The Arques School

Learning the Fundamental Skills for Constructing Traditional Plank-on-Frame Wooden Boats. Photos below are of three of the easier models of traditional wooden boats that are being built at the Arques School.  The upper two are simple rowing skiffs that require basic woodworking skills. The one below is a bit more challenging to build. httmore>>

ABOVE:  WE ARE CURRENTLY ADDING MORE LOCALLY HARVESTED DOUGLAS FIR PLANKING TO THE TUGBOAT 'DONLON ARQUES', A 31FT TUGBOAT DESIGNED AND NAMED IN HIS HONOR This class is for woodworkers with some plank-on-frame boatbuilding experience who want to broaden their knowledge and skill. This is an ongoing class, held twice a month on Saturday from more>>

  Learn how to use the sextant with a straightforward explanation of the calculations needed for locating one's position at sea.   We are resuming our celestial navigation classes this June, 2025. The theoretical basis of celestial navigation will be taught whenever a minimum of four students can arrange to be in attendance at the Arquemore>>

  To get an idea of what happens in the Design Class, take a look at the photos of various boats on the pages of this website.  With the exception of Dolphin, all of the boats that you see in our shop were designed over the years in this class.  This is an ongoing class offering in-depth instruction in traditional sailboat and yacmore>>

  Requirements: All participants must have some sailing experience, and must have read and signed the liability release forms before going out on Arques School boats. Limited to 4 passengers, not includinng staff sailors.  Please email your request for a sail at arqueslegacy@gmail.com    The SF Bay Gillnetter was built by thmore>>