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the Hudson River sloop Clearwater and the current restoration
of the Beacon Sloop Club’sWoody Guthrie are just two examples
of the caliber of vessels entrusted to the shipwrights of HRMM’s
boat shop.
Jim Kricker, shipwright and director of the Boat School and
Shop, notes that this team has a “true passion for the long-held
tradition of boatbuilding and masterful restoration. There’s
something about the rhythm of working with one’s hands –
even when guiding power tools in the shop – the mind directs
the action but the soul guides the creativity.”
Another key component of these accomplishments is
perseverance. Museum board members like Jack Weeks, who
took on this massive project after his retirement from the
medical profession remarks, “The museum wanted to ensure
that this Riverport Wooden Boat School would be a real
investment in the local economy by impacting tourism dollars
as well as having a positive focus on education and learning. I
believe that we did our homework before opening the school
yet we feel comfortable making modifications both to our
facility and curriculum as needed.”
Jim Kricker and Wayne Ford work inside the “Clearwater ’s”
midship during its massive 2015/2016 rebuild and restoration at
the Hudson River Maritime Museum
Photo courtesy: Jim Kricker, Hudson River Maritime
The museum, home port and boat school also maintain a
symbiotic partnership with its burgeoning local community,
working with other small businesses and not-for-profits
to continue attracting locals and visitors from around the
world, many who want to learn about Kingston, Hudson
River history and its traditional industries.
Executive Director Lisa Cline adds, “The constant ebb
and flow of activity in the Boat School is contagious,
with offerings ranging from “Introduction to Drawing”,
“Old World Carving”, and “Building a Sassafras Canoe” for
adults.
Our education team along with volunteers and staff has
done a marvelous job crafting the direction of the school.
We have worked closely with the local Ulster County
BOCES and their Transitional Occupation Program or TOP”
which meets three mornings a week.
This spring the museum started its Riverport YouthBoat
after-school program for local teens, many of whom
are from the neighborhood. YouthBoat provides high
school students from diverse backgrounds to be part of
an alternative education program designed to empower
youth, build character and foster aspects of teamwork
through the traditional craft of boatbuilding and on-the-
water activities.
These students, who went through an application
and interview process with our education department,
are putting STEM skills to work as they follow building
plans, use specialized tools and materials, and solve
building problems. Shop, water and boating safety are
emphasized.
Ultimately, these students will build full-sized
traditional rowing and sailing boats that will be added
to the museum’s growing fleet of small craft. Riverport
YouthBoat students will then use these vessels as they
learn to navigate the waters of the Rondout Creek
and Hudson River. They are continuing the tradition
of wooden boatbuilding and water skills while also
developing a keen sense of self-confidence and practical
skills for life.
First Annual Hudson River Boatbuilding
Challenge @ Hudson River Day
Another related activity has been added to the
museum’s ever-expanding roster – the 1st Annual
Hudson River Boatbuilding Challenge will be the featured
attraction at the museum’s annual “Hudson River Day”
which encourages everyone to Get Out on the River!
Saturday, June 24 is the date for this free, family-friendly
event which is the museum’s way of saying thank you to
our community for their support.
From 11:00 am until 5:30 pm, there will be fever-pitched
activity under the big tents directly across the street from
the museum. Ten two-person teams will compete to
build the best 12’ Caroline bateau within four hours. Afterwards
they must successfully row their boat in a rowing regatta against
the other competitors.
The Kingston event is marked as a qualifying event for the fastest
boatbuilder in the world. Award-winning teams of builders