Snap-On Tools Visits To Launch The Student Excellence Program

In December, Jason George and Jonah Normandeau of Snap-on Industrial Tools visited The Landing School to register students for its Student Excellence program. The Snap-On Student Excellence Program offers students the opportunity to purchase professional quality Snap-on tools at a significant discount similar to what Snap-On distributors pay. The program allows students to acquire the tools they need for their education at The Landing School classroom. All full-time students enrolled at The Landing School and currently fulfilling their curriculum requirements are eligible for the Student Excellence Program.

After learning about the Snap-On Student Excellence program while doing industry fundraising research, the school reached out to Snap-On to learn about the program and inform Snap-On about how The Landing School fits their requirements as a Student Excellence partner. There was a strong turnout of students and faculty to learn about and to register for the Snap-On Student Excellence program. “Providing our students with access to quality tools is a real benefit for them to start off their education and career with tools that will last them a lifetime. To be able to get these tools at major cost savings is an added bonus for our students” noted Greg Caruso, Industry Relations and Facilities Manager. This program is active as of 2022 and will be offered to all incoming students going forward.

New Faces Welcomed Aboard

Arundel, Maine (Jan. 11, 2022)— Under the direction of Sean Fawcett, President, the Landing School in Arundel, Maine is pleased to announce the addition of two new team members Juliet Karam as Marketing Manager and Jon Landers as Director of Development to the staff.

“We are excited to have these talented professionals join the school to help us achieve our goals to build awareness in the marketplace and expand financial support for the school” noted Fawcett.

Juliet Karam

Marketing Manager

Juliet will be responsible for all of The Landing School’s marketing activities including print and digital advertising; social media, copywriting, marketing collateral, communications and public relations.

Juliet grew up in Scarborough Maine and recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in Communication. After graduating, Juliet worked as an SEO Specialist, Copywriter and Social Media Manager at a local marketing agency in Portsmouth, NH.

“I’m so lucky to be able to live, work and play on the coast of Maine year-round. In my new position I’m really looking forward to connecting students of all ages to their passions in yacht design, composite and wooden boat building or marine systems, and promoting one of my favorite hobbies! Not many people can say they’re able to market for something they’re truly passionate about.” says Juliet.

Jon Landers

Director of Development

Jon joins the Landing School to oversee all development and fundraising activities with a focus on growing and broadening the School’s base of financial support in order to continue its important educational mission. Jon brings over thirty years of marketing and business development experience having worked for Fortune 500 companies; non-profits; tech start-ups and in the academic sector as a Major Gift Officer and Executive Director of Museum Outreach at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and as an adjunct professor of Marketing and Development at George Washington University’s School of Museum Studies. After graduating from Bowdoin College, he went on to receive his MBA from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business before starting his career.

Landers states, “ “I am thrilled to be part of the Landing School family. As a sailor and nautical history enthusiast with family roots firmly planted in Maine, I understand and appreciate what an asset the school is to the State of Maine, and beyond, by providing positive, life-changing skills for its students to contribute to the future of the marine industry”.

Landers, who divides his time between Kennebunkport, ME and Tampa, FL grew up sailing, fishing, and working on family boats in Massachusetts and crewing in offshore races during his time working in New York City and Chicago. While working for a start-up in Seattle, he continued to pursue his love of wooden boats as a shipwright volunteer at the Center for Wooden Boats. If you would like to contact Jon, you can reach him at jlanders@landingschool.edu.

The Landing School Early Enrollment Deadline Is Fast Approaching

The deadline for The Landing School’s Early Enrollment incentives is on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Those considering an educational experience in Composite Boat Building, Marine Systems, Wooden Boat Building, or Yacht Design have less than a week to qualify for a $500 rebate on tuition for the 2021/22 school year.

Internationally acclaimed, The Landing School in southern Maine offers one- and two-year programs for a diploma or Associate Degree in boat building, design, repair, and marine systems. Every year, approximately 50–70 students attend the programs with a 90% job placement rate in the marine industry, due in part to aggressive job counseling and online resumes and videos.

The Landing School is currently accepting applications for the 2021/22 school year with the Early Enrollment incentive available until March 31, 2021, but continues to enroll all accepted applicants through August. Further questions should be directed to Admissions at admissions@landingschool.edu.

