06/03/2026
“The Shearwater sport was my second build. My first was a Chesapeake 17, built during Covid in an unheated shed in my backyard in Vermont. Building that boat was a wonderfully rewarding experience, despite my minimal woodworking skills, although it took longer than I thought. I got great help from the staff at CLC and especially from information on the builders forum. I’m very happy with how it turned out, and I’ve used it extensively on lakes and rivers in Vermont and New Hampshire as well as the Bay of Fundy and Passamaquoddy Bay in Canada.
After a couple of years, I got the itch to build again, and this time I wanted a boat that would be a little shorter, a little lighter, and a little easier to maneuver. I also wanted an excuse to experience a class at the Wooden Boat School in Brooklyn, Maine. So the Shearwater Sport was built in a terrific class taught by the boat’s designer, Eric Schade. What a wonderful place, and what an excellent learning experience in a supportive community environment.
While I was up there, I admired the Annapolis Wherries that were under construction, but I wanted something a little more suited to rowing in open water and for overnight camping. So my current build project is an Expedition Wherry. I would have signed up to build it in a class up there, just because my previous experience there was so much fun, but that particular class isn’t offered. Once again, I’m building this one in a shed in Vermont. I can’t wait to get it on the water this summer!” - Dan N.
Dan, congrats on the many beautiful boats! We’re glad that Chesapeake Light Craft has been part of so many wonderful experiences for you and your woodworking journey. Can’t wait to see how the Expedition turns out.
👉 Looking to build a CLC boat yourself? Check it out at clcboats.com or send us a DM.
☎️(M-F,9AM-5PMEST) 410-267-0137
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