In the picturesque maritime heart of Rockport, Maine, Artisan Boatworks stands as a beacon for the preservation and new construction of classic wooden yachts. Founded on a deep reverence for traditional craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence, this custom boatbuilding facility has carved out a prestigious niche in the marine industry.
The Origin Story
Artisan Boatworks was founded in 2002 by Alec Brainerd, a Maine native whose journey in the marine world began humbly, painting boat bottoms at Seal Cove Boatyard in Harborside. His practical experience expanded significantly when he served as the first mate of the 137-foot Schooner Roseway. Driven by a profound passion for building and an ambition to work with the world's finest wooden boats, Brainerd established Artisan Boatworks in a state-of-the-art shop constructed on Main Street in Rockport. From its inception, the company's core mission has been the building, restoration, and meticulous maintenance of classic wooden vessels, specializing in the reproduction of timeless designs [5,.
History and Evolution
Since its founding in 2002, Artisan Boatworks has experienced steady growth, building a reputation for unparalleled quality and integrity in wooden boat construction and restoration. The company has earned international acclaim for its extreme attention to detail and its distinctive ability to seamlessly blend classic aesthetics with contemporary construction techniques. While their expertise is firmly rooted in wood, they occasionally undertake projects involving fiberglass, although Alec Brainerd's personal preference remains with wooden boatbuilding. The Rockport facility serves as a comprehensive center, offering new construction, restoration, storage, maintenance, and even brokerage services for classic wooden boats.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Artisan Boatworks is renowned in the yachting world for its dedication to authentic classic design, combined with a modern approach to construction. They are particularly known for their expertise in building and restoring wooden yachts originally designed by legendary naval architects such as Nathanael Herreshoff, L. Francis Herreshoff, William Fife, and Starling Burgess. In fact, Artisan Boatworks has built more licensed replicas of Herreshoff designs than any other builder, often working with plans sourced from museums.
Their design philosophy emphasizes extreme attention to detail and the marriage of classic appearance with contemporary techniques. They employ advanced wood boatbuilding technologies, including construction methods like edge-glued cedar planking over steam-bent oak frames with a laminated mahogany backbone [13,. This blend of traditional materials and modern methods ensures both authenticity and durability.
Beyond the historical reproductions, Artisan Boatworks also collaborates with contemporary naval architects for custom projects. Notably, they have worked with Ezra Smith Design and Matthew Smith, naval architects who designed custom vessels like the 39-foot “Spirit of Tradition” daysailer WISP and a Herreshoff-inspired 24-foot Classic Launch/Tender.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Artisan Boatworks has contributed to the legacy of classic yachting through numerous significant projects, encompassing both new builds and meticulous restorations. Their portfolio showcases a deep respect for historical designs while often incorporating subtle modern enhancements.
Among their notable projects are:
- Herreshoff Fish Class SARDINE: A significant restoration of an original 1916 Herreshoff Fish Class vessel.
- New A-30 Daysailer: A modern interpretation that combines 21st-century sailing performance with the timeless look of an heirloom yacht.
- Custom 39′ WISP: A striking “Spirit of Tradition” daysailer designed by Ezra Smith, exemplifying their custom build capabilities.
- Watch Hill 15: A replica of this classic design, built by Artisan Boatworks as early as 2008, showcasing their ability to reproduce beloved models.
- 24′ Classic Launch/Tender: A Herreshoff-inspired design by Matthew Smith, highlighting their versatility in powerboat commissions.
- Historic Restorations: They have undertaken major restoration projects for significant vessels such as the 86-foot schooner APPLEDORE and a 1957 lobster boat, demonstrating their expertise in preserving maritime heritage. Their commitment extends to detailed projects, including overseeing plank replacement and bottom refastening.
The company's offerings are broadly categorized into new construction, past projects, and brokerage listings of classic wooden sailboats and powerboats, reflecting the diverse range of vessels they work with. They also take on high-profile projects, including work on a 140-foot motor yacht.
The Builder Today
Today, Artisan Boatworks remains under the ownership and leadership of its founder, Alec Brainerd. Based in its state-of-the-art facility in Rockport, Maine, the company continues its focus on the new construction, restoration, storage, and brokerage of classic wooden boats.
Artisan Boatworks appeals primarily to discerning, experienced wooden boat owners who value precision, integrity, and extreme attention to detail. The ownership experience is characterized by a high level of service, including a full "mooring to mooring" storage and maintenance program tailored to individual boats, owners, and budgets. The company is committed to long-term care for the vessels they build or restore, with many older designs that they have worked on remaining in like-new condition. Testimonials from clients consistently praise the talented team and their exceptional work. This dedication fosters a strong sense of community among owners who entrust their cherished vessels to Artisan Boatworks.