The CBMM Shipwright Apprentices

James Boicourt, Trappe, Maryland

Tony Blake, Dundalk, Maryland

Cliff Mumford, Milford, Delaware

The Chesapeake Bay shoreline was once home to scores of small boatyards where hundreds of wooden vessels have been built and maintained. Although some of these yards were primitive in many respects, skilled boatwrights not only created the watercraft to support the commercial growth of the Chesapeake, but they also passed along skills that had been refined over hundreds of years. Unfortunately, most of these yards have vanished, and along with them, the skills and techniques of the builders.

Books have been written about Chesapeake Bay wooden boat construction, but like any craft, years of actual practice are required to become proficient. Similar to apprenticeships in other fields, the participants are working shoulder to shoulder with a master builder of Bay craft. Being located at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum gives apprentices the opportunity to work on a wide variety of Chesapeake Bay indigenous watercraft.

Requirements, Compensation & Application - Successful completion of an accredited boat building school is preferred, but applicants with related experience will be considered. Though not required, it is strongly suggested that applicants visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum campus. Apprentices will receive a weekly stipend of $200.00, scheduled holidays and housing.

Please click the link to open a printable Adobe Acrobat version of the application: Shipwright Apprentice Program Application. Mail or fax your completed application to Boat Yard Manager Richard Scofield at the address below.

Richard Scofield
Boat Yard Manager
PO Box 636
St. Michaels, MD 21663-0636
Phone: 410-745-2916 ext. 136
Fax: 410-745-6088

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