The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design
In September 2018, I enrolled at The Landing School, in Arundel Maine.
Over the course of two years I studied in the Marine Systems Program (2018/19), and the Yacht Design Program (2019/20). I met some wonderful people, learned a lot, and had an amazing experience – time very well spent.
I’m including some examples from my design work while attending the school.
The Yacht Design Program (2019-2020)
The yacht Design Program presented students with a broad spectrum of subject matter related to designing power and sailing yachts – starting with traditional drafting skills to sketch and draft lines plans, and arrangements, to using CAD software to create design models in 3D and produce 2D drawings for use within the design package. In addition Students were taught concepts in naval architecture, strucural design, CAD, and marine engineering. Time Well Spent – Learn more here https://www.landingschool.edu/yacht-design
The LS 39
The LS 39 Project was the first project working with CAD. Students were asked to design accommodations for an existing hullform – The LS39. We worked with this hull form in several assignments including developing a sail plan and keel plan.
A 30' Centre Console Boat - Lines
The 30′ Center Console project required students to create a hull form fulfilling specific criteria. As a result, students (that means me) “chased the numbers” all too often. It was a challenging exercise – the first design project where the hull form was entirely original for each student.
I think my Instructors referred to it as “Hideous” – and looking at it now I’m thinking they’re not far off. Nonetheless the project was a great way to learn the fundamentals of powerboat design and I use that knowledge to this day.
A 42' Express Cruiser
The LS42 project was a comprehensive project. Aside from the various design skills, students (me) learned a lot about time management. Students were given a hull from which the bottom running surfaces (below the Chine) had to be retained, they had freedom to redesign the hull above the chine so long as it stayed within the required envelope (42′). The assignment’s use case required the boat be capable of providing accommodations for 4 persons for a week long cruise with a range of 350 nautical miles, a top speed in excess of 30 knots, a properly sheltered dining space, and a head with separate shower.
The boat makes use of the Volvo pod drive system, a Seakeeper stabilizer, air conditioning, and a genset.
To make my life more difficult I chose an express version – no hardtop.
Although I probably spent too much time obsessing over the hull, I am pleased with the result. I did two other versions in the background; a hardtop/sedan, and another express/convertible with an “off the wall” hull form. I may post those boats in the future.
I am updating this boat – to see what new skills and more experience can do.
Click on the image to enlarge
The Capstone Project - A 56' Motor Sailer
Click on images to enlarge
The MS 56 was my capstone project. This was intended to demonstrate my knowledge base and developed skillsets. Each student was given the opportunity to propose a design and its use case – provided it satisfied basic criteria established by the assignment – accommodations for 4, and the ability to cruise for a week.
My use case followed my heart. I wanted to design a boat I would consider building for myself (were it possible). The boat was designed as a motor sailer – combining advantages of a powerboat and sailboat (and ignoring the disadvantages!) . I was influenced by boats from the Pacific Northwest – and went as far as describing it in my use case as a boat capable of cruising Baja to Alaska – following migrating whales.
This project developed through the initial onslaught of Covid, and so much of the remainder of the school year was spent in isolation. Nevertheless, my instructors made good use of ZOOM resulting in regular online meetings with instructors and students to display our progress, defend our choices, and to accept advise and professional criticisms. I learned a lot – and enjoyed watching and listening to other students as they presented their work.
I’ve revisited this project.
Using the same basic use case and some new skills/more experience with Rhino and Orca, a different boat has resulted. While you can see a resemblance – the boats share some common traits – they are different, and I think they reflect my growth.
The revised/new design is featured in the “Cruising Boats” section as Tar Liom. Cruising Boats
Marine Systems at The Landing School
I enrolled in the Marine Systems program in September 2018.
It was an amazing experience; allowing me to update and acquire new knowledge and skills – all which have proven to be valuable in my design efforts.
The program immersed students in an exceptional learning environment combining theoretical knowledge of marine systems and ABYC standards, and the practical application of this knowledge while working on project boats.
It was a lot of fun. I met an incredible bunch of talented classmates and instructors – pictured above. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled and laughed as much.
For more info about the Marine Systems Program https://www.landingschool.edu/marine-systems
Marine Systems Project Boats
The Landing School 2018/19 Marine Systems project boats.
Both sailboats were repowered, replacing the original powerplants with new Beta diesel engines of appropriate power.
Each boat required additional work on subsystems – fuel tanks, wiring and electrical, and almost any other system you can think of.
A wonderful learning experience, and good fun…
For more information about The Landing School. https://www.landingschool.edu/