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A Message from our Executive Director
June brought the energy that defines summer at Chapman. Our docks and classrooms are full, our youth programs are in full swing, and the school is doing exactly what it was built to do — putting people of every age safely and confidently on the water.
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This month, we welcomed hundreds of young people to campus for our summer youth programs, congratulated our latest Marine Survey students as they completed their training, and continued building new programs that keep Chapman's instruction current with the needs of the marine industry. We also moved forward on long-term campus improvements that will protect our waterfront and serve students for decades to come.
None of this happens without our instructors, staff, students, families, donors, and our business and community partners. Thank you for continuing to support practical, hands-on maritime education and a safer boating community.
As we head into July, we also pause to celebrate a remarkable milestone — the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence. For two and a half centuries, America's waterways have carried explorers, tradesmen, defenders, and dreamers, and our maritime heritage is woven into the very story of this great country. At Chapman, we honor that legacy every day by preparing the next generation of mariners who will navigate America's waters for years to come. From all of us at Chapman, we wish you and your family a safe and happy Independence Day. Here's to 250 years — and to many more.
Warm Regards,
Jim Allen
Executive Director
j.allen@chapman.org
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Remembering Jeff Futch: A Life Well Lived on the Water
The boating community mourns the passing of Jeffrey E. Futch, a beloved figure whose passion for boating and the water touched so many lives. Jeff's loss is deeply felt — not only by those who knew him personally, but also by the broader maritime community he helped shape.
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Jeff embodied everything Chapman stands for: a love of the sea, a commitment to safety, and the belief that life on the water is something worth sharing. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his impact on our community is immeasurable.
To honor his memory and ensure his legacy lives on, the Jeffrey E. Futch Maritime Scholarship Endowment has been established at the Chapman School of Seamanship. This endowed scholarship will open doors for aspiring mariners, supporting maritime education, boating safety, and stewardship for generations to come.
We invite you and those whose lives he touched to consider contributing to this lasting tribute. Donations may also be made by mail to Chapman School of Seamanship, 4343 SE St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart, FL 34997. Please indicate “Jeffrey E. Futch Maritime Scholarship Endowment” with your gift.
For more information, contact Renee Booth, CFRE, at r.booth@chapman.org or 772-233-0362.
With appreciation,
Renee Booth
Director of Development
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Program Milestone:
Congratulations to our Yacht & Small Craft Surveying Class 05-26
Chapman congratulates the students who completed our Yacht & Small Craft Surveying program this month. Over an intensive course of study, these students built real expertise in evaluating vessel condition, systems, and documentation, and in communicating findings clearly and responsibly.
Marine surveying demands technical knowledge, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail. We're proud of the discipline this class showed and look forward to seeing the mark they make across the marine industry.
Congratulations to our newest Chapman graduates.
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New for the Industry:
A Hybrid Yacht & Small Craft Surveying Course
Chapman is developing a new hybrid Marine Survey course that combines online learning with the hands-on, on-the-water instruction we're known for. The hybrid format is designed to make professional survey training more accessible to working adults and students outside our immediate area.
The first module is scheduled to roll out in December 2026, with the full course available in June 2027. Watch for enrollment details in the coming months.
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Summer Youth Programs
A Full House on the Water
Summer is Chapman's busiest and most meaningful season, and our campus is alive with young people learning to operate a boat, follow safety procedures, read the basics of navigation, and respect life on the water. For many, it's their very first time at the helm.
These programs build far more than boating skills — they build confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and good judgment, the qualities that create safer boaters and stronger future mariners. As always, our commitment to environmental stewardship continues through our partnership with the Hobe Sound Nature Center, which delivers environmental education as part of our summer youth experience.
We're thrilled to welcome 244 students and their families to campus this summer.
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Recreational Boating:
Safe Boating Saves Lives
With summer boating season in full swing, recreational boating education is one of the most important ways Chapman serves the community. Last year, Florida recorded 51 boating-related fatalities and 694 reportable boating accidents — many of them preventable with the right training.
Chapman's recreational courses build practical confidence through instruction in safe boat handling, docking, line handling, situational awareness, navigation basics, rules of the road, and emergency response. Whether you're new to boating or sharpening existing skills, training before a busy summer makes every outing safer and more enjoyable.
