Great Lakes Boat Building School, Cedarville, MI

As I explored the Les Cheneaux Islands, I came across the Great Lakes Boat Building School in Cedarville, MI.

Where you can learn to build wooden boats!

The mission statement for the school is:

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The Great Lakes Boat Building School teaches and inspires students in the art and craft of traditional and contemporary wooden boat building, which prepares them for productive and rewarding careers in the marine trades.  We strive to contribute to the growth of each student as a person and as a craftsman to impart an appreciation of the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes and North America.

School administrator, John Mills, gave me a tour of the workshop.

John Mills shows me a boat under construction

Close-up of this year's boat

The first year of classes teaches traditional boat building techniques. The second year expands into composite boats, newer techniques, and yacht joinery.

Two finished projects

This year the school graduated eight from their first year program and four from the second year.

Tools, clamps, compressor

They also offer summer programs in the school in Cedarville, and also in Charlevoix and Traverse City. These workshops "...suit all ages and abilities."

GLBBS classroom

For more information, go to their link here: 
Great Lakes Boat Building School 

Les Cheneaux Row

 While exploring the Les Cheneaux Islands, I was invited to join the 

local rowing club for a morning row. 

Of course, I said yes!

Two wooden dories await rowers at the dock

 This club builds their boats from kits made by Chesapeake Light Craft

of Annapolis, MD.

Laurel handled the rudder, Jim and Janaan handled the first two oars...

...while Mike and I handled the other two (when I wasn't taking photos)

It was surprisingly invigorating to row as a team, to time my pull with everyone else on board.

LOVE the club's motto:  "Row it like you stole it!"

For more information about paddling these islands, go HERE.

And for a great place to stay while you explore the Les Cheneauxs, check out Dancing Waters B&B.

Les Cheneaux Islands: Land of Wooden Boats

The Les Cheneaux Islands 
("Cheneaux" is French for "channels") 
abound with protected waterways that have called to boaters for centuries.

Chris Craft wooden boat

There is a recent history here (in the last century), connected to the classic wooden boats like this Chris Craft model.

There are many shops in this area that build and/or restore wooden boats.

Classic interior

It's nice to see the classics still afloat.

So shiny, you can take a selfie in it!

The Annual Les Cheneaux Antique Wooden Boat Show is August 9, 2014.

This month I explored this area using four different types of boats and, of course, hiking.