Atlantic Challenge Foundation

APPRENTICE Program: At The Apprenticeshop, we learn by doing and we believe that all people are capable of building and sailing boats. By navigating challenges within a supportive community, we come to understand what we are capable of, and to build resilience, self-confidence and resourcefulness in the process. Our apprentice program is anchored in hands-on, experiential education with the boat as the curriculum. During the season, seamanship is practiced weekly with two week-long expeditions a year. Apprenticeships last either 12 weeks, 9 months, or 2 years. We also offer short workshops for adults in boatbuilding related skills on evenings and weekends.

Jr. Apprenticeship: For local youth in middle and high school, we partner with school districts in the region to offer a Junior Apprenticeship. Students come to The Apprenticeshop during and after school to learn both traditional boatbuilding and seamanship. The centerpiece of the Jr. Apprenticeship is the construction of a traditional Portuguese sailing sardine carrier or Canoa da Picada. While Jr. Apprentices will practice a variety of skills, from shop safety, basic tool use and woodworking to knot tying and rowing, all of the students will contribute to some part of the construction of this large, multi-year project. As with all of our programs, the Jr. Apprenticeship requires collaboration and pushes young people to see what they are capable of, while building resilience, self-confidence, and resourcefulness in the process.

Sailing youth and adult: From March through October we provide access to the water and our maritime heritage through sailing programs for ages 6 and up. Our programs include: a)Fall and spring High School Sailing; b)Fall Middle School Sailing; c)Youth Summer Sailing Camp, and d)Adult Sailing courses. No previous experience is required and all participants are given the opportunity to develop resilience, self-confidence and resourcefulness while building seamanship skills in a fun and supportive environment. With support from organizations and individuals, we strive to make all our programs accessible regardless of ability to pay.