SIGN UP BY MAY 1

Build a 12-foot Oyster River Cat in a single family weekend. No kidding! The UNH Marine Docents are holding their annual build-a-boat-in-a-weekend workshop May 13-15 at Kingman Farm in Madbury. Each family must include at least one child age 12 or older. Applications are due May 1. Price includes everything you need to build your boat and go sailing. (Full details and link below)

Family boatbuilding is grounded in the belief that a family will bond and grow together by completing a grand project together. In the past nine years we have helped sixty families get on the water together and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Participating families will experience the joy and pride of watching a pile of lumber grow into a beautiful and useful boat through their own efforts. In the process they will grow as a family while they:

• develop woodworking and teamwork skills;
• learn about our marine heritage and the natural resources of our coastal and estuarine environment;
• learn safe on-the-water practices.

READ MORE AND REGISTER HERE

In the spring of 2011 we are planning to build the Oyster River Cat, a 12’ sailboat, at an estimated cost of $975 for everything needed but paint, oars, and life jackets. A professionally made sail is included. The marine plywood hull has a 5’ beam that easily carries two adults or even three in light wind. She is equally adept as a row boat for calm days at the lake.

New this year is a day of sailing instruction on June 4 at Mendums Pond in Barrington, NH. The instructors of the UNH Community Sailing Program will provide a morning of on-shore rigging, safety, and basic theory, followed by an afternoon of on-the-water practice in your new boat. There is no added cost for this day.

Building will take place on May 13, 14, and 15 at the UNH Kingman Farm in Madbury, NH. Each family must include at least one child age 12 or older. There is a mandatory introductory session Thursday evening, May 12. Extended families or single parents are encouraged to apply. If you would like more information or want to be considered as a participant, please call  Mark Wiley at the Marine Docent office, (603) 749-1565 or call the program director Ray Belles, (603) 868-7180.