The Landing School Extends Early Enrollment Deadline

Arundel, Maine (Mar. 1, 2021)—The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, has extended its Early Enrollment deadline to March 31, 2021. Typically ending on Feb. 28, this year’s deadline has been moved to accommodate those who might still be considering an educational experience in Composite Boat Building, Marine Systems, Wooden Boat Building, or Yacht Design for the 2021/22 school year. The Early Enrollment incentive provides a $500 rebate on tuition to anyone who applies and enrolls before the deadline.

The Landing School offers one- and two-year programs for a diploma or Associate Degree in boat building and repair, with access to ABYC certification testing for those in Marine Systems and Composite Boat Building. Located in southern Maine, The Landing School was founded in the late ’70s in a former boat building barn along the Kennebunk River. The school now houses a full wood shop, a composites lab, a design studio, a marine systems shop with project boats, and a maritime library.

“Graduates walk away with the knowledge and, maybe more importantly, the confidence to pursue a career in the marine Industry and beyond, oftentimes leaving our facilities having already been hired,” Brian McCauley, The Landing School’s Recruitment Director, says. Each year, approximately 50–70 students attend the programs with a 95% job placement rate in the marine industry, due in part to an aggressive job counseling department and online resumes and videos.

“As a Landing School graduate, I can attest to the quality of education here, but also to the lifestyle surrounding that experience,” Brian continues. An avid outdoorsman, Brian would attend classes during the day and surf or mountain bike on his off-hours. “Students have easy access to local beaches and hiking trails, school-owned boats, and a handful of ski resorts within striking distance. There’s also Portland, which is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, only about 30 minutes away.”

The Landing School is currently accepting applications for the 2021/22 school year with the Early Enrollment incentive available until March 31, 2021, but continues to enroll all accepted applicants through August. Further questions should be directed to Brian McCauley at brian@landingschool.edu.

The Landing School Hires Kate Baldwin To Run Accounting Department

Arundel, Maine (February 22, 2020)—The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, has welcomed Kate Baldwin, a 20+ year veteran of the financial industry, as its new Vice-President of Finance. Hired on February 1, Kate has already had a positive impact on the team within her first month.

Prior to joining The Landing School, Kate worked with Stone Coast Fund Services in Portland, Maine, and is a former Vice-President of TD Bank, also in Portland. Kate has been and remains the Treasurer for the Kennebunk River Club.

“Kate’s background resonated with our hiring committee,” Richard Downs-Honey, President of The Landing School, says. “She was a prime candidate due to her broad background in financial planning, but also for her skills in collaborating and networking. It was a bonus to find her locally.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the administrative team at The Landing School,” Kate adds. “I am eager to leverage my financial skills and return to my predilection to support educational advancement.”

Downs-Honey reports that she is transparent in her approaches, and also adept at focusing on the bottom line. “We are quite fortunate to have her here,” he concludes.

The Landing School offers one- and two-year programs in Composite Boat Building, Wooden Boat Building, Yacht Design, and Marine Systems. The accounting and finance department is responsible for cash flow, payroll, supply inventory for hands-on classes, general overhead, compliance, and tracking funding via both government programs and private donations. In general, the school enrolls between 50 and 80 students per school year with 10 administrative team members and 6–8 faculty.

The Landing School is currently accepting applications for the 2021/22 school year with incentives for those who enroll before February 28.

The Landing School Boosts Student Career Possibilities with Video

Arundel, Maine (Feb. 9, 2021)—In an effort to further boost its students’ endeavors to launch their careers when they graduate, The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, has dedicated a section of its website to videos and resumes showcasing its student body. The Student Resume pages include short clips of each participating student discussing their ideal job and their experience, with a resume available under their names.

The new Student Resume page, sectioned by Composite Boat Building, Yacht Design, Wooden Boat Building, and Marine Systems, as well as a page for Independent Study Students, further highlights who The Landing School students are and what they aspire to do.

As part of its curriculum, The Landing School provides job-search counseling and resume reviews. Jamie Houtz, the school’s Industry Liaison, is a dedicated member of the team who maintains contact with the school’s approximate 1,500 alumni working in the industry.

“I rely on our network of alumni to support student’s as they start a career, but these new video and resume pages are going to provide them with even more of a leg up,” Houtz says. “Students graduating from our programs are passionate about boat building, repair, and design. They’re ready to get to work, and I want to help them.”

