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Testimonials say it best

A few more words from our students and alumni

"Our instructor was great, both enthusiastic and approachable. I learned so much and I love the new campus. Keep up the good work." -- Julie Helling, Bellingham WA

"It never occurred to me that by going back in time, metaphorically speaking, I would find my future. The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding opened doors that were previously imperceptible to me thereby opening a new and exciting future, not as a traditional boatbuilder but as a maritime writer. Yes, I learned the traditional boat building and woodworking skills and learned about wood and all the myriad parts and pieces of a traditional wooden boat. But there was more, oh so much more." -- Jerry Farnham, graduate

"I learned not only how to use tools, but how to care for them. Not only how to cut wood, but the inherent properties of different types of wood. And, how boats are made ... from the beginning." -- Stephanie Roche, Seattle WA

"Not familiar with the Pacific Northwest, my wife and I were unsure what to expect. We were more than pleased with the natural beauty of both the water and mountains and the variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Port Townsend has a diversity of cultural, musical and civic activities uncommon in a town of this size." -- Bill Brock, graduate

"Keep up the good work! I could not have been more pleased with the staff ... all pleasant and helpful!" -- Pete Hammer, Moses Lake, WA

"I love coming here! The people are always interesting and personable. I always learn something whether attending a class or not. All the facilities met my needs and I was very comfortable. I can't wait to come back!" -- Arthur Minnerly, Bow WA

"Ray Speck is very knowledgeable about all aspects of boatbuilding ... fun to be around ... the course material was well prepared." -- Ed Campbell, Salmon Arm B.C.

"I've never been in the northwest before. I found the people friendly ... the view gorgeous. I could not have asked for a better teacher and that I cannot emphasize more." -- Tom White, Jacksonville FL

"The workshop taught me the importance of precision in both planning and execution. With care even a beginner can achieve satisfying results." (Interior Woodworking) -- Rich Klingbiel, Friday Harbor WA

"The course was quite extensive with each day filled with hands-on learning. Nice quiet setting. I was able to anchor just off shore and stay on my boat during the 2 week class." (Herreshoff Pram) -- Eric Hopkins, Everett WA

"Having never built a boat before I was impressed with everything I was able to learn. Beautiful setting. Shop had plenty of space to work even with all the other workshops going on at the same time. It was a benefit to be able to talk with the other instructors and students during breaks and off time." -- Harvey Hamilton, Oakville WA

"Particularly appreciated the opportunity for hands-on doing caulking. It makes all the difference to do it yourself. Even a video doesn't let you get the feel of the tools, their weight, their action or reaction." -- Elaine Graham, Richmond BC, Canada

"Port Hadlock [Heritage Campus] can be a life changing experience if you let it." -- Annette Ericksen-Sumter, Poulsbo WA

"Dan’s tricks of the trade were very helpful, I found that it’s a lot of the little things that help to form the whole works." -- Ed Tierney, Port Hadlock WA

"I liked the hands-on experience and seeing how things work in a large boatshop." -- Chris Caleen, Tallahassee FL