Spaulding Marine Center

Help Us Upgrade Woodworking Equipment for the Next Generation of Marine Technicians

Boatworks 101 is a hands-on apprenticeship program launched by Spaulding Marine Center in 2021 to train the next generation of marine service professionals. We provide paid, intensive training to young adults—especially women and people of color—in woodworking, metalworking, fiberglassing, and marine systems, preparing them for skilled careers in a growing and essential industry.

This August, we welcome our 5th apprentice cohort—and we urgently need your help. Two essential machines in our woodshop no longer meet safety standards and must be replaced:

A miter saw used for making precise angled cuts in wood, critical for framing and cabinetry.

A jointer ensures perfectly flat, square edges—vital for strong, accurate joints in boatbuilding and repair.

Replacing these tools will cost $5,400 (including taxes and shipping), and we’re asking our community to help us raise the full amount.

Your donation will directly support the purchase of safe, professional-grade equipment that our apprentices depend on every day. Help us ensure a safe, inspiring workspace for the next wave of marine technicians.

Support young people. Support craftsmanship. Invest in the future of the marine trades.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Learn more about the Boatworks 101 Apprenticeship Program:

https://www.spauldingcenter.org/boatworks-101-apprenticeship

Freda’s story starts in 1885, when she was built in Belvedere, California for racing and recreation. As the oldest registered yacht on the west coast, Freda embodies tradition and elegance. In 1996 the Arques School of Wooden Boatbuilding undertook a 15-year rebuild of Freda, reconstructing the hull and restoring the vessel to near original shape. Freda was re-launched from the Spaulding Marine Center in 2014 and remains in the care of the center.

Over 10 years since there's been any extensive work done on this beautiful vessel, we've embarked on a project with our cohort of apprentices to attend to Freda's rig -- working under a traditional rigger to learn and care for the vessel.

A massive undertaking, our apprentices are excited to get to work, and we are reaching out to our community in order to support the refurbishment of this gorgeous racing boat.