At Artisan Boatworks, we are privileged to carry forward a tradition that speaks not only of craftsmanship, but of care—for heritage, for beauty, and for the enduring relationship between a builder, a boat and a sailor. Like the vessels we build and restore, our values are rooted deep: respect for design integrity, reverence for the past, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way—even when that way is more difficult or less profitable.
As the yard is humming with springtime energy and our crew brings to life the projects detailed below, we’re reminded that the work we do resonates far beyond our Maine coast. Craftsmanship can be its own quiet diplomacy; It bridges borders and ideologies, and affirms that the values of care, patience, and integrity are not only relevant—they’re needed now more than ever. Beyond the sawdust and varnish lies the belief that hand-built wooden boats, like all things well-made, will outlast trends and shortcuts.
Thank you for continuing to support our work and for your trust in the quality, authenticity, and spirit of Maine craftsmanship. We take immense pride in our relationships with our clients, and it is our great honor to build and restore these vessels that will long outlive this period in history and remind the world what American hands and hearts can still produce.
With appreciation,
Alec, Erin, and the crew at Artisan Boatworks
CURRENT PROJECTS
SARDINE
Originally launched in 1916, this 21’ Herreshoff Fish Class is the third of her kind we’ve had the honor to rebuild. This winter SARDINE was restored from the keel up and fitted—at the owner’s request—with a compact Beta 14hp diesel. Installing a modern engine in a 21’ open cockpit boat without compromising her 109-year-old character was no small feat, but our team rose to the challenge with ingenuity and reverence. SARDINE ships to her new home in Cantabria, Spain this June.
RIZVALD
A modern micro-cruiser intended for world voyaging, RIZVALD is nearing completion after her start in 2023. She features an all-electric 24V Torqeedo drive powered by Mastervolt lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, and a wind generator—designed for silent cruising and long-range autonomy. Her owner will set sail from Camden on a course for Mystic, CT to display at the WoodenBoat Show June 27–29; and from there his grand adventure awaits!
WHIRLWIND II
Please join us for the WoodenBoat Show at Mystic Seaport June 27–29 as we celebrate the completion of WHIRLWIND II, a stunning 26’ Gil Smith catboat that has been five years in the making. A collaboration between Artisan Boatworks and her owner, Yarrow Thorne, WHIRLWIND II is the embodiment of what we do best: re-creating a classic for modern usability. Don’t miss the launch party Saturday the 28th—co-hosted by Artisan and Yarrow—for some good cheer and a new addition to your signature yachting beer cup collection.
IDEM CLASS SPARS
Our restoration work on the iconic 1899 IDEM Scows continues. This spring, we crafted a new set of spars and partnered with naval architect Matthew Smith to develop detailed construction standards, ensuring consistency for the fleet on Upper St. Regis Lake. After all, IDEM means “the same”—and we’re committed to preserving the integrity of this one-design tradition for generations to come.
DELPHINUS
Built by the Paul Luke yard in East Boothbay, DELPHINUS is a 1965 Aage Nielsen sloop that sold through the brokerage in 2020 to her current owner who has kept her with Artisan Boatworks and made regular upgrades over the past 5 years. This winter we stripped the original main mast back to bare aluminum and re-painted it, as well as completely stripping and refastening the bottom. Refastening is a tedious job that most wooden boats need every 30 – 50 years. Some screws come out easily and are simply replaced with the next size up. Others take fifteen minutes to extract with specialized tools like you might see used for dental surgery. Our crew has developed some ingenious tools and methods for doing this job as efficiently as can be done. When is the last time you had your boat’s bottom fasteners inspected?
SEA LADY
SEA LADY is a smaller Aage Nielsen daysailer in our care which also needed re-fastening this past winter. With her tiny 1” square steam bent frames and unhindered access to the inside of the hull, we determined that it was better long-term value for the owner to replace the frames during the refastening process. In 2019 we had already rebuilt the back half of the boat, so this winter we rebuilt the front – replacing 16 pairs of frames, adding eyebrow molding to the cabin house, and new larger bunks/settees in the cabin. SEA LADY is yet another example of how thoughtful sequencing over multiple seasons can make big projects more manageable—and more enjoyable.
IN THE PRESS
We were thrilled to see WISP, the 40’ luxury daysailer Artisan Boatworks launched last summer, grace the cover of Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors and earn a nomination for Best New Build in Classic Boat Magazine’s annual awards. Designed by Stephens Waring Yacht Design, WISP is now homeported in Cos Cob, CT—an inspiring blend of elegance, performance, and sophistication.
REGATTAS
Spring launch season is in full swing, with our crew launching anddelivering boats throughout the Northeast daily through mid-July. NORA will return to the racecourse for Camden Classics and the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta. We’re also tackling several rewarding smaller projects, including the fabrication of a 50’ wooden mast and the retrofit of electric auxiliary power to a full-keel Buzzards Bay 15 we built in 2014.
On behalf of the Camden Classics Cup Team, I would like to invite you to register for the 9th Annual event, July 24-26, 2025. Last year’s event we had 90 boats on the start line that included a very lively fleet of 15 Day Racers as well as a great collection of Vintage and Classics Yachts. In addition to the great sailing, the event has wonderful shoreside events including cocktail parties, live music, a parade of sail and a vintage car show. Limited dockage and moorings are still available. There is also the option to Sail Only if you do not plan to attend the shoreside events.
Thank you and we hope to see you on the race course.
MANIFESTING A BUILDER’S DREAM
My beautiful wife Erin, who manages the business side of our operation, suggested I include a note about what I’d most love to build next. That’s easy. The two 29’ Herreshoff Buzzards Bay 18s we built in 2012 and 2013 have proven to be exceptional boats—gracing magazine covers, consistently winning at classic yacht regattas, and providing their owners with years of memories and comfortable daysailing. With their deep, secure cockpits, elegant overhangs, gaff rigs, and enough volume for a small cabin and inboard diesel, they’ve been just about perfect for their purpose. But they’re not without drawbacks: the flat forward sections tend to pound in a chop, and the cabin, though broad, offers minimal headroom.
A few years ago, I came across a gem in the April 1913 issue of Rudder Magazine: a 20’ waterline knockabout designed by B.B. Crowninshield. Think of it as a stretched Dark Harbor 17—32’ 9” overall—with a gaff rig, inboard diesel, generous cockpit, and a sensibly scaled cabin. It’s drawn with a keel/centerboard arrangement for shallow draft (3’6″ board up), though for deep-water use I’d happily redesign her as a full-keel sloop without the centerboard.
I can’t imagine a more satisfying project than bringing this design to life from Crowninshield’s original plans—traditionally lofted by hand and built from aromatic cedar planks, bronze fastened to steam-bent oak frames. This isn’t just about crafting a boat; it’s about resurrecting a lost masterpiece and sharing that journey of rediscovery with a like-minded owner.
If a custom build, restoration, or dream concept has been on your mind—now is the perfect time to explore the possibilities. Whether you’re ready to commission your next yacht or just beginning to imagine what’s possible, let’s talk. We’d be honored to help bring your vision to life.
BOATS FOR SALE
We are pleased to present our current list of wooden boat brokerage offerings. Please click on the image for a complete listing with pricing, and don’t hesitate to reach out for additional information or to schedule a visit.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please let us know. Whether an existing boat not publicly for sale, the restoration of a deserving classic, or a new build from scratch, It’s likely we can find you the boat of your dreams!
