Director of the duPont Shipyard, Mystic Seaport

Walt Ansel grew up in a boatbuilding and sailing family in Mystic, Connecticut. He has made his living either on or around wooden boats for the last 30 years. Walt is currently a senior shipwright at Mystic Seaport Museum Shipyard, working on the restoration of the whaleship CHARLES W. MORGAN. From 2004 to 2008, he was the project leader for the restoration of the 61-foot Eastern-rigged dragger ROANN. While at the museum, Walt has worked on the sandbagger ANNIE, the schooner L.A. DUNTON, the steam ferry SABINO, the schooner AMISTAD, a Beetle whaleboat, and Banks dories. Before that, while self-employed, Walt owned and operated a 40’ wooden day dragger and was deeply involved in the rebuild of a 46′ Nevins yawl. During the sailing season, Walt’s patient wife Carol ignores the piles of books all over the house and an untended lawn while he is off sailing his beloved Billy Atkin cutter WINDROSE. Walt and Carol have two kids just out of college who have artistic leanings, following the family’s non-profit heritage.