“For any future employer, it’s well worth the time to click through some of these videos,” Houtz continues. “And, keep in mind, while you might be looking for someone with experience in Marine Systems, you may well find them in the Composites Boat Building section.”

Employers are also invited to post their jobs for free on The Landing School’s Job Posting page.

The Landing School is accepting applications and currently enrolling for its 2021-22 school year. With this year’s Early Enrollment Incentive, students who enroll before February 28, 2021, receive a $500 refund on their deposit.

The Landing School—Established in southern Maine in 1978, The Landing School has one mission: to educate the future leaders of the marine industry. Accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), The Landing School reinforces and preserves traditional design and construction methods while advancing the art of boat building, design, and maintenance through the integration of modern techniques and contemporary materials.

The Landing School Hosts Virtual INFUSION Event

Recording Available Here

Arundel, Maine (Jan. 20, 2021)—Building on the success of its Virtual Events this fall, The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, is holding another Virtual Event: HISTORY OF INFUSION on January 26, 2021, at 4:00pm (Eastern). The school’s free Virtual Events are held live monthly and are available as recordings in perpetuity on its website.

For HISTORY OF INFUSION, The Landing School’s composite instructor Justin Taylor will be joined by Dean Callander of Composites Consulting Group (CCG/DIAB) and industry veteran Andre Cocquyt. These three panelists will represent the past, the present, and the future of vacuum-bagging and infusion.

The event will include discussions about how these processes have evolved over the past few decades; current materials and techniques; and what the marine, wind, and other industrial industries see in daily application, with plenty of video and still imagery to illuminate layout variations and proper techniques. This is not an overly technical presentation, and will be of interest to industry professionals as well boaters who would like to see how their vessels are built.

Registration is open and is free. Anyone registered for Virtual Events unable to attend on the day of the event will receive a link to a recording. Past available recordings include INSIDE SABRE YACHTS, INSIDE FRENCH & WEBB, and INSIDE AMERICA’S CUP.

Future events will be announced and published soon. Check back at the Virtual Events page for updates.

The Landing School—Established in southern Maine in 1978, The Landing School has one mission: to educate the future leaders of the marine industry. Accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), The Landing School reinforces and preserves traditional design and construction methods while advancing the art of boat building, design, and maintenance through the integration of modern techniques and contemporary materials.

The Landing School Plans America’s Cup Virtual Event

Success of Virtual Events leads boat school to schedule them monthly

The Landing School has a long history of supporting the America’s Cup with builders, repairers, designers.

Arundel, Maine (Dec. 8, 2020)—With the success of its Virtual Events this fall, The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, will be scheduling the hour-long online seminars on a monthly basis with INSIDE AMERICA’S CUP and THE HISTORY OF INFUSION on the schedule for December and January, respectively. These Virtual Events allow the school to continue engaging the industry, its alumni, and prospective students on a regular basis.

INSIDE AMERICA’S CUP, the third in The Landing School’s series of Virtual Events designed to showcase builders and designers with a strong connection to the school, will take place on Thursday, December 10, at 4:00pm (Eastern). Come January, the school will hold a live discussion about THE HISTORY OF INFUSION, also at 4:00pm (Eastern). All Virtual Events are free and available online for those who cannot attend the live webinar.  

Hosted, curated, and moderated by Richard Downs-Honey, President of The Landing School, INSIDE AMERICA’S CUP will be a discussion with Sean Fawcett (Dean of Education and veteran of three America’s Cup design teams) and Mark Orams (a member of the successful 2000 Team New Zealand crew as well as multiple campaigns around the globe) to examine what the 36th event in New Zealand on foiling 70’ monohulls will be like. Scheduled the week before the boats race each other for the first time in a feeder event, this Virtual Event will explain why these vessels don’t tip over, how they sail faster than the wind, and the panelists will analyze the design differences in the fleet to consider how the boats are actually sailed. December 10, 2020, at 4pm (Eastern).

In January, Brian Barer (COO of The Landing School and formerly on the original TPI crew that pioneered infusion) will join Andre Cocquyt (who developed the curriculum for SMCC’s Maine Advanced Technology Center and has been working with composites for four decades) and Justin Taylor (Composites Instructor at The Landing School) for THE HISTORY OF INFUSION. Actual date will be determined soon.

