The speaker series is set for the 34th Annual WoodenBoat Show. Small-boat enthusiasts will have a chance to learn more about the Chesapeake sculling method (below left), as well as how to build a solo whitewater dory (below right).

WoodenBoat Show 2026 Speakers’ Series

Friday, June 26

Albert Pollard | Chesapeake Sculling Revived
12:30 p.m.

In 2025, Albert Pollard made a resolution to teach himself to scull in the manner of the old-timers on Chesapeake Bay. Along the way, he learned that this method of wagging a paddle across the stern is, essentially, undocumented and appears to be unique in the world. Join him as he battles winds, waves, and museum curators to uncover the history, method, and evolution of sculling without an oarlock. The talk will be followed by an outdoor demonstration of the technique and tips for best results.

Shannon McKenzie | Resilience Planning for the Coastal Museum
2:30 p.m.

Mystic Seaport Museum faces a challenge shared by coastal communities across the country and around the world: rising seas and increasing flooding risk. Building upon years of green initiatives, the museum is taking a comprehensive, campuswide approach to long-term climate adaptation across its historic waterfront. Shannon, the museum’s vice president for watercraft operations, will describe the master plan addressing the challenge of living alongside the water with tidal flooding and continuing to improve the visitor experience.

Saturday, June 27

David Sianez | Constructing a Solo Whitewater Dory
10:30 a.m.

David Sianez, who teaches boat construction at Central Connecticut State University, will discuss design and building techniques presented in his new book, Constructing a Solo Whitewater Dory. These specialized boats must shed large volumes of water, maintain watertight storage capacity for gear and food even when rolled over, and adeptly maneuver in powerful whitewater rivers. The step-by-step construction narrative, with ample color photos accompanying the text, is intended for first-time builders, and he’ll describe the techniques used for these plywood-epoxy boats, one of which is on exhibit in the “I Built It Myself” section of this year’s WoodenBoat Show.

Juan Pablo Sarmiento Torres | The State of Boatbuilding Education in America
12:30 p.m.

The Teaching With Small Boats Alliance connects organizations across the United States that use boatbuilding as a tool for education, youth development, and workforce readiness. In this talk, subtitled “Building More Than Boats,” TWSBA’s Executive Director Juan Pablo Sarmiento Torres will share where the field stands today, drawing on TWSBA’s Boatbuilding Educators Fellowship, its national Boatbuilding Certification, and its annual conference bringing practitioners together to advance the work. Before joining TWSBA, JP led the sailing program at Rocking the Boat in the Bronx, New York, and spent a decade in documentary filmmaking and advertising. Originally from Colombia, he brings to this work a deep commitment to experiential learning and expanding who gets to belong in the maritime world.

Kristi and Gary Maynard | VIOLET — A Love Story
2:30 p.m.

The wooden boat at the heart of Kristi and Gary Maynard’s story about life, love, and family was worth saving—twice. Gary started sailing round the world as a kid aboard the Spray replica SCUD out of Noank, Connecticut, and Kristi raced around yacht club buoys in Vineyard Haven. They met aboard the schooner SHENANDOAH and 35 years ago went on to rebuild VIOLET, a Scottish Zulu fishing boat then 80 years old. They raised a family aboard, chartered, rebuilt other vintage boats, and then cruised VIOLET as far as the South Pacific and Alaska. After selling the boat, they watched from afar for 12 years as she slowly deteriorated and nearly sank. The boat was 115 years old when they decided to rescue her again, concluding her second major rebuild over the winter of 2025–26.

Don’t miss these fascinating presentations, as well as the Skills Demonstrations at the 2026 WoodenBoat Show. Click the button below to order your tickets.