SEARSPORT — A group of high school students didn't let Wednesday's rain dampen their plans for the day, arriving at Searsport's town pier to check the seaworthiness of two shellback dinghies the group had created.

Seven students participated in the boat-building program, which acts as a real-world application of math and science skills. This year's program, which began in January, marks the fourth successful completion of the Searsport District High School program.

One community volunteer said he offered his time both because of a desire to help students, and because a master boat builder was on board. "I figured I could learn right along with them," he said.

This year marks the first where the program had access to an actual boat shop, courtesy of Hamilton Marine's Greg Hamilton, who allowed students to use an old loft where Hamilton Marine got its start.

Lead instructor Greg Rossel spoke briefly about the many intricacies involved in boat-building, and the different math and sciences used in their creation. "The whole process is always amazing," he said.

Rossel said students typically begin the journey without much knowledge of boats or boat-building and, "literally start with a pile of lumber."

Despite the challenge before them, Rossel said the students were "fully engaged" from the start, often asking to stay later to get more work done.

Rossel made sure to thank the many volunteers who assisted the students along the way, from Hamilton Marine to the sail-makers to Penobscot Marine Museum to the construction crew that transformed the loft into a functioning boat shop.

Rossel also offered praise to the many community members who volunteered to work with the students. "Volunteers are the ones who make it happen," he told the crowd.

The highest remarks were those reserved for the students themselves, who Rossel said showed incredible pride in their work.

Despite a constant drizzle, the mood remained buoyant as the students readied themselves to test their vessels, but not before "christening" the bows of each with champagne.

"This is our fourth year running, and every year we have this weather," said Searsport Dean of Students Ruth Fitzpatrick.

Though the weather kept the students from sailing, they all paddled around the dock, with varying degrees of success, as a crowd looked on.

"It's always a relief when they float," a member of the crowd murmured as the first of the two dinghies abandoned shore.

The boats will be sold, with the proceeds going toward next year's program, when a fresh batch of Searsport students will embark on their own boat-building saga. Until then, the pride of students and volunteers will remain.

"I'm so proud of them," Rossel said. "Whether they ever build another boat or not, it's a big accomplishment. It shows what can be done."

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com