Our new program in partnership with the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center. All About Boats is a for credit 2-week summer school program.

Along with basic boating and boat handling skills such as rowing, sailing, charting and knot tying, students are given leadership, teamwork, self-evaluation and feedback tools to help them be better community members.

Monday Students are introduced to the longdory and, basic rowing and sailing maneuvers.

Students list what they think are qualities of a good leader

“I got to steer the Longdory between two boats on my first day. Scary but awesome!” – Ryan

“The ‘All About Boats’ summer school program has brought together people of multiple skill levels, from those of us who have been with the longdories for years to those for whom this is their first marine experience. The experienced come together to help those who are new to the boating scene under the benevolent guidance of our two wonderful captains.” – Ælf

Student list of good team member quialities

“We learned both rowing and sailing today. They seem so different yet are easy and fun to learn.” – Roo

“As a team we conquer our maritime challenges together, having fun along the way.” – Emily

“We learned how to set up/take down the sails, as well as how to control the sails”

“As someone who does not go sailing or rowing very often it was very exciting to see how people work as individuals while sailing or how people work in unity while rowing. So far this has been an incredible experience.”

“Learning maritime skills and team building with a group of new friends.”

Points if sail and current eddies in a narrow channel

Tuesday We learn knots, play in strong current and learn how to cheat our way upstream, and learn how to maneuver the longdory under sail without using the tiller.

“We’ve been learning tricks for rowing upstream” – Roo

Erik Wennstrom of Salish Rescue helps our students practice for a crew overboard scenario

Wednesday Exploration, different uses of oars, learning to get real live person back in the boat, and the start of voyage planing.

“Today we ran a Crew Overboard Drill with a real person, during which I learned a great deal. These water safety skills are something I think I will use in the future.” – Noah

“As a team, we dip our oars in the salty mud below. Moving our boat through the iridescent green water, using our new skill of pointing oars.” – Emily

“On Wednesday of our adventure we tried many new things, like pointing oars and learning how to use a chart. When I personally was able to leave my comfort zone, that was when I had the most fun”. – Roo

“Today I learned new knots and hitches”

“Today I got to be the bow-watchman, which is basically telling the person on the tiller what is up ahead. It was great!” – Ryan

“With oars a drumbeat in their ports we took soundings around Skunk Island, familiarizing our selves with the sea scape. Then, we approached the lagoon, sneaking in, beat reduced to 2, pause, 3, pause… We navigated the channel and resumed making way along the green of the far shore. I search of the truth behind the rumored location of the Fountain of Youth. We found the fount, near the end, bubbling up from where… no one knows”. – Ælf

“One thing I really liked about today was learning to point oars”

Voyage planning

Thursday Students wrap up two possible float plans. We prep and pack for our Voyage. Practical charting exercises.

“Today I learned to navigate my way through any waters, using charts and simple tools. It feels good to have a better understanding of how people have been finding their way through the seas for hundreds of years.” – Emily

“More than just boating skills, the Community Boat Project program teaches skills to interact with and lead a group. I think this is some of the most valuable teaching that goes on anywhere.” – Noah

Meal planning

“I had a great time learning about what goes into navigation.” “Today the instructors let us students plan our voyage and it was very fun.” – Ryan

“We navigated the breadth of chart 18464 for a variety of scenarios, from Latitude and Longitude to Distance and bearings and for a final challenge, triangulation at night.” – Ælf

“On Thursday we focused on next week’s voyage preparations. After a couple hours of prepping and packing we were given the task to practice navigation.”

“I really had fun learning how to use a chart and navigate with one.”

Friday Students study and test for their WA State Boater’s Card. More sailing practice along with some reefing.

“Today we have our second guest speaker. Can’t wait!” – Roo

“It never occurred to me that I would be testing for my WA boater’s card by age sixteen.  Today, that was made possible by this great class.” – Ryan

“Friday, the day that marked the end of our day-sailing week, we studied for the Boaters Education Card, which allows us to handle boats greater than 15 horse power.  Such a card may very well be the ticket into a future position in the marine environment”. – Ælf

“Today our group watched the video and took the test in order to receive our boater’s card. Among many useful pieces of boating knowledge, I learned that there are PFDs  specifically designed so that you still get a perfect summer tan, while staying safe around the water. How ironic!!!” – Emily

“For our final day with the daily voyaging classes my group and I got to take a test that gives us a chance to get our boaters card. We where also able to go on the water for a portion of time one last little trip before our weekend.” – Alex

“On Friday I learned about the rules of the road for water and who has the right of way in different scenarios.” – Ethan

“This class is very eduicational but really fun. I’m glad I decided to
come. Can’t wait for the trip that starts tomorrow!” -Roo

Next week we embark on a 5 day Voyage circumnavigating Marrowstone and Indian Islands!