What is a Shipwright?
A shipwright is a person who builds or repairs ships as a career; an artisan skilled in one or more of the tasks required to build vessels.
What is Chipwright?
Chipwright is a business owned and operated by shipwright James Kingsawin Reed, a boat builder who specializes in repairing fiberglass, awlgrip and gel coat and light carpentry.
My name is James Kingsawin Reed. I am a 4th Generation Shipwright and Artist raised and trained in the Pacific Northwest. I am a Native American from the Tlingit Tribe who are the people of the tides. I come from Southeast Alaska, where for generations, our indigenous people have existed as mariners and canoe travelers, fishermen, hunters, gatherers, and traders. It was only natural for me to become a shipbuilder. Our Tribe has a rich heritage as craftsman and artists.
I work as an independent boat building contractor and studied boat building at Bates Vocational College in Tacoma Washington where I received a degree in Boat Building. I also have an associates degree from Northwest Indian College in Bellingham, Washington.
I have lived on a sailboat for over twenty years. SpiritHawk is a beautiful wooden Pacific Northwest Schooner that I rescued and rebuilt. She is currently undergoing a refit as I am getting her ready to sail the Caribbean next year. You can follow the refitting process on facebook @sailingspirithawk at www.facebook.com/sailingspirithawk