “The Boat School is a vital part of our community and education is very important to us. This is an exciting project to be part of.”
In turn, Hammond commented on the project’s significance. “The generosity of the local community improves the safety and quality of the education we offer our students at the Boat School. This is an exciting investment for the Boat School.”
Beginning in February the Boat School will host a tour and open house the first Friday of every month at 3:30. The first one will be held on February 6. “We want to open our doors to our friends locally to give them a tour and tell them what we are up to, and we want to invite friends from around the region to see the new changes at the school and also appreciate the other activities the Peninsula offers,” reports Betsy Davis, Executive Director.
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is one of the premier accredited educational institutions of its kind, attracting students from around world and as far away as Australia, Austria, South Korea, and Tanzania. The school’s mission is to teach and preserve traditional and contemporary wooden boatbuilding skills while developing the individual as a craftsman.
For information or an opportunity to help support the project, please contact Betsy Davis, Executive Director, at 206-390-0381 or [email protected].