Lead Boatbuilder

April 2011 - October 2014

The Center for Wooden Boats is a once-hidden gem on the shores of South Lake Union. Part boat museum, part community center - it is a place where people of all ages and abilities come together to enjoy the water, learn new skills and absorb a little bit of our region's rich maritime heritage.

I spent nearly four years at CWB as Lead Boatwright, during which time I worked on nearly every single one of 52 boats, 35'-10' in size, including seven Blanchard Junior Knockabouts, a hundred year old sailing Gillnetter, and countless rowboats of varying types and origins. These projects not only ensured a working fleet, but they also provided thousands of hours of hands-on learning for the rotating crew of over 100 volunteers and apprentices I supervised in the shop. My role at CWB encompassed boatbuilding and repair, naturally. But it also entailed a great deal of teaching, community engagement, and not surprisingly, tool repair and shop maintenance.