ROCKLAND — The Apprenticeshop, located at 655 Main Street in Rockland, is celebrating 50 years of inspiring personal growth through craftsmanship, community and traditions of the sea. During the week of July 17-23, The Apprenticeshop will invite former apprentices, staff, board members, as well as the public to commemorate this milestone with free and family-friendly activities on the water and in its boatshop.

Free evening events kick-off on Sunday, July 17, with a “Party on the Pier” from 5 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, the “Sail Cinema,” from 9 - 11 p.m., offers a unique opportunity to watch a “drive-in” style movie from the water.

After an “Untradtional Regatta” on Wednesday afternoon, there will be a Texas BBQ at the water’s edge.

Thursday evening features the only ticketed event, “Honoring our Past, Stewarding our Future”, which will celebrate all those who have contributed to keeping The Apprenticeshop vital for 5 decades as well as efforts to pass on the rich history and traditions to future generations.

The week culminates in a Free Friday Community Sail, from 5 - 7:30 p.m., followed by Pizza from Uproot Pie Co (to purchase).

Saturday evening, from 5 - 6 p.m., will feature the drawing of the winning ticket in the Susan Skiff Raffle as well as closing bids on a silent auction, followed by a closing bonfire. Daytime events between 12 and 5 p.m. include free sailing for youth and adults, shop tours and demonstrations, and opportunities to participate in building a traditional Portuguese Sardine Carrier as well as a floating sculpture.

There will also be an interactive exhibit showcasing 50 years of The Apprenticeshop at the Steel House South Gallery next door.

Musicians including Pen Bay Pan, Robin Lane, the Gawler Sisters, Trapper Haskins, and Kate McCann of Skylark, and Split Willow will provide evening entertainment throughout the week.

“Boats are powerful vehicles for self-discovery, connection and exchange,” said The Apprenticeshop, in a news release. “Internationally renowned, since 1972 The Apprenticeshop has been steadfastly preserving the cultural tradition of Maine boatbuilding while employing the hands-on, collective experience of building and sailing as platform for personal empowerment and community growth. First in Bath, then in Rockport and Nobleboro, The Apprenticeshop finally settled in its current location on Main Street in 1998 when apprentices and staff renovated and moved into a former Rockland lime kiln livery stable, which continues to serve as its current location. Locals and people from across the world have thus convened in mid-coast Maine to learn and carry forward the traditional crafts of boat building and seamanship. Thousands of apprentices, interns, volunteers and visitors have attended its programs, and hundreds of seagoing vessels have been built or restored at the ‘Shop.”

Apprenticeshop alumni have served in positions around the Midcoast at Artisan Boatworks, Hylan & Brown Boatbuilders, Rockport Marine Inc, and WoodenBoat School among others, and as far afield as the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle, Washington and boatbuilding operations in Europe and Asia.

The Apprenticeshop is a 501(c)(3) organization and engages youth and adults via long-term apprenticeships, during and after-school programs, short workshops, summer sailing classes and Free Friday Community Sailing. Financial aid is available. To find out more about our programs or our celebration week, please visit www.apprenticeshop.org/50th-anniversary.