Registration is open and is free to all. Anyone registered for Virtual Events unable to attend on the day of the event will receive a recording.

Future events will be announced and published soon. Check back at the Virtual Events page for updates.

The Landing School—Established in southern Maine in 1978, The Landing School has one mission: to educate the future leaders of the marine industry. Accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), The Landing School reinforces and preserves traditional design and construction methods while advancing the art of boat building, design, and maintenance through the integration of modern techniques and contemporary materials.                                                      

The Landing School Prepares for Virtual Event at French & Webb

Media Inquiries:
Sarah Devlin
Director of Communications
sdevlin@landingschool.edu

Image: Alison Langley, Courtesy French & Webb

Arundel, Maine—The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, has scheduled a second in its series of Virtual Events designed to showcase builders and designers with a strong connection to the school. The next tour and live discussion is INSIDE FRENCH & WEBB on November 17, 2020, at 4:00 (Eastern). All Virtual Events are free and available online for those who cannot attend the live webinar.

For this Virtual Event, the school will visit French & Webb with Todd French, a former instructor at The Landing School who founded French & Webb 25 years ago with Peter Webb (TLS Wooden Boat Building class of ’79). This tour will take online participants behind-the-scenes at French & Webb, and include a deep dive into the recent restoration of the Nat Herreshoff-designed Marilee, plus a quick overview of a rebuild of the former presidential yacht Sequoia. Concluding the event, panelists from both The Landing School and French & Webb will hold a live Q & A.

Last month, INSIDE SABRE YACHTS with Sabre President Aaron Crawford and Vice-President of Design and Product Development Kevin Burns attracted nearly 80 registrants. The recorded event is available for free on The Landing School’s website.

“We had a great time during the Sabre event,” says Richard Downs-Honey, President of The Landing School, and the host. “Participants ranged from Sabre owners to industry professionals, and from our current student body to our alumni. People were asking a lot of questions. It was quite a lively discussion.”

Registration is open and is free to all. Anyone registered for Virtual Events unable to attend on the day of the event will receive a recording.

Future events will be announced and published soon. Check back at the Virtual Events page for updates.

The Landing School—Established in southern Maine in 1978, The Landing School has one mission: To prepare men and women for a career in the marine industry. Accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), The Landing School reinforces and preserves traditional design and construction methods while advancing the art of boat building, design, and maintenance through the integration of modern techniques and contemporary materials.

The Landing School Launches Virtual Events

Media Inquiries:
Sarah Devlin
Director of Communications
sdevlin@landingschool.edu

Arundel, Maine—On October 28, The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, is launching a fall and winter series of free Virtual Events designed to showcase builders and designers with a strong connection to the school. The inaugural Virtual Event is “INSIDE SABRE YACHTS,” a virtual tour and discussion with the folks at Sabre Yachts in Raymond, Maine: Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 4:00pm (Eastern). 

These virtual events will include live and recorded footage of facilities around the world, and will close with a question-and-answer period with members of both The Landing School and the featured establishment. INSIDE SABRE YACHTS starts with Sabre President Aaron Crawford discussing the history and philosophy behind Sabre Yachts, before participants will see footage of their office spaces, design studios, and shop. Other members of the Sabre crew will be on hand and the entire event closes with a live interactive discussion. All Virtual Events will be recorded and will be available online for those who cannot attend the live webinar.

“With the Virtual Events, we can showcase some of the great work these boat builders and designers are doing, from small shops to large facilities,” says Richard Downs-Honey, President of The Landing School. “We have alumni all over the globe, and we are tapping into that network to bring people into these facilities from their own desktops.”

The week of November 16, the school will visit with French & Webb to discuss past and future restoration projects, and will close with an informal, interactive panel discussion including key members of The Landing School and the French & Webb crew.

Future events will be announced and published soon. Check back at the Virtual Events page for updates.

Registration is open for both events and is free to all. Anyone registered for Virtual Events unable to attend on the day of the event will receive a recording.

The Landing School—Established in southern Maine in 1978, The Landing School has one mission: to educate the future leaders of the marine industry. Accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), The Landing School reinforces and preserves traditional design and construction methods while advancing the art of boat building, design, and maintenance through the integration of modern techniques and contemporary materials.

