Formally trained as a biology teacher in his native Denmark, a New World tour brought Ejler Hjorth-Westh to the Mendocino Coast in 1982. His professional involvement with wood began here with boat building. His experience was broadened during several unconventional home building projects and honed during his two years as a student in 1990 through 1992. In succeeding years he has established his own shop with work to engage himself and a series of employees full-time. He periodically builds a particular style of boat called dog-hole dory, engaging his own students in the process.