WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Mark Bayne started his boat building career as the first student in the Cape Fear Community College boat building class back in 1977. Today, he's back in the classroom as a teacher.
Bayne left Wilmington and spent 26 years as a professional boat builder. His job took him all over the place including Puerto Rico and Mexico. But when he found out that his alma mater needed a new instructor, the history brought him back. "It still feels like my shop," said Bayne. "I always felt connected."
Bayne was part of the inaugural class at CFCC more than 35 years ago. In fact, he even laid the groundwork in the shop that is still used today. "We built the benches, laid down the wooden floors, and even made some of the tools back then too," said Bayne.
Now, Bayne is enjoying being the teacher in the same shop where he was once a student. "It's kind of neat coming back after all those years," said Bayne. "Now, I get to teach and pass along some of the tricks of the trade and show people what it's like not just building boats, but trying to make a living building boats."
Bayne's class is preparing for the Cape Fear Community College Boat Show which takes place on April 20th on the downtown riverfront.
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