The Landing School Now Offers Industry Fast Track Applications

Media Inquiries: Sarah Devlin
Director of Communications
sdevlin@landingschool.edu
August 20, 2020

 Arundel, Maine—The Landing School in Arundel, ME, is launching a new Fast Track application process to allow industry professionals and prospective students to attend for the 2020–21 school year, starting onsite on September 9, 2020. The four one-year diploma programs include Marine Systems, Composite Boat Building, Yacht Design, and Wooden Boat Building.

“The Fast Track application process is designed for industry professionals looking to hone their skills or learn new methods over the course of the next year,” says Richard Downs-Honey, president of The Landing School. “While we are a post-secondary institution, a large portion of our student body is comprised of industry folks returning to get further training.”

The Fast Track application is available to anyone who applies between now and the beginning of the school year. Once the school has approved the application and received all relevant documentation, a prospective student could be enrolled within five days. Funding and housing support still available. For more information, click here: https://www.landingschool.edu/fast-track

According to the Harvard Global Health Institute, the states with the lowest rates of infection are Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire, in that order. The Northeast overall ranks among the safer areas in the United States. With that in mind, The Landing School is maintaining its onsite classroom and shop instruction with strict risk-mitigating protocols to address the current COVID pandemic. 

The Landing School—Established in southern Maine in 1978, The Landing School has one mission: to train the future of the marine industry. Accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), The Landing School reinforces and preserves traditional design and construction methods while advancing the art of boat building, design, and maintenance through the integration of modern techniques and contemporary materials. The school is currently accepting applications for the 2020/21 academic year. For more information on the Fast Track Application, visit: https://www.landingschool.edu/fast-track

The Landing School Prepares for Opening Day 2020

Arundel, Maine—The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, will open for its first day of school on September 8, 2020. Currently the school staff, faculty, and a handful of graduates are prepping the classrooms, shops, and common areas for students returning this fall to train in Yacht Design, Composite Boat Building, Wooden Boat Building, and Marine Systems.

Unlike many post-secondary schools around the country, The Landing School is planning to offer its curriculum on site, with partitions at work stations, staggered start times for all students, and by taking advantage of the already widely spaced shops and classrooms. The administration is confident in this decision due to the facility’s location in a relatively rural setting with a low-density population, and the fact that without dorms students live apart, in rentals throughout the community. As an extra precaution, the staff has also identified those students who are moving to the area from higher risk areas and will track and document quarantine and/or testing prior to opening day.

“We fully expect to open our doors for onsite classes and hands-on shop time in September,” Richard Downs-Honey, The Landing School’s President, says. “We are ordering extensive PPE, and are currently building and creating space that mitigates the risk for all students, faculty, and staff. It also helps we are located in Maine, which is considered a low-risk state.” 

According to the Harvard Global Health Institute, the states with the lowest rates of infection are Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire, in that order. The Northeast overall ranks among the safer areas in the United States. “With this data in mind, we feel confident we can open for school while maintaining standard COVID protocols to continue to keep those numbers low,” Downs-Honey continues. “We learned the benefits of online learning during the peak of this pandemic, and are ready with that as a Plan B in the unlikely event the numbers start to rise, but that is not how we plan to enter this school year.”

The Landing School is still accepting applications for its 2020/21 year, with Opening Day scheduled for September 8, 2020. For more information, visit: https://www.landingschool.edu/how-to-apply or call 207-985-7976.

The Landing School—Established in southern Maine in 1978, The Landing School has one mission: to train the future of the marine industry. Accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), The Landing School reinforces and preserves traditional design and construction methods while advancing the art of boat building, design, and maintenance through the integration of modern techniques and contemporary materials. The school is currently accepting applications for the 2020/21 academic year.

###

The Landing School Hires Duane Branch and Sarah Devlin

Arundel, Maine (June 8, 2020)—The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, has welcomed Duane Branch to its Yacht Design program as faculty member Ken Rusinek retires, and Sarah Devlin to run its communications efforts.

Duane Branch, a 1990 graduate of the school’s Yacht Design program, comes to The Landing School after having worked with Gold Coast Yachts, Goetz Custom Boats, Pearson Marine Group, and most recently New England Boatworks. “Duane brings real-life experience from where design meets manufacture,” The Landing School’s President Richard Downs-Honey says. “He solidly understands that not everything designers draw can be built. This connection between the design office and the shop floor is key to the culture at The Landing School.” 

