Build a boat.

Build a dream.

Harnessing the unique craft of wooden boat building and maritime-centered exploration, we inspire young people to uncover the confidence, skills, and courage to chart pathways to success in and outside the classroom.

What We Offer

flagship BoatBuilding program

Founded by Brooklyn-based naval architects Carl Persak and Jeremy Wurmfeld, our Flagship boatbuilding program is designed to replicate techniques used in shipyards throughout the world. Students learn to work from blueprints, and use marine tools and materials. In each class, 15 students work together throughout the school-year to build an Optimist pram. This requires sustained cooperation as students are responsible for every aspect of the boat building process. Along the way, they learn from their mistakes and take ownership and pride in the successful completion of each phase of the boat build. At the end of the school year, students see the completed result of their hard work: a sea-worthy sailboat. Now that takes perseverance!

Brooklyn Boatworks instructors and volunteers are motivated by a desire to see young people thrive and grow through the process of building an Optimist pram. Using a wide variety of hands-on activities and teaching methods our instructors ensure that all students, regardless of their differing learning styles, leave our classrooms with more confidence, knowledge of STEM subjects, and tools for future success.

Our Impact

Working inside New York City middle schools and educational organizations, Brooklyn Boatworks offers a unique boat building program that builds students' skills and encourages positive behavior development.

building CONFIDENCE

Our curriculum challenges students to build skills and and use new tools. By the end of the year, students are developing their own best practices and taking ownership for their accomplishments.

Developing Leaders

Each student participates in a Captain of the Day exercise at least twice throughout the school year. As Captains, students lead their peers in boat building and write a reflective blog post that appears on this website. For many students this is the first time they have been given responsibility for managing a project and leading a team.