Members in Action: Meet Peter Crim of Wind & Oar Boat School

June 27, 2011

This summer, ADX is hosting a special buildout for the newly-minted Wind and Oar Boat School. Their owner and instructor, Peter Crim, shares insights below about his current project, the construction of a St. Ayles Scottish Skiff by ten novice boat builders…all female!

Name: Peter Crim

Occupation: Boat Builder, Instructor at Wind and Oar Boat School

ADX: How long have you’ve been a boat builder/instructor?

My interest in boats dates back to when I was 6 and I was hanging around the boatyard where my father and uncle were modifying a sailboat they had found in a barn. Since then I have sailed all kind of boats from 12’ to 48’ in length, and taught sailing, raced, and cruised, mostly in New England. Being on the water under sail or human power is virtually spiritual for me, and working on wooden boats is merely an extension of that.

ADX: How did you get started?

When I got out of the television business, I decided it was time to reinvent myself and explore the unrealized passions I had ignored. The idea of a boat school, or something related to teaching and boats, was started.

ADX: Can you speak about your current boat project here at ADX?

I’m working with ten women to build a 22ft St Ayles Skiff to be raced in Maine upon completion. In the month we’ve been working, the women have formed effective building teams and I see a lot of sharing of expertise and knowledge. The other ADX members and staff have also been instructive and patient with this group of beginning woodworkers. The group’s confidence and competence has grown immeasurably and it is a pleasure to see them all jump to a task knowing they are able to pick up a tool and use it comfortably.

ADX: What led you to ADX and why are you involved as a member?

When I first walked into ADX and told Kelley Roy that I was looking for a place to build a boat, I was informed that their policy was “no boats!” After explaining that this was a group of women doing the build, she immediately reversed her position and explained that an exception was possible because she was very interested in shifting the balance in a traditionally “dude-heavy” venue.

ADX: What significance does collaboration have in your creative process?

While a single person can build a boat, the process is fraught with options and decisions at every step, so working in a collaborative atmosphere enhances the experience.

To learn more about Peter’s background and boat building school, check out his website or drop by ADX to see the skill’s construction in action!