WALTER ANSEL grew up in a boatbuilding and sailing family in Mystic, Connecticut. He has made his livelihood either on or around wooden boats for the last 30 years. Walt is currently the managing instructor at the International Yacht Restoration School in Newport, Rhode Island. Prior to that he worked for eight years at Mystic Seaport as a shipwright and project leader. While at Mystic, Walt worked on the Eastern-rigged dragger ROANN, the sandbagger ANNIE, the steamship SABINO, the schooner AMISTAD, a Beetle whaleboat, and Banks dories. During sailing season, Walt’s patient wife Carol ignores piles of boat books all over the house and an unattended lawn while he is off on his beloved Billy Atkin cutter WINDROSE. Walt and Carol have two kids in college with artistic leanings, following the family nonprofit heritage.