Charlevoix Courier - Business - Local craftsman, organization hopes to launch interest in wooden boat building

Local craftsman, organization hopes to launch interest in wooden boat building

Grant Oliver stands aboard the “Wee Mac,” a wooden sailing vessel he is currently restoring and hopes to have on display during the upcoming Venetian Festival. (Tina Sundelius/Charlevoix Courier)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 11:50 AM EDT

Tina Sundelius
Special to the Courier

A project intended to engage volunteer help from local youth and educate onlookers about Charlevoix’s maritime heritage has brought Northwest Academy graduate Grant Oliver back to Charlevoix

Oliver who recently completed a program Great Lakes Boat Building School will soon begin construction of a 15-foot sailing vessel east of Michigan beach.

Oliver was awarded a scholarship to the school by Sea Ports Great Lakes, a local organization dedicated to the preservation of Northern Michigan’s maritime history, based on his unique interest in boat building.

At the school, Oliver enhanced his knowledge of basic wood working, spending the six weeks working only with hand tools.

By the end of his tenure at Great Lakes he had constructed skiffs, rowboats, a powerboat and sailboats.

“The school didn’t rush onto the next project until you had mastered each skill.” Oliver said.

“Wooden boat building is a dying thing and it’s such an intricate part of Charlevoix’s history.”

Oliver is presently resurfacing and applying cosmetic updates to the “Wee Mac,” a gaff rigged sloop owned by Sea Ports Great Lakes.

Richard Hodgson, a board member at Northwest Academy, has donated space in a warehouse on Bells Bay Road so Grant could begin work on the “Wee Mac.”

Oliver’s Goal is to get the Wee Mac in the water by the Venetian festival where it will be on display in Round Lake Harbor and will also be available for people to enjoy the experience of sailing in a unique wooden vessel.

Sea Ports Great Lakes has also secured Oliver’s help on a project that they hope will create an educational attraction.

The organization is leasing property located south of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment fisheries building and near Michigan Beach where Oliver will publicly construct a 15-foot sailing vessel with the help of local volunteer youth.

“The project will be all handmade, no power tools involved.” Oliver said.

The skeleton of the Atkin Launch sailing vessel was given to Oliver by John Bailey, a retired school administrator, “Because Oliver has become so dedicated to his craft and interest.” Northwest Academy Director of Development Gary Stutzman said.

“It’s so neat to see it all coming to a head with Grant being available to use the skills he’s learned,” Stutzman said.

“It’s a great project, I hope it will draw the attention of the youth in the area and I hope it gets them interested in wooden boat building and Charlevoix history.” Oliver said.

via charlevoixcourier.com

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