Jon Wilson founded WoodenBoat in September 1974 with the publication of the first issue of WoodenBoat magazine featuring the schooner SILVER HEELS. Jon assembled the magazine from his (non-log) cabin in North Brooksville, Maine. All was accomplished without electricity or plumbing, and with his telephone nailed to a tree- half a mile down the road. Taking issue #1 to the Newport Sailboat Show, he sold 400 individual copies and signed up 200 subscribers. Targeted to boatbuilders, designers, and wooden boat owners, WoodenBoat is published six times each year, and now has a circulation of approximately 100,000.
Today, 45 people work at WoodenBoat Publications, encompassing:
* WoodenBoat Magazine, produced 6 times per year, now over 30 years in publication
* Professional BoatBuilder magazine, trade magazine, over 15 years in publication
* WoodenBoat Research Library, collects nautical books, and compiles information
* WoodenBoat School, offers 1-2 week courses, teaching over 600 students each year
* The WoodenBoat Show, travels to various sites, including Newport RI, St. Michael’s MD, Mystic CT.
* The International BoatBuilders Exhibition show,premier trade show for the professional industry
* WoodenBoat.com, includes subscription services, a magazine index, Index to WoodenBoats, research materials, WoodenBoat Forum and other online resources
* WoodenBoatStore.com offering products via mail order for over 20 years, including boatbuilding plans, books, model kits, hard-to-find tools, clothing and gifts.
* WoodenBoatBooks.com publishing books on boatbuilding, design, repair, woodworking, nautical history and more.
