The North Carolina Coastal & Piedmont Chapter of ACBS is fortunate to have a chapter member, John Olsen, who is an instructor in the boatbuilding program at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) in Wilmington, one of six boatbuilding schools supported by ACBS scholarships*. In addition to ACBS International support, the North Carolina Coastal & Piedmont Chapter also supports CFCC with a $1,000 needs-based scholarship. 

CFCC has two one-year diploma programs. The Boat Manufacture and Service Program prepares students for employment in industries using modern fiberglass boat construction and includes the disciplines of plumbing, electrical, and engine systems. The Wooden Boatbuilding Program focuses on traditional woodworking skills and precise wood joinery. Students who successfully complete both programs are basically qualified to work in any boating industry business.

Since January’s typical temperatures are not conducive to outdoor activities, the North Carolina Coastal & Piedmont Chapter generally hosts an indoor workshop this time of year. Olsen convinced CFCC to allow him to conduct a chapter workshop and facility tour. We met on Saturday, January 11, 2025, a bitterly cold and very windy day. Some areas of North Carolina were experiencing a wintery mix, so some members elected to forego driving. But, 20 attended the workshop, including, for the first time, two adults and two teens from Sea Scout Ship 244, The Dawn Treader in Cary. Attendees also inclided the teenage son of one of the Chapter’s newest members, and the mother of another member who is a skilled craftsperson in her own right. 

The group spent the first part of the workshop in a classroom, with John reviewing the basics of electrical wiring and safety. The topics ranged from beginner to advanced, so there was something for everyone. After this session, the group ate a chapter-provided lunch while watching a boatbuilding video produced at CFCC. There was a lot of interaction and discussion of boat projects and plans—as the organizers had hoped. This is how Chapter members get to know each other and these relationships encourage members to attend additional events.

After lunch, the group toured CFCC, including the library, which houses a collection of boatbuilding and related books for use by faculty and students. John is always looking for books to add to this collection and invited chapter members to borrow from it as well. Next, they visited a classroom where the students in the boatbuilding program learn to loft—to take a set of boat plans and draw them out full-size on a large flat surface. CFCC has been gifted many plans from prospective builders who never finished their projects. John invited interested persons to contact him if they were looking for a set of plans.

From there, the group went to the workshop where students learn hands-on skills using woodworking equipment. The last stop was another workshop where students learn modern boatbuilding techniques needed in the fiberglass boat building industry. John demonstrated vacuum bagging lamination and spray painting. Then the three teens got to use the sprayer and one helped with the vacuum bagging lamination demonstration. 

Compliments flowed freely, and everyone agreed the day was perfect from start to finish. One new member said he can’t wait for the next chapter event, and another said it was the best workshop he has attended. High praise indeed!

 

  • ACBS International supports six boatbuilding and restoration schools in North America through an ACBS Scholarship Endowment Fund. These donations are made possible each year through the generosity of ACBS members. For more information visit acbs.org and click the tab Education and Scholarships under the About tab.
    • Cape Fear Community College
    • IYRS
    • Great Lakes Boatbuildng School
    • Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
    • Seattle Colleges Foundation
    • The Landing School

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