The 62nd annual Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days will take place on Sunday, June 23 through Saturday, June 29. This year we will celebrate our local boatbuilders and shipwrights. Please visit boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org for the full schedule of events.

Andy Tyska's career in the marine industry began in Fox Lake, Illinois, where he worked on small boats. His passion for boats and boatbuilding was evident, leading him to pursue skills in design and engineering. Andy graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in naval architecture and marine engineering, co-founding the engineering and design firm Bristol Harbor Group. These experiences laid the groundwork for an impactful journey in marine industry.

Andy’s career has been shaped by working with industry legends in the Bristol, Rhode Island, boatbuilding community. During his time working for Halsey Herreshoff, he learned from the grandson of the famous Nathanael Herreshoff much about the boatbuilding and manufacturing process. This early mentorship shaped Andy's approach to boatbuilding, as he connected and learned from other prominent figures like Barrett Holby, Eric Goetz, Kim Roberts, and John Merrifield.

One of the most significant influences on Andy's career was Ted Hood, with whom he worked alongside with Ted Fontaine and Matthew Smith on the design of custom sailing and power yachts and the development of the Whisperjet Powerboat Series. The insights and expertise gained from these experiences helped Andy refine his boatbuilding philosophy, blending tradition with modern techniques.

In 1998, Andy founded Bristol Marine, allowing him to further connect with the boatbuilding and restoration traditions in Rhode Island. Upon expanding Bristol Marine operations to Somerset, Massachusetts and Boothbay Harbor, Maine a network of skilled craftsmen was created to take on any project, from tallships to tenders. At Bristol Marine, he collaborated with some of the most skilled boatbuilders, working on a variety of projects that spanned both fiberglass and wood construction. His experience in various aspects of boatbuilding includes the completion of a 34-foot fiberglass sailboat and the design and production of the
Bristol Harbor 21, leading to dozens of completed boats on the water. Other notable projects are the restoration and conversion of a 1911 40-foot wooden launch, and the new construction of a classic Peapod using modern techniques. It was a career defining event to play a part in the the restoration of the Ernestina Morrissey that was reborn at Bristol Marine’s Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor of several years.

Andy is currently involved in the completion of the second Bristol 30 in a three boat series. This project is significant as it carries on the vision and efforts of other local boatbuilders and connects the skills and expertise of craftsmen from each Bristol Marine facilities. Andy Tyska is proud to be part of a team of incredible, passionate, and committed individuals that each play a part in the collaborative effort necessary to build and restore boats. His commitment to bringing unique boatbuilding projects to life is a testament to his passion for the craft and dedication to the boatbuilding community.