Classes – Meredith

Although ocean related projects will always be at the core of our offerings, Meredith Project will encompass a wide range of activities designed to offer new experiences and skills, and to inspire and empower young people to become aligned with what is truly important to them. As all manner of skills are involved in the building of traditional sailing craft, these vessels will provide a platform for skill acquisition and team building, long before they are launched. Every project undertaken, no matter if ocean related or not will expand the work of healing the emotions, building self esteem and inspiring our young ones to pursue their passions.

Getting Started

The entry point for most participants in Meredith Project will be learning the skills involved with the building of traditional small craft. This will be a combination of hands on learning and classroom style where the young ones involved will actually build a small boat. In addition to the slightly longer process of building a small vessel, there will be shorter classes on specific topics related to the entire process for those who wish to “dip their toes” into the process.

Our Flagship Project

Varua

Varua is our flagship project, literally and figuratively!
We are rebuilding the historic wooden vessel, Varua, a 1940’s brigantine designed by two famous yacht designers of the old school; Starling Burgess and L. Francis Herreshoff. The opportunities to teach a variety of skills and life lessons will be abundant in the course of building and sailing this great ship. Although we are still looking for the ideal building spot for this project, it will commence in the near future.

Varua was designed to sail anywhere in the world and was used for a time with young people allowing them to learn about the art of sailing as well as a respect for and understanding of our oceans. So it’s fitting to bring her back in the teaching capacity again. Once launched, Varua will expand the work of healing the emotions, building self esteem and inspiring our young ones to pursue their passions. Plans for Varua include long-distance voyaging opportunities for those who are so inclined to learn about offshore navigation, both traditional and indigenous.

Planned Offerings

In addition to the boat building school. We plan to partner (eventually) with other local nonprofit organizations so that we can create a larger context of offerings and cooperation in the community that will add value to all of the young people’s experience with our cause. These ideas will be supported through many contacts and friendships that we, the founders have created over the years both locally and beyond. Here’s a sampling of what we mean: