Workshops

In this one-day workshop you will be introduced to hull design techniques for a traditional wooden punt and learn how to read lines plans, tables of offsets and construction plans. With hands-on instruction, you use basic measuring tools to determine hull shapes for ½ scale and 1/12 scale models. Perfect for anyone planning to build a boat or those who are just curious about the process. Minimum of 4 participants to go ahead

Course fee: $100

This one-day workshop will introduce you to the process of planking. Through hands-on instruction you will learn how to measure, shape and install a plank on a traditional Newfoundland punt. Minimum 4 participants to go ahead

Cost: $100

Build your own set of 8ft oars using traditional tools and techniques in this two-day workshop. Learn about the importance of hand tools as you craft your oars from pre-laminated blanks using a handplane, spokeshave, chisel, rasp and handsaw. In addition to these traditional methods, we will also discuss modern techniques for lamination using marine epoxy. Some experience with woodworking is recommended. Minimum of 6 participants required to go ahead.

Cost: $350

See our Weekend Getaway offer for packaged options that include meals and accommodations.

Before radar and GPS, mariners used traditional methods for effective navigation. In this session, you will use simple tools and techniques to learn how to determine location, plot a course and measure speed. Minimum of 4 participants required to go ahead. 

Cost: $100.00

Participants will receive detailed instructions as they progress through each stage of building a 16’4″ Rodney originally designed and built by Marcus French of Winterton, Trinity Bay. Learn about traditional boat uses, designs and building techniques in Newfoundland and Labrador while actively constructing the backbone, placing moulds and battens, and shaping timbers and planks.

Check back soon for our 2022 schedule

Learn the skills and techniques required to build a 17′ Grand Banks Dory, based on traditional designs used in the Grand Banks Fishery. Participants will receive detailed instruction as they build a complete dory, progressing through each stage from the laying out the bottom, to installing frames, planks and finishing details. Minimum of 4 participants required to go ahead.

Cost: $800

Our Junior Builders program teaches kids practical skills while sparking a curiosity about local heritage. Participants work together to assemble a full-size dory and enact a traditional boat launch, followed by demonstrations on buoyancy and stability. Each participant assembles their own model sailboat and we end the afternoon testing them out in the nearby brook. Be sure to bring rubber boots!

Children will learn:
– types of boats in Newfoundland and their uses
– differences between a flat and round bottom boat
– modern and traditional names for parts of the boat
– compass directions
– how a boat floats
– traditional tool use, including hand drill, hand plane, and caulking iron and mallet
– traditional skills such as net knitting and caulking with oakum
– nautical folklore about boat launching, superstitions and weather

All participants take home heir model boats and receive a Junior Boat Builder Certificate at the end of the day.

Safety: The workshop begins with a small talk regarding safety and the importance of being careful when working with tools. Children are provided with safety goggles for the workshop and Museum staff are present to ensure continued safety throughout.

Register your Junior Builder by filling out our registration form.

Why just observe when you can create? In our five-day workshop you will learn to build a traditional wooden dory through hands-on training and personalized instruction from our resident boat builder and master storyteller. Spend five nights at a local bed and breakfast (Mallamoore House or SeaGlass B&B) and let the ocean sing you to sleep after an enriching day in our seaside boat shed. This package includes workshop registration, five (5) nights accommodation, daily breakfast and boxed lunches for one person. Add accommodations and breakfast for a second person for $25/night.

Begin your two-night weekend getaway at a local bed and breakfast (Mallamoore House or SeaGlass B&B) and let the ocean sing you to sleep as you breathe the crisp clean summer air. On Saturday and Sunday, join our resident boat builder in the Boat Shed in Winterton to craft your own set of 8ft oars using traditional tools and techniques. Package includes workshop registration, 2 nights accommodation, breakfast and bagged lunch.

NOTE: Double Occupancy/One Workshop includes accommodations and breakfasts for two people and Oar Making Workshop/bagged lunches for one person. To register two people for the workshop, please select Double Occupancy/Two Workshops.

Looking for something unique? Give them something different for that next special occasion. 

Offered in partnership with Memorial University Faculty of Education, this intensive 12-week workshop provides details instruction as you progress through each stage of building a 16’4″ rodney originally designed and built by Marcus French of Winterton, Trinity Bay. Join boat builder Jerome Canning twice a week to learn about traditional boat uses, designs and building techniques in Newfoundland and Labrador while actively constructing the backbone, placing moulds and battens, and shaping timbers and planks.