On a boat? It's been done.
Being able to say you built a boat? Still cool.
All you need to do is become an apprentice at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, or take part in a 17-week boat building program (213 N. Talbot St. St. Michaels, Md., about 80 miles east of downtown D.C.).
The boat-building program is open to everyone over the age of 16 (or accompanied by an adult), through late May. If you can't take part in the entire 17-week process, you can also choose to sign up for those aspects of boat building that you want to learn.
Worth the Trip
And no, you won't be building a boat similar to the Queen Mary 2. There will be no blood, sweat and tears (none that we hope) with this construction. You'll be building a North Shore sailing skiff, "Miss B" model.
Classes are held every Saturday and Sunday until Memorial Day weekend. Individual classes are $35 for CBMM members or $45 for non-members.
The four-session Journeyman's Special ($125 members or $170 for non-members) begins Saturday, Jan. 7. The package includes any four days for one reduced price to include several different skills of your choice.
The boat yard also works hard to pass on maritime skills to new generations; as a result, they have a one-year apprentice program to graduates of boat building schools for on-the-job training.
For questions about the apprentice for a day program call the Museum (boatyard) at 410-745-2916
Since kids are probably too young to be put to work in the boat-building yard, the museum offers a special ChesAdventures Program, on select Saturdays through Feb. 25. They include two hours of hands-on activities and challenging games, arts and crafts, and storytelling.
Every adventure is Chesapeake-themed and designed for kids ages 4-9. Call 410-745-4941 to pre-register ($12 for members; $15 for non-members).
