ABOUT THE SPAULDING WOODEN BOAT CENTER
The Spaulding Wooden Boat Center is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization located on the Sausalito waterfront. As part of our mission, the center maintains a number of programs for wooden boat professionals, youths and the public.
YACHT RESTORATION SCHOOL
The Spaulding Center includes the Arques School of Traditional Boatbuilding, which relocated from its location within the Arques Trust property to the historic Spaulding Boatworks in March of 2008. The Arques School was founded in 1996 by Bob Darr, who is currently the Program Director and Head Instructor. With a core apprenticeship program of just six students, it is a small school dedicated to developing craftsmen skilled in the art of building boats in the traditional plank on frame methods.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS & FORUMS
A primary goal of SWBC is to be a strong advocate and forum for community efforts to preserve the historic Sausalito waterfront. This will include presentations, meetings, workshops and other events in support of preservation and education about the significance of the Bay Area's maritime heritage.
HISTORIC YACHT RESTORATION
The Spaulding Center plans to conduct a restoration program of significant Bay Area wooden boats, starting with the 32 foot yacht Freda, the oldest active recreational sailing vessel on the West Coast.
WORKING TRADITIONAL BOATWORKS
SWBC is partly supported by the revenue from its historic working boatworks, which is in full operation, not only as a service to the yachting community and to help offset the center overhead, but in fulfillment of the Trust's direction to preserve it as an historic part of the Sausalito waterfront.
HISTORIC BOATYARD PRESERVATION
SWBC is dedicated to preserving the Spaulding Boatworks, a unique historic site and the oldest remaining operational boatyard on the Sausalito waterfront.
RESTORED FLEET AND SAILING PROGRAMS
SWBC plans to maintain a small fleet of restored wooden boats for special events, tours, on the water sailing activities and classes.
SCHOOL GROUP TOURS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
SWBC plans to host educational programs about the heritage and significance of the San Francisco Bay maritime industry, including the ideals, techniques, and tools associated with traditional boat building activities.
CONFERENCE AND OFFICE SPACE
The Spaulding Center plans to provide office space to the Master Mariner's Benevolent Foundation and meeting space for MMBF and other wooden boat advocacy groups.
