Witco Boat Mixed Media

I recently stumbled on to Witco style artwork and came across the piece pictured here. I’d like to try my hand at creating something similar, but wasn’t sure how to approach the boat bodies.

Can anyone identify the type of wood being used on the boats? Would hand carving be appropriate here? Stain used?

I’ve got some experience with a miter saw, circular saw, and sander, but I’m out of my element with such rounded edges. Do I just go to town with a sander? Could I achieve a similar look with a softer wood and the right stain?

More pictures are available here.