Currently under the umbrella of ENGINE and housed in the shop at Biddeford High School.  Primary work is boat-building with middle and high-school students to teach them the skills of teamwork, workmanship and pride in their work as they build a boat together.
 
Also involved in other community efforts like a pilot boat-building effort at UNE and summer camps.
 
Added programs for adults at the high school shop, not just boat building, but other wood shop classes were offered this spring and will resume in the fall.
 
The boats are sold to the public, raffled off at fundraisers, and some are commissioned by individuals. 
 
Next big fundraiser is the Biddeford Boatbuilding Festival to be held at the Pepperell Mill Campus on the 16th & 17th of July.  8 teams will build their own Compass Skiff, a 10-foot motorboat in just two days.
 
There will also be vendors, exhibitors, kids activities, and food at the venue. 
 
How can we get involved with the Compass Project?
  • Volunteer our time
  • Buy or commission a boat to be built
  • Build a boat with family or business
  • Spread the word
 
 

Join us for the first Biddeford Boatbuilding Festival on July 16 & 17 at the historic Pepperell Mill Campus in downtown Biddeford.

Six participant teams–corporate sponsors, families, or youth organizations–will each build their own Compass Skiff, a 10-foot motorboat, over the course of the weekend. All materials and supplies will be provided, no prior expeirence or skills needed. The festival will conclude with a celebratiory boat launching into the Saco River. Each team will then take their boat home to paint and use. Completed boats are great for fishing, using as a tender, or as the first boat for kids. They also make great gifts, donations for charity fundraisers or auctions.

The festival will also include nautical-themed exhibitors, local youth nonprofits, a Saturday evening event at Engine with special guests the Lowell Brothers, kids’ activities, food and music, and more.

Funds raised will support Compass Project’s year-round boatbuilding and rowing programs for at-risk youth.

The Biddeford Boatbuilding Festival will be a fun event, with artisans, vendors, and exhibitors, guest speakers, activities for kids, local food, and live music.

The cost per team is:

Family Team : $950 For families of 3-5 people, ages 8+
Youth-Led Team : $750 For youth groups of 3-5 people, ages 8-18, accompanied by an adult.
Corporate or Corporate-Sponsored Team : $2,500 Participants may vary throughout build. Great team-building exercise for businesses. Corporations may choose to sponsor another group or participate themselves.

WHEN: Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17
TIME: 8:30am-4:30pm
WHERE: 32 Main Street in the Pepperell Mill Campus next to Portland Pie in downtown Biddeford
FMI: Email Shane Hall or call 207-391-6830

 

 

 
 
 
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