Silva Bay Shipyard School

[Chantry]

I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with the Silva Bay Shipyard School on Gabriola Island in BC?

I'd love to go to one of the boatbuilding schools when I am done my cabinetmaking apprenticeship next year, and being Canadian, this one would be a lot more convenient; however, it doesn't have the same kind of profile as the NWSWB, the Landing School, or the WoodenBoat school.

I'd appreciate any feedback someone would care to offer.

Thanks,
Matt Chantry

[JimM]

Use the search feature on the forum and search for Alex Low. You can use the email feature his profile to contact him. Alex has been training at the Silva Bay Shipyard School and should be able to give you the information you seek.

[Chantry]

Jim,

Thanks for the lead. I'm hoping to talk to someone who was a student. I will look up Alex as well though.

Matt

[TR]

Alex's photo journal is here http://www.dc004.com/oct.html

Another former student occasionally posts on this site as Barry.

Also talk with former students Richard Lyons and Quill Goldman at Bare Foot Wooden Boats http://www.barefootwoodenboats.com/

Former student Rick Corless posts here as Red urchin, see his site on building a 15' Gartside http://www.rickcorless.com/building_a_15ft_gartside_sailing.htm

I am a member of the Board of Directors of the Shipyard School and thus somewhat biased, but I'll be happy to answer any questions and give you my opinion.

Major differences between the SBSS and the Northwest, Landing, or WoodenBoat School programs, as I see it are size and focus. The Shipyard School, with a maximum of 16 students at any time is much smaller than those other programs. This means it's a more personal program, you will work more closely with your instructor and have him looking over your shoulder more often.

The focus of the Silva Bay Boatbuilding program is the complete construction of one small traditional boat by a small (ideally 3 students) team. This starts with a scale drawing of the lines, from which a half-model is made, then you move to the full size lofting, and from there make all the parts, assemble the boat, finish and rig it and go sailing.

My impression of the other programs is that you work at a number of jobs on various boats, large and small. I'm not saying what we do is better in some way, it's just a different approach.

Of course the main difference is that the Silva Bay Shipyard School is in Canada. :D

All the best, Tad

[rbgarr]

"Major differences between the SBSS and the Northwest, Landing, or WoodenBoat School programs, as I see it are size and focus. The Shipyard School, with a maximum of 16 students at any time is much smaller than those other programs. This means it's a more personal program, you will work more closely with your instructor and have him looking over your shoulder more often."

Not entirely true: The Landing School's two boat building programs (Small Boats and Cruising Boat) enrollments are fifteen and twelve respectively.

[Chantry]

Tad,

That is a lot of good information, thank-you.

Going to a Canadian school would make things incredibly easier - no visa, easier financing, fewer LLLP eligibility issues, etc. Frankly, my main concern is, I guess, legitimacy. How is it regarded throughout North America, especially as compared to other schools.

I am also particularly interested in the Ship's Cabinetry course. I think this would be a good continuation of my current career path.

Thank-you for your time with this. As I think of new questions, I will be sure to contact you.

Matt

[TR]

Hi Matt,

I see I wrote program when I should have written school. The other schools you mention all operate a number of programs simultaneously. We usually run one program at a time, though this week we are running a strip kayak building course alongside the Ship's Cabinetry course. The effect of a single course being a much smaller overall student body at any time.

The standing of our school in the industry is a complex question. After ten years and roughly 150 graduates the school is certainly well known in Western Canada, somewhat known in Eastern Canada, and at least "heard of" in the USA. The Shipyard Raid is increasing awareness of the school and our programs throughout the USA and Western Europe, helped by various articles including one in the current Classic Boat.

We have standing requests from local building and repair yards for applications from any student looking for work. My belief is that any student who seriously pursues it will find many opportunities. But with many students attending without serious career intent, it's very difficult to judge this.

I believe our Ship's Cabinetry course is unique in the world. The focus is on designing and building fine joinery that would be used aboard any yacht. Graduates from this course go on to working in large yards doing interior joinery, or high-end cabinet and furniture work. If this course is combined with the Boatbuilding program a student can go out and build anything of wood. We have graduates doing movie sets, timber frame houses, wooden boat repair, and many in the construction industry where the money is very good right now.

I would highly recommend a visit to the school this summer while the Ship's Cabinetry course is on to get a real feel for the place and our staff.

All the best, Tad