Teaching ‘Traditional Values’

In an era when many California schools have eliminated practical, hands-on ‘shop’ courses, the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association has been quietly offering boatbuilding courses to disadvantaged youth for the past five years, that teach marketable skills, build self-esteem, and sometimes give participants a whole new direction in life. 

Last week the tangible result of the Association’s current Boat Building Program was launched at San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, adjacent to the nonprofit’s facility at Hyde Street Pier. The carefully crafted, John Atkin-designed skiff is a thing of beauty from stem to stern, which every young apprentice can be proud of. Named Edna, she will be put into service aboard the 82-ft sail training schooner Seaward.

During each eight-week training session, students from diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds become totally immersed in the boatbuilding process, experiencing every step, from measuring and cutting the structural hull elements to assembly, painting and varnishing. According to the program’s director, Seth Muir, those who complete their stint with him graduate high school at a higher rate than their peers, and some program graduates have been inspired to attend Cal Maritime in pursuit of professional maritime careers. To learn more about the Maritime National Park and this program, check out the website, or contact Seth by email. And if you’d like to own one of these hand-built skiffs, were certain that Seth will be happy to take your order.