Contact: Caroline Chetelat at ABYC
(410) 990-4460,
x22
cchetelat@abycinc.org

Westlawn Holds “Mystic Meet”
Rod Johnstone Talk Highlights Third Annual Student
Gathering
September 3, 2008, Annapolis, MD: The
Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology held its third annual “Mystic Meet”
July 26 – 27, 2008 in Mystic, Connecticut. Westlawn, the world’s only
accredited distance-learning institution teaching boat design and related
subjects hosts this annual event to allow students and teachers the opportunity
to interact face-to-face at the Westlawn home office situated on the campus of
the historic Mystic Seaport Museum. Attending were 41 students and guests from the United States
and abroad.

Rod Johnstone presenting to a rapt Westlawn audience
Students participated in
several activities over the two days, including a tour of Mystic Seaport’s
model collection, which features nearly every type and size of model of nearly
every type and size of boat and a tour of the Ship’s Plans Collection. There
was a cruise of Mystic River on the steamboat Sabino, with a brief visit to the
engineroom and time to see the Seaport’s regular collection of boats on view.

Students examining plans at Mystic Seaport’s Ships
Plans Library
A major highlight of the
event was a presentation by Rod Johnstone, who is the founder, original
designer and the driving force behind J-Boats. Rod is also a Westlawn alumnus,
and discussed the history of J-Boats, recounted some his personal sailing
experiences and answered questions. Rod’s talk was followed by one-on-one
critiques and review of student drawings, followed by a question and answer
period. Discussion ranged from the practicality of tractor-kite sails, to
drafting technique, the importance of weight calculations and detailed
specifications, to the future of the boating industry.

Mystic Seaport’s Sabino, with the Seaport’s
Marshall Catboat on the left.
Dave Gerr, Westlawn Director said, “Rod’s presentation was
riveting and we were honored to have him as a speaker. Students enjoyed all
the activities and were reenergized and excited by the Meet. Universally
everyone who attended expressed that we have to do this again next year!”
For students who weren’t
able to attend, students will have another opportunity to meet Westlawn
Director Dave Gerr and Instructor Stu
Waring at the Westlawn booth at IBEX, 2008. Westlawn students get free
admission and half-price on all seminars.
Mystic Seaport – The Museum of America and
the Sea – is the nation’s leading maritime museum presenting the American
experience from a maritime perspective. Located along the banks of the historic
Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut, the Museum houses extensive collections
representing the material culture of maritime America and offers educational
programs from preschool to post-graduate. For more information, call (888)
973-2767 or visit www.mysticseaport.org.
Founded in 1930, the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology is
the only nationally accredited and state-certified distance-learning school of
small-craft design in the United States. As the not-for-profit educational affiliate of the American Boat and Yacht Council, the mission of
the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology is threefold:
■ To provide our students with the skills and knowledge
required to build a rewarding career in the profession of yacht and small-craft
naval architecture.
■ To support continued growth of the
recreational and small-craft marine community through the development of
well-trained, safety-oriented, boat designers developing better products for
the benefit of the boating public.
■ To provide continuing education to marine-industry
professionals.
To learn more about
Westlawn, please call (860) 572-7900 or visit the Westlawn website at: www.westlawn.edu.