Woolwich Central School and Maine Maritime Museum of Bath celebrated their ninth annual Discovery Boat Launching Thursday morning, June 15 at Nequasset Park.

The weather was summer-like when students and staff gathered at the launching that included a welcoming address from WCS Principal Jason Libby who introduced Amy Lent, MMM executive director. This year’s program was funded by the Shelter Institute, MMM and the town of Woolwich. It’s made possible, too, thanks to the efforts of volunteers including Steve Caulfield, Nick Locsin, Kelly Watt, Rick Marco, Rick Cliffe, Richard Spear, George Sprague and Charlie Durfee.

Kurt Spiridakis, MMM boatshop manager, congratulated students on their craftsmanship. “There’s barely a screw or an inch of paint on these two boats that the students aren’t responsible for,” he said.

The large crowd included Woolwich Select Board member Allison Hepler, who called it a great program that’s enjoyed wide support from the townspeople. “On a personal level, I've married into two wooden boatbuilding families and anything that perpetuates the tradition and skills of wooden boatbuilding warms my heart,” Helper said in an interview.

Hepler teaches at the University of Maine at Farmington. She said about the Discovery Boat work, “From an educator's perspective, this is a great way for students to learn physics, math, and history on a practical level. I've been there and watched them puzzle over and then solve angles and curves. Nothing on a boat is level or plumb.”

No bottles of champagne were broken over the bows, but a small cannon was fired as the first boat hit the water.

The program began in 1995 and offers supervised boatbuilding using traditional methods for students in grades five through eight. They spend one day a week at the boatshop. The curriculum is tailored to develop each student’s personal growth encouraging teamwork, leadership, responsibility and problem-solving. At the outset, students are taught the importance of developing safe work habits. Visitors are welcome to drop in at the boatshop on Wednesdays or Fridays during the school year to see the students at work.  

MMM offers a similar program for students of West Bath School and South Bristol School. Woolwich’s ceremony has become one of the rites of springtime and usually comes at the close of the school year.

To arrange a visit, call 443-1316. To learn more, visit http://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org.