YOUR FAMILY CAN BUILD THIS WONDERFUL SAILBOAT IN THREE DAYS!
Photo by Karl Schoppe
Family boatbuilding is grounded in the belief that a family will bond and grow together by completing a grand project together. In the past twelve years we have helped sixty families get on the water together and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Participating families will experience the joy and pride of watching a pile of lumber grow into a beautiful and useful boat through their own efforts. In the process they will grow as a family while they:
- develop woodworking and teamwork skills
- learn about our marine heritage and the natural resources of our coastal and estuarine environment
- learn safe on-the-water practices
In the spring of 2013 we are planning to build the Oyster River Cat, a 12' sailboat, at an estimated cost of $1,200 for everything needed but paint, oars, and life jackets. A professionally made sail is included. The marine plywood hull has a 5' beam that easily carries two adults or even three in light wind. She is equally adept as a row boat for calm days at the lake.
A day of sailing instruction in June at Mendums Pond in Barrington, N.H. is included in the price of the program. The instructors of the UNH Community Sailing Program will provide a morning of on-shore rigging, safety, and basic theory, followed by an afternoon of on-the-water practice in your new boat.
Building will take place on May 17, 18, and 19 at the UNH Kingman Farm in Madbury, N.H. Each family must include at least one child age 12 or older. There is a mandatory introductory session Thursday evening, May 16. Extended families or single parents are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by April 15, 2013. If you would like more information or want to be considered as a participant, please call Mark Wiley at the Marine Docent office, 603.862.6702, (mark.wiley@unh.edu) or call the program director Ray Belles, 603.868.7180, (ORFARM@comcast.net)