The board of the Apprenticeshop in Rockland has appointed Isabella Ferracci as its new executive director. In her new capacity, Ferracci will work with the board and staff to continue the Apprenticeshop’s mission of inspiring personal growth through teaching traditional boatbuilding skills, as well as seamanship and sailing skills, to local and international youth and adults. 

Ferracci moves into the position as executive director from a position on the board of directors. She is a graduate of the school’s two-year boatbuilding program and started her own furniture design/build studio. Ferracci lives in the south end of Rockland and shares workshop space in Thomaston, at the midcolab. 

Other staff changes at the Apprenticeshop include the appointment of Terry Moore as Seamanship and Waterfront Director. Moore takes on the oversight of the Apprenticeshop fleet, yard, and dock in addition to his previous role as director of Seamanship. 

The board also announced that Molly Mulhern, of Camden, will take on the role of board chairwoman, with Jim Cuthbertson, of Thomaston, serving as vice chairman.

Apprenticeshop enrollment is full with 12 students in the two-year program and several more attending 12-week skiff building classes.

Several RSU 13 high school students will be graduating from the Apprenticeshop’s unique Fisherman’s Academy on May 31. In addition, the Apprenticeshop is offering a full 2018 schedule of sailing programs for adults and youth, in vessels ranging from optis to keel boats.

An evening lecture series and short workshops, including one on oar making during the first week of July, are also offered. The Apprenticeshop is also the host for several local high school sailing teams; -its Camden team recently won the state championship for the second year in a row.

In addition to the launch and graduation on May 31, the shop will be hosting a public launch of its flagship expedition vessel, a gaff-rigged Mackinaw boat, on July 20 at 5 p.m. 

The Apprenticeshop was founded in 1972 by Lance Lee. Over the years it has educated hundreds of students in boatbuilding and maritime skills through an experiential education model. Boats are built on commision as well as on spec. Many are currently available for sale. Visitors and interested neighbors are encouraged to drop by the shop at 655 Main Street in Rockland or visit http://apprenticeshop.org/.