If you are in the New England area, and you can wait until September, the Annual Newfound Rendevouz will be the 14th, 15th and 16th and there will be many nifty wooden boats to look at, paddle, and all sorts of experts and beginners whose brains you can pick for ideas etc.

I am building a Shearwater Bairdarka from a Newfound "Kit" 3 months in and about another 2 weeks to completion. Before this, I never build anything larger than a model ship in my life. I did take a 1-day workshop at Newfound, and this helped greatly, at least with my confidence. The people at Newfound are great for giving help and advice, as is Eric Schade (the designer of the boat I chose.) Also the advice and help from this board is wonderful. All that and sitting in your OWN boat is one hell of a high!

-d