Axel Schmidt

Axel Schmid is a German naval architect and small boat designer specializing in elegant, lightweight plywood craft for amateur builders, with a portfolio available through Duckworks Boat Builders Supply that emphasizes simplicity, portability, and versatility for sailing, paddling, and cruising. Born and based in Germany, Schmid's designs draw from traditional canoe and dinghy forms but incorporate modern stitch-and-glue construction techniques, making them accessible for home builders using affordable materials like okoume plywood and epoxy. Notable models include the Artemis, a 14-foot-6-inch solo sailing canoe (co-developed with Brian Pearson) that doubles as a tandem paddler with a retractable leeboard and balanced lug rig for stable downwind performance up to 6 knots; the Libelle, a 10-foot pram dinghy optimized for tender duties or youth sailing; and the Seepferdchen, a 12-foot outrigger canoe blending Polynesian influences with European precision for family outings. His work prioritizes low weight (e.g., Artemis at 65 pounds) and ease of transport, often with nesting options or demountable sections, and has garnered praise in builder forums for detailed plans, fair curves, and seaworthy handling in light chop—reflecting Schmid's philosophy of "boats that fit the builder's life," as seen in his contributions to online communities like the WoodenBoat Forum.