Formerly the Education Director for the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) as well as the Communications Director for a New England ski resort, Sarah Devlin takes on the role of Communications Director at The Landing School. She will act as liaison for all media queries, coordinate internal communication, and support recruitment and development. “Sarah’s long experience in the marine industry, coupled with her experience in training and communications, makes her a perfect fit for the school,” Downs-Honey continues. “She understands the school’s environment and adds a new energy to our team.”

Retiring Ken Rusinek was originally a Design Program Manager at The Landing School in the early ’90s, then returned in 2002 to be a Systems Instructor, Director for Continuing Education, a Composites Program Manager, Director of Education, and ultimately a Yacht Design instructor since 2014. “As a degreed Naval Architect with nearly 50 years’ industry experience, Ken has brought a limitless amount of expertise and wisdom to The Landing School. He has been professionally involved in the design and engineering of commercial work boats, recreational powerboats, and luxury sailing yachts,” Sean Fawcett, Dean of Education, says. “His contribution to the school spans 25 years in roles as instructor in Marine Systems, Composites, and Yacht Design as well as Director of Education.  He will be missed at the school…  but we have his phone number!" 

The Landing School is currently graduating its 2020 students and accepting applications for the 2020/21 school year.

The Landing School—Established in southern Maine in 1978, The Landing School has one mission: to train the future of the marine industry. Accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), The Landing School reinforces and preserves traditional design and construction methods while advancing the art of boat building, design, and maintenance through the integration of modern techniques and contemporary materials. The school is currently accepting applications for the 2020/21 academic year. 

For more information, please contact Sarah Devlin, sdevlin@landingschool.edu.

NMRA Scholarship!

National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) Scholarship

The National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) is offering a $3,000 scholarship to an outstanding student pursuing education and a career in the marine trades.

Applicants may be high school seniors and college/vocational students. Access the application here: bit.ly/2020-NMRA-Scholarship. Application is due by April 1st, 2020.

Contact the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA):

Phone: 847-662-3167
Email: info@nmraonline.org
Website: www.nmraonline.org

In Memoriam | Derek Wright

It is with great sadness that The Landing School has learned of the passing of Derek Wright. Derek was a graduate of the Yacht Design program class of 2005 and later became a Yacht Design instructor. His career also included important roles at Michael Peters Yacht Design, Intrepid Powerboats, and Boska Marine.

Derek was smart, creative and had a wickedly witty sense of humor. He made friends easily and earned the respect of students and peers alike. He will be greatly missed by The Landing School community.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife, Rani, and twin daughters, Koda and Kyra.

*New Merch* Represent and Support The Landing School!

New Landing School Clothing!

The Landing School and Team 1 Newport have teamed up to create a range of Landing School clothing! Men’s and women’s t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, vests, and jackets are available to be purchased online. Customers can also customize other items from Team 1’s full range, but please note that these may take longer to arrive.

Orders are fulfilled through Team 1 Newport, but all proceeds benefit The Landing School’s educational programs. This is a great opportunity to proudly wear and support The Landing School’s name!

To browse or purchase an order, please CLICK HERE.

One of many items available! Pictured here is a men’s navy blue fleece, also sold in grey. Women’s sizes come in navy blue or white.

SEE MORE HERE

The World's Largest 3D Printer!

The Landing School’s President, Richard Downs-Honey, attended the unveiling ceremony for the world’s largest 3D printer at the University of Maine in Orono today. He was among many other industry professionals, including Aaron Porter, editor of Professional BoatBuilder Magazine, and James Anderson, the lead on this project.

---

Aaron Porter (left) and Richard Downs-Honey (right) at the unveiling of the world’s largest 3D Printer in Orono.

James Anderson, leader of this University of Maine project and prior coworker of President Downs-Honey.

---

James Anderson, who lead this feat, was previously a Composites engineer for Richard’s company, High Modulus. Richard says: “Congratulations to the UMaine team and to James - for continuing the innovative drive we developed together at High Modulus… and now here we both are in Maine, pushing boundaries at UMaine and The Landing School!”

---

UMaine wins two titles from Guinness World Records for it’s 3D Printer!

