Dear Chapman Family,

We are thrilled to introduce our new monthly newsletter! This is our way of keeping you - our valued alumni, donors, and friends—connected to everything happening at Chapman School of Seamanship.

For over 50 years, Chapman has been a cornerstone in maritime education, and thanks to your support, we continue to grow and thrive. This newsletter will bring you updates on our programs, events, and campus improvements, as well as ways you can stay involved in shaping the future of maritime training.

Whether you’re a proud graduate, a long-time donor, or a supporter of our mission, we are excited to share our journey with you and look forward to strengthening our relationship in the months and years to come.

Thank you for being part of the Chapman family. Together, we’re navigating toward a brighter future for maritime education!

Warm regards,

The Chapman School of Seamanship Team

New Leadership at Chapman

Since January 2024, Chapman School has come under new leadership. Jennifer Castle Field, who served as President of the school for over forty years, has retired.

Jennifer created a remarkable legacy, transforming Chapman from a single Canadian Coast Guard sailing vessel into the thriving institution it is today, now located on a beautiful 9-acre campus.

Her dedication and vision have left an indelible mark, and we are committed to carrying her legacy forward while continuing to grow and evolve.



Meet the Team: Jim Allen, Executive Director

Jim Allen became the Executive Director of Chapman School of Seamanship in January 2024. A retired U.S. Coast Guard Officer with over 30 years of service, Jim held leadership roles including Commanding Officer and Chief Boatswain’s Mate. During his distinguished career, he served aboard eight ships, accumulating nearly 20 years of sea time while operating in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, the Baltic Sea, and as far south as Cape Verde. His missions included icebreaking, aids to navigation, search and rescue, oil spill recovery, and maritime safety.

Since joining Chapman in 2017 as Program Coordinator, Jim has been instrumental in enhancing programs, fostering growth, and preparing students for successful careers in the maritime industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southern New Hampshire University, a Master 200 GRT Near Coastal certification, and ABYC Standard Certification.

Outside of work, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife of 35 years, Kathi, and their two children, Chelsea and Dylan. His leadership and dedication ensure Chapman continues to thrive as a premier maritime training center of excellence.

What’s New Around Campus?

This past year has been one of exciting upgrades and improvements at Chapman School of Seamanship. Some of the highlights include:

• Updating classrooms to provide a better learning environment.
• Painting and beautifying the campus with fresh landscaping.
• Repairing roadways for improved accessibility.
• Completing a new seawall to support our waterfront operations.
• Launching a brand-new, user-friendly website.

These upgrades reflect our commitment to providing students and visitors with a top-notch experience both on and off the water.



Programs Overview

Chapman School continues to offer a variety of programs for professional mariners and recreational boaters. All programs, with the exception of our recreational courses, are VA-approved, providing veterans with opportunities to further their education and skills.

Our programs include:

• Professional Mariner Training
• Yacht and Small Craft Surveyor Training
• Yamaha Maintenance Technician Certification
• Recreational Boating Courses

Course Spotlight: Yamaha Marine Maintenance Technician Program

In 2023, we proudly launched our Yamaha Maintenance Technician Program. This 9-week program provides students with the opportunity to earn maintenance certifications in Portable, Mid-Range, Inline, and V-engine systems.

The course is taught by a Yamaha Master Technician, ensuring students receive expert instruction on the latest outboard technologies.

The marine industry is experiencing a high demand for skilled technicians, and this program equips graduates with the expertise needed to excel in this growing field.

Programs in the Works

We are excited to share that we are in the process of expanding our offerings to include online courses. Our Hybrid Basic First Aid and CPR course is currently awaiting approval, and we hope to launch it soon.

Additionally, we are developing a Rules of the Road course, which will be the next online program available. These new offerings aim to make maritime education even more accessible for students everywhere.

How You Can Support the School

The Chapman School of Seamanship is a staple of the marine training industry. Going into its 54th year, Chapman has provided over 30,000 people with the training they need for their recreational or professional boating needs.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Manatee Pocket area of Port Salerno, we focus on youth, workforce development, marine trades, recreational boating, Yamaha Maintenance Certifications, and professional captain or boat surveyor development.

Our students live on campus, train in classrooms, and learn at the helm of our donated training vessels. We also operate a boat donation and sales program to help support our funding.

For more information, please contact Randi Hitchcock, Director of Development, at 772-283-8130 x105 or r.hitchcock@chapman.org.

Youth Program Sponsorships

• Support children aged 11–17 in participating in safe boating programs.
• Programs cost $400–$700 per student, and scholarships are available for deserving youth.
• Sponsorships for businesses range from $450–$40,000, including recognition opportunities.
• 2025 fundraising goal: $60,000.

Sponsorship details: https://tinyurl.com/2025youth

Grill’n’Give BBQ Fundraiser (Feb. 20, 2025)

• Our goal: Raise $20,000 to support youth boating safety programs.
• Increase attendance from 150 in 2024 to 300 in 2025.
• Sponsorships range from $500–$10,000, with benefits such as reserved tables and banner recognition.
• If you would like to purchase a ticket, click here: https://tinyurl.com/2025BBQtix

Sponsorship details: https://tinyurl.com/2025BBQ

Fairways to Waterways Golf Tournament (May 17, 2025)

• Inaugural event at The Champions Club in Stuart.
• Goal: Host up to 124 golfers and raise funds for youth programs.
• Sponsorships range up to $5,000.

See options and benefits: https://tinyurl.com/2025GolF