Arundel, ME - December 7, 2011 - The Landing School, a post-secondary institution focused on educating tomorrow's marine industry professionals, is pleased to announce that they will begin offering a February start for their Yacht Design and Wooden Boat Building programs. Commencing February 13, 2012, this addition to the curriculum will offer prospective students the opportunity to begin their studies seven months earlier than with a typical September offering, allowing them to graduate and begin their career sooner.

"Because our students are at the core of every decision we make here at The School, we were compelled to expand our curriculum to better fit the changing needs of our incoming student body," stated Bob DeColfmacker, President of The Landing School. "With this second start we are proactively offering more options for both our students and the marine industry as a whole by educating qualified graduates more frequently throughout the year."

Yacht Design Curriculum

The Yacht Design program teaches the technical design process for both power- and sailboats from concept through preliminary design. Throughout the year the scope of the studies are supported and extended through lectures by industry experts, field trips and case studies reviews on business practices and client relations. Students spend much of their time preparing preliminary designs for safe and practical small craft. As a final project, each student prepares a complete set of plans and calculations covering all aspects of the design for his or her own choice of a sailboat, powerboat or commercial craft. A student's designs comprise a portfolio that he or she may use to demonstrate his or her skills and experience when seeking employment. This program also offers an Associates degree option.

The following modules are taught through lecture and lab work as part of the Yacht Design program:

* Design

* Strength of materials

* Two-dimensional computer-aided design

* Topics in design

* Three-dimensional computer-aided design

* Construction techniques

Wooden Boat Building Curriculum

Students in the Wooden Boat Building program are taught construction methods through formal lectures, field trips and hands-on projects. Students are divided into teams to build several small boats under the supervision of an instructor. These teams are responsible for all aspects of construction from lofting to sea trials.

There are two boat construction projects during the year. One construction project is a small (13´ to 16´) epoxy-glued lapstrake boat. Students loft, or draw, these craft at their full size in order to develop the shapes and angles needed to build the stem, keel and molds. Each team of builders constructs a mold, planks a boat, builds and installs all parts-rudder, keel, tiller, breasthooks, etc.-and paints and/or varnishes the interior and exterior. The second construction project teaches an alternative building method, Carvel construction. The boats are built using Carvel planking on steam-bent ribs. Wooden spars are included in the construction process. Students also fit out the boat with hardware and rigging. This program also offers an Associates degree option.

The following modules are taught both in the classroom and in the lab as part of the Wooden Boat Building program:

* Tools, safety and shop practices

* Lofting

* Materials and selection

* Mold construction

* Internal structures

* Woodworking techniques

* Joinery

* Construction techniques

* Surface preparation and finishes

* Installing engine/electrical components

* Rigging and hardware

"I am delighted that we can offer this opportunity to our students," said Ken Rusinek, Director of Education at The Landing School. "The addition of a second start to our program roster is a win-win situation for students and the marine industry which has a high demand for skilled employees. In addition, this launch will help us achieve our goal of continuing to expand on The Landing School's impressive curriculum while maintaining our focus on educating the most qualified marine industry professionals in the nation."

Space for these programs is limited therefore prospective students are asked to contact The Landing School as soon as possible to inquire about admission. In addition, The Landing School will be holding an open house January 6, 2012, from 10am-3pm for those who would like to tour The School. For more information contact Kristin Potter at 207-985-7976, KristinPotter@landingschool.edu.

About The Landing School

Headquartered in Arundel, Maine, The Landing School is a full-time, accredited post-secondary school that blends education in modern yacht design, boatbuilding and marine systems technology under one roof. Founded in 1978, The School's inaugural program focused on a Wooden Boat Building program. Today, the school has grown to incorporate certificate and Associates degree curriculums in five programs: Wooden Boat Building, Wood Composite Construction, Composite Boat Building, Marine Systems and Yacht Design. The Landing School's driving force is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing graduates with the skills and understanding necessary for current employment opportunities and future career growth. The Landing School is also approved as an institution of higher education by the Maine State Approving Agency for Veterans Education Programs. For more information about The School and their programs, please visit www.landingschool.edu.

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