Research Chip Daysailer Sailboats

I have been repairing, restoring and building wooden boats for twenty-one years. My experiences at the Salt Boatbuilding School in Kennebunk, Maine marked the beginning of my commitment to building boats thus uniting a long standing interest with wood and the sea.

Early employment began along the Kennebunk River at the Arundel Shipyard which was followed by several fine years working for boat builder Robert H. Reid. Alongside boatyard projects I began an ongoing study of local maritime histo ry with a special interest in Maine watercraft. I have made an effort to research and record some of the older boats and enjoy the process of modelmaking as a means of conveying these discoveries.
Since 1987 I have been self-employed repairing and building boats on the Southern coast of Maine from Kennebunk River to Portland Harbor. The boatbuilding process allows me to express, through the use of wood and metal, the sculptural beauty revealed in the hull shape, while fulfilling the function and purpose of the design. I enjoy this challenge and the feeling that each boat, new or rebuilt, will be launched to begin a life afloat, providing years of special experiences for all those aboard.

In addition to boat work, my experience in woodworking includes architectural design and construction, sculpture, furniture and model making. My current focus is building daysailers and maintaining many of the local boats, carrying on a New England tradition from my home here in Portland, Maine.