Build Your Own Skipjack Sailing Model
Construct a 58″ radio-controlled model of a Chesapeake Bay classic.
- Alan Suydam —AUGUST 12–18
Tuition: $750
Materials: $210
Note: This is a six-day course ending on Saturday afternoon. While no previous boatbuilding experience is necessary, an understanding of hand tools and woodworking is required.
Over the years, the skipjack has been the workhorse of the Chesapeake Bay oyster trade, and in its heyday hundreds were built, sailed, and worked hard. Today, few working examples remain, with most boats serving as excursion boats or on display in museums. In 1980, James Leroy “Pepper” Langley, a member of the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland, designed a radio-controlled model to honor the heritage of the skipjack. Soon after, several fleets of this design were formed throughout the Chesapeake Bay area and continue to be sailed competitively today.
Alan Suydam, the current Commodore of the Solomon’s Island Model Boat Club, has been actively building and racing model skipjacks since 2004. In this new course at WoodenBoat School, Alan’s students will have the opportunity to gain insights about the skipjack and its unique history, and work with the original “Pepper” Langley blueprints in constructing their very own 58″ sailing model.
Working with a building board provided by the instructor, students will cut out the frames and transom and mount them on the board. Chines and sheerstrakes will be added, followed by planks fastened to the topsides and bottom. The forward bottom section will be carved to simulate a cross-planked bow. Once the boat is removed from the building board, students will begin working on deck frames and servo mounts. Materials will also be supplied for the ballast keel, rudder, and spars.
Come join Alan for an informative and thoroughly enjoyable week in our boatbuilding shop building a model you will be proud to own and sail for years to come.
Alan Suydam is extremely knowledgeable on all facets of model building and sailing. Very patient with his students and very clear and thorough with his explanations. A great course! 