WARREN — Hoping to change some Warren residents’ landlubbing ways, a small group of town boaters want to pass down seafaring skills to youngsters wanting to row, tack, and jibe — and believe there are town resources to do it.

Warren residents Woody Kemp, Joseph DePasquale and Davison Bolster have visions of boating grandeur. Using town wharf boating slips and homemade water crafts, the trio want to start a free-of-charge communal boating program for children and adults. Those involved would make wooden boats by hand and learn to sail and row right on the Kickemuit Reservoir.

As novel as the concept is, the attempt would be a repeat effort.

Close to a decade ago the men, along with Ron Rantilla, owner of Front Rower in 30 Cutler, tried to organize a free community boating program. They wanted to make it easy for novice sailors to take a skiff out for a day, tie it up to a mooring when done, and go to bed happy with lungs filled with salt air. But the creation of the project was not as easy as imagined; the boaters hit snags.

According to Mr. Bolster, The town’s Waterfront Committee had also talked with the East Bay YMCA about moving its youth sailing program to Warren's waterfront because organizers were looking for a new home. They decided to hold off making the investment until finances were better.

"We knew how to build boats and we had the resources but there wasn't the opportunity," said Mr. DePasquale.

A changing tide

This time around, the boaters think they have a better shot at the program. Don Betts, a consultant to community boating projects out of New York, moved to Warren about a year ago. Most famous for his involvement with "Floating the Apple," a community boating project out of Manhattan that builds 25-foot wooden Whitehalls, said he is willing to work with Warren community members interested in doing something similar here. Back in New York, he guided youths to build the five-person crew racing boats.

None of the boaters are sure how to recruit people. However, once town interest is fostered, Mr. Betts is confident he can teach novice boaters how to sail and build boats. If the program launches, Mr. Betts will let others take the reins.

"I step away once it gets going," said Mr. Betts.

In Mr. Betts' experience, after the boats are built, the students practice to reach a competitive level. If they feel inclined, they race neighboring teams.

"It seems there are so many people that want to sail and race," said Mr. Betts.

Right now, he has two Whitehalls in his barn on Union Street. He is willing to use them as beginner vessels to jump start the community boating program. However, an integral part the boating programs is the building of the boats, said Mr. Betts. In New York, children alongside adults made the vessels in an open glass storefront that showcased the process to passers-by.

"It drew people in walking by," said Mr. Betts.

He said the fastest he has seen two Whitehalls completed was three months. The longest was six years. Ideally, he would like to rent out a space with a big glass window on Main or Water streets to build them.

"The old knitting factory or the Tavares Building would be great," said Mr. Betts.

The boaters would like to see a program similar to "Floating the Apple" work in Warren because of the technical skills and discipline it could foster in children.

"We want to broaden their spectrum of skills. The water teaches so many things in life," said Mr. DePasquale.

Mr. Bolster said the program could work in a number of ways and could include partnerships with other area boating organizations, such as rowing or sailing clubs, boat builders, museums and yacht clubs.

Maritime past

Mr. Kemp said that decades ago, it was a lot easier to get into boating. Comparatively, boat yards are scarcer and private moorings are costly. A community program of this kind, he said, would bridge the gap between those with sea legs and those without.

"Today it's expensive and foreign. There are less opportunities for kids to learn. We want to make it available for everyone.”