Working inside NYC schools, Brooklyn Boatworks helps young people develop life skills through the building and use of small boats. Their programs teach communication, teamwork, perseverance and craftsmanship, and help young people create a strong connection to their urban environment.
During the course of a year, groups of students work together to build and rig an Optimist sailboat constructed in plywood using simple hand tools. The program is designed for middle to high school students living in an urban environment with no prior woodworking experience.
Brooklyn Boatworks has started a new season of boat building in New York City schools, and it was a few months ago their students proudly launched their hand built wooden Optimist sailboats into the Hudson River. Here is a video to share the program and the launch.