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Tech Tips from Yamaha Master Technician, Shane Bowlin
Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Bottom Paint
Choosing the right bottom paint protects your hull, your performance, and your wallet. Here's the quick breakdown:
Ablative (self-polishing) paint wears away gradually as the boat moves through the water, constantly exposing fresh biocide. It won't build up heavy layers over the seasons, and it keeps working even after the boat sits, making it a strong choice for boats used intermittently or hauled and relaunched. The trade-off: it can wear faster on high-speed or frequently run boats, and heavy scrubbing removes paint.
Non-ablative (hard) paint cures to a tough, durable film that stands up to scrubbing and fast running, which makes it popular for high-performance boats and vessels that stay in the water and get cleaned often. The trade-offs: it can lose effectiveness once exposed to air for a stretch, and old coats build up over time and eventually need sanding or stripping.
Bottom line: Match the paint to how you use the boat. Intermittent use and seasonal haul-outs lean ablative; fast boats kept in the water and cleaned regularly often do better with hard paint. When in doubt, ask a qualified yard about what holds up best in our local waters — and always follow the manufacturer's prep and application instructions.
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Safe Boating Tip:
Beat the Heat - Sun, Hydration & Your Crew
Summer on the water means real sun exposure. Bring more water than you think you need, use sunscreen and UV-protective clothing, and watch your crew for signs of heat exhaustion. Pair it with the fundamentals every trip: file a float plan with someone on shore, check the weather and fuel, confirm life jackets and safety gear, and activate the tracking function on your phone. A few minutes of preparation make a major difference on the water.
When it comes to sunscreen, the product you choose matters — for your crew and for the water you're floating on. That's why Stream2Sea is the Official Sunscreen of Chapman School of Seamanship. Their products are consciously made, feature a lower-impact formulation, and are designed to minimize ocean impact — a fit with everything we teach about safe boating and protecting our waterways.
Chapman supporters can shop through our partner page and use code CHAPMANSCHOOL at checkout for 20% off. Stream2Sea will donate a portion of every purchase back to Chapman to support our mission. Protect your crew, protect the water, and support maritime education in one step.
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Leave Your Legacy on the Water
Donate-to-Lease
For alumni and supporters looking for a meaningful way to give back, Chapman's Donate-to-Lease Program turns vessel ownership into lasting impact. Rather than letting a boat sit idle or become a burden, you can donate a qualifying vessel to Chapman, where it helps support maritime education, workforce development, scholarships, and hands-on training for the next generation of mariners and marine technicians.
It's more than a boat donation — it's a way to strengthen the marine industry, expand Chapman's “Learn at the Helm” curriculum, and support boating safety programs for years to come.
Now Available Through the Program:
2023 32' Boston Whaler · Twin Mercury 400s · Under 300 Hours
A standout vessel is currently available through our Donate-to-Lease Program: a 2023 32' Boston Whaler powered by twin Mercury 400s with under 300 hours. Flexible lease-to-own terms make it attainable:
• 30% down
• Lease-to-own over 3 years
• 0% interest
To learn more about this vessel or our Donate-to-Lease Program, contact Jim Allen at j.allen@chapman.org or 772-262-6069.
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Exclusive New Benefit for Chapman Students & Graduates
Chapman School of Seamanship is proud to announce a new partnership with West Marine, designed specifically to benefit our student and alumni community.
Through this exclusive Chapman Program, eligible students and graduates can now access special discounts on a wide range of West Marine products, including boating safety equipment, marine electronics, maintenance supplies, apparel, dock lines, and other on-the-water essentials.
These savings go beyond standard retail promotions and are even greater than the discounts offered through West Marine’s Pro customer program, giving Chapman graduates a valuable advantage as they continue their boating careers and adventures.
Whether you're outfitting your vessel, replacing worn gear, purchasing tools for the job, or simply stocking up on boating necessities, this is a benefit worth taking full advantage of.
Enrollment is free, quick, and available now through the end of the year.
Don’t leave money on the table. Sign up now and start saving on the gear you need most.
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Investing in Our Campus
Chapman is moving forward on major waterfront improvements, and we're pleased to share that our new seawall and floating docks are near completion. These upgrades protect our training waterfront and keep our hands-on instruction safe and accessible for students for years to come. We're grateful to the partners and supporters helping make these long-term improvements possible.
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Stay Connected With Chapman!
Chapman School of Seamanship continues to grow because of the students, alumni, families, donors, employers, and community partners who believe in practical maritime education.
Thank you for helping us prepare safer boaters, stronger technicians, more confident youth, and the next generation of marine professionals.
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