On February 6, the next semester of the Boothbay Region Boatbuilding School sponsored by the Boothbay Civic Association will be underway at Boothbay Harbor Shipyard.

The class initially went through a lofting and safety course in the first semester and will now work on completing the building of a dory that was begun in the previous semester.

"We have six students. That's all we can fit at the Shipyard, and that's why we need the new building," said BCA spokesman Bruce MacDonald, referring to the new boatbuilding school being built on Lobster Cove Road.

"The situation with the building is that the BCA has funded as much of the construction of the building with the funds that it had, and we need to find new funds to complete the project.

"We were able to repair the footings and sills, add new windows and doors, including a large door for completed boats, and redo the shingles and trim on the exterior.

"We also were able to do some of the electrical work, with labor donated by Paul Greenleaf (Thank you Paul!). The roof had already been done," MacDonald said.

What remains to be done includes interior insulation and finish, completion of the electrical work, and the addition of water and a bathroom.

"The basic building is now in great shape, secure and weather tight. But we still can't use it for boatbuilding classes.

"We have estimated that completion of the work will require an additional $27,000," MacDonald said.

The entire effort has been funded through the BCA, which has taken it as far as it can with their current funds. The building is actually owned by the state and leased to the town of Boothbay Harbor.

"I am going to be looking at the Community College budget process to see if we can come up with the money through the state budget. I believe the BCA is planning on doing some additional fund-raising as well. Finding state funds will be difficult.

"We have proven the interest in boatbuilding here on the peninsula. Everything we do will help create skilled workers for the boatyards in the area.

"We need help to finish the project," MacDonald said. Those interested in donating to the boatbuilding school may send a donation, large or small, to: The Boothbay Civic Association, P.O. Box 81, Boothbay.