Taken by President of The Landing School, Richard Downs-Honey

---

The Landing School goes to IBEX

2019 IBEX SHOW

The Landing School’s President, Richard Downs-Honey, and Director of Recruitment and Development, Brian McCauley, will be attending the 2019 IBEX - International Boatbuilder’s Show in Tampa, FL next week (Mon, Sept 30th - Thurs, Oct 3rd).

The Landing School’s President will be presenting at the following seminars:

• Tues, Oct 1 at 2:00pm | Repairs You Could Infuse

• Wed, Oct 2 at 11:00am | Cost Effective Low-Temperature Cure Prepregs

He will also moderate the (802) Controlling Material Variance in Lamination seminar on Thurs, Oct 3 at 8:30am.

Design by Alan Castonguay, a 2018-2019 Yacht Design Graduate of The Landing School.

The Landing School is also proud to have several of its alumni and an instructor represented in the 2050 Design Challenge, which you can learn more about here: https://www.ibexshow.com/design_challenge/. A Landing School 2018-2019 Yacht Design Graduate, Antoine, was selected as a finalist. He, along with a few others, will present their design at the IBEX Show on Wed, Oct 2nd at 8:30am.

Speaking of alumni, The Landing School will be holding an alumni event on Wednesday, Oct 2nd from 5:30-7:00pm at the Columbia Cafe. Please contact richard@landingschool.edu with questions.

The Landing School Appoints New President

ARUNDEL, MAINE – The Landing School has appointed Richard Downs-Honey of Little Compton, Rhode Island as its President. In announcing the appointment, The Landing School Board Chairman Haven Ladd said, “We are honored to welcome Richard to the School community. Richard’s passion, vision, energy and technical expertise will advance the mission of The Landing School and will make a tremendous impact on our students and on the marine industry that we serve. A highly respected luminary, Richard has spent over 40 years growing the industry through the innovative use of advanced composite engineering and through his personal leadership, humor and humility. We are excited to have Richard lead The Landing School to build on our own 40-year history of educating skilled craftspeople and leaders.”

Richard Downs-Honey, a native of New Zealand, is a graduate of the University of Auckland, holding both Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering, with special concentration in Fiber Reinforced Plastics in Boatbuilding. He is a former partner and CEO of High Modulus, a Kiwi firm specializing in engineering consulting services and a supplier of composite materials to the marine industry and other industrial clients. During his tenure at High Modulus, Downs-Honey was responsible for business development, engineering services and sales, and was heavily involved in the development of New Zealand’s first Americas Cup contenders. He built High Modulus to over 100 people with offices in Australia, China, France, the UK and the US.

Following the sale of High Modulus to Gurit (NZ), LTD in 2009, Downs-Honey moved to the United States to help guide and build the firm’s developing US market. In 2016, he started RDH Composites, LLC to pursue independent consulting on the cutting-edge application of composites. In 2017, he accepted a position as Director of Engineering at Daedalus Yachts, a new start-up boatbuilding operation in North Carolina, where he has been leading the firm’s development and implementation of tooling and production for zero-emissions composite custom yachts up to 100 feet.

Regarding his appointment as President of The Landing School, Downs-Honey says, “This is a fantastic opportunity to be contributing to the development of the marine workforce at a critical time for the industry. Recent efforts by the industry resulting in the “10 + 1 Strategy” for workforce development highlight the continuing need for The Landing School. I am excited to work with the great team here, insuring we stay relevant in a changing environment, and are a key contributor to the strength of the marine industry.”

Upon learning of Downs-Honey’s appointment, Michael Peters, one of the pre-eminent designers of motor yachts, military patrol vessels and race boats, and someone who has hired a number of recent graduates of The Landing School Yacht Design program, said, “Of all the people I know in the marine industry, I cannot think of a person or personality that is a better fit, or has a better aptitude for leading The Landing School into the future.”

---

Landing School and Maine Maritime team up on “Green” Lobster Boat (Portland Press Herald)

Photo Credit: Derek Davis, Portland Press Herald Staff

On June 25th, the Portland Press Herald featured the Landing School in article on its participation in the development of a 'greener lobster boat'.  The article covers the inception, R&D, and teamwork required to build the boat and elaborates on the process of collaboration between the Landing School and Maine Maritime Academy. To read the full article, click here