". . . There is a magic about the sea.  I believe if someone tries to make his life's work out of it, he will find fulfillment no other work can offer. I believe the magic will rub off on many who would never had the opportunity without the School to which I have proudly lent my name . . ."

                        Charles Frederic Chapman
                              Co-founder, 1971

The Charles F. Chapman School of Seamanship, Inc. was founded in
1971 by the late Glen D. Castle and the late Charles Frederic Chapman and incorporated in Florida in 1972.  Castle, an experienced mariner, and Chapman, the veteran boating editor of Motor Boating & Sailing and author of the best selling Piloting, Seamanship & Small Boat Handling, made an interesting combination.

Because of their love for the sea and concern for the lack of
maritime vocational training other than from four year institutions, they joined together to found the not-for-profit institution to which Chapman gave his name.       

The Chapman School began classes on board a 93' Coast Guard cutter gifted by Canadian Monks.  From humble beginnings it grew from one vessel to an 8-acre campus, from 3 students to 1,100 a year and currently has 30 vessels in its training fleet.  The Chapman School weathered a few stormy seas and has grown to become a world renowned maritime school.

From Mr. Chapman, opening doors to the marine industry, nautical
support and friendship, to Capt. Castle, adding his own salty sea flavor, to his wife Jennifer who steadied the helm by providing business sense and talented crew, the School has moved into its third decade known world wide for the ability and quality of its graduates in both our career and pleasure boating programs.