Family Boat Building
Lewes was a shipbuilding town, where hundreds of vessels were built. Join The Lewes Historical Society as we rekindle this art in Lewes as part of our Family Boatbuilding Weekend over Fathers’ Day Weekend. Come support our participating groups and families as they build wooden boats called “Bevin Skiffs” June 14-16 in front of the Lewes Life-Saving Station! On Saturday, June 15 from 10:00am-4:00pm, come to The Lewes Lifesaving Station to view more than 16 wooden boats made by wood boat enthusiasts. After construction, the groups will launch their new handmade Bevin Skiffs at Lewes Canalfront Park on Sunday around 1:00pm. Come cheer them on!
Participate in Family Boat Building Weekend:
Although the Wooden Boat Program Volunteer Crew celebrates this program year-round, the main event will take place over Father's Day Weekend when the art of boat building is rekindled in Lewes as part of our 4th Annual Family Boat Building Weekend. From Friday, June 14 through Sunday, June 16, 2013, families will be invited to try out their own boat building skills.
Participating groups may have between 2 and 6 members. All groups will be provided with the wood, hardware and oars needed. On Sunday, we’ll use the old Lewes Boat Ramp in the Canalfront Park to launch your boat! The fee for this program includes materials, lunch on Saturday and Sunday and a program t-shirt.
Don’t have boat building or advanced carpentry skills? Not a problem; our team of dedicated volunteers will help show you the ropes and direct you. At the end of the weekend you’ll have a beautiful 12-foot Bevin Skiff to take home with you in addition to the memories of time well spent with family and friends.
For a Family Boat Building Weekend application, click here or call 302-645-7670.
The Lewes Historical Society would like to thank the following 2012 sponsors: The Lewes Yacht Club Foundation, The Pilots Association for the River & Bay Delaware, The Issel Family, Delaware Realty, West Marine, Touch of Italy, Mr. P’s Pizza and Herring Creek Builders and. Additional thanks for tenting to the University of Delaware and to all the wonderful volunteers that are a part of the Boat Building Crew.
Be an event or group sponsor:
Your sponsorship will underwrite the costs associated with this program and may enable a disadvantaged group to participate. A limited number of scholarships may be available to groups that qualify- contact the Society at 302-645-7670.
Small Wood Boat Show:
For the second year, The Lewes Historical Society invites interested parties who have constructed their own small wooden boats (sailing, row, canoes, kayaks, etc) to display their work during the Family Boat Building Weekend. Show off your carpentry! We want to see your work! For no fee, you can exhibit your boat by calling 302-645-7670 to reserve your space. Limited spaces available.
The Volunteer Crew:
Want to join the Wooden Boat Volunteer Crew?
The Wooden Boat Volunteer Crew constructs a new boat to be raffled off annually. Proceeds benefit The Lewes Historical Society. The Volunteer Crew also prepares the materials necessary for the June Boat Build and assists groups and families on Boat Building Weekend with the assembly process.
Join the Fun! For more information about the boat raffle or to join the Wooden Boat Volunteer Crew, contact Al Klineburger at 302-644-2650 or awklineb@yahoo.com. To learn more about the Family Boat Building Weekend, please contact 302-645-7670.
