S H A V I N G S V O L U M E XII, N U M B E R 2
P u b l i s h e d for members o f the C e n t e r for Wooden B o a t s
M a y 1990
WANTED: A HOME FOR OUR MARITIME HERITAGE We need y o u r help in creating a perm a n e n t home a t S o u t h L a k e U n i o n for the l a s t of our historic watercraft, our educational programs on maritime heritage, a n d our artifacts a n d archives r e l a t e d to t h e m . T h e C e n t e r for Wooden Boats a n d N o r t h w e s t Seaport are at S o u t h L a k e U n i o n on a year to y e a r , cross y o u r fingers a n d hope for the best basis. It's a h e l l of a way to r u n an operation r e q u i r i n g donated funds. A n d yet, i n spite o f our l a c k o f security, thousands have freely donated t h e i r time, m a t e r i a l , a n d money to help us b u i l d t h i s v i b r a n t center o f m a r i t i m e historic preservation. Imagine w h a t we can do if we have a g u a r a n t e e d perm a n e n t address a t S o u t h L a k e U n i o n . T h e Seattle C i t y C o u n c i l i s about t o decide i f the f u t u r e S o u t h L a k e U n i o n P a r k w i l l i n c l u d e open space a n d the C e n t e r for W o o d e n B o a t s ; o r open space, the C e n t e r for Wooden Boats a n d N o r t h w e s t Seaport. T h e y c a l l the l a t t e r the " M a r i t i m e H e r i t a g e Center." W e w a n t you to let the C o u n c i l k n o w t h a t the M a r i t i m e H e r i t a g e C e n t e r should be the o n l y concept. H e r e are the reasons: •We're already here, w i t h over 100
h i s t o r i c a l l y significant vessels on d i s play, p r o v i d i n g f u n a n d education to about 50,000 v i s i t o r s each y e a r . • O u r h a n d s - o n education programs i n m a r i t i m e heritage s k i l l s are i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y k n o w n . If we don't do i t , no one else w i l l . •We cost the C i t y n o t h i n g . • O u r continued development, w i t h private money, w i l l enhance the appearance of the future p a r k , w h i c h m a y or m a y not be b u i l t in less t h a n five years. • O u r floats a n d affordable r e n t a l b o a t s p r o v i d e w a t e r access t o t h e public. O t h e r w i s e there are nine-foot steep b a n k s along the shoreline. • O u r support is widespread. D o n o r s include the O a k m e a d F o u n d a t i o n , B u r lington Northern Foundation, U n i o n Pacific F o u n d a t i o n . U . S . D e p a r t m e n t o f Interior, Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic P r e s e r v a t i o n , the B o e i n g C o m p a n y , the B u l l i t t F o u n d a t i o n , Committee o f T h i r ty-Three, Associated G e n e r a l C o n t r a c tors, U . S . N a v y Sea Bees, the Seattle Foundation, S A F E C O , U . S . West Communications, P E M C O , Northwest M a r i n e Trade Association, Seattle
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Times/Seattle Post Intelligencer, W a s h i n g t o n M u t u a l B a n k , P o r t o f Seattle, Pacific N o r t h w e s t B e l l , the Tootle Foundation, Cape F l a t t e r y Foundation, A r c h i b a l d Foundation, Daly's F i n i s h e s , Ivar's, Schwartz Brothers Restaurants, Lake U n i o n Burger K i n g , L a k e U n i o n Denny's, Foss M a r i t i m e , L a k e U n i o n D r y D o c k , Preservative P a i n t s , a n d over 200 volunteers, cont r i b u t i n g over 10,000 h o u r s . The M a r i t i m e Heritage Concept w o u l d occupy the same u p l a n d space t h a t C W B a n d N W S i s presently - about two acres of a potential 12-acre p a r k . T h e shoreline we hope to manage for public use w o u l d be 500 feet of a potent i a l 3,000. If y o u approve of w h a t we have accomplished a n d w a n t us to continue, please w r i t e o r c a l l C i t y C o u n c i l m e m bers a n d endorse the M a r i t i m e H e r i t a g e Concept for the S o u t h L a k e Union Park. George B e n s o n , T o m W e e k s , P a u l Kraabel, Jane Noland, Susan Donaldson, Delores Sibonga, Sam S m i t h , J i m Street, C h e r y l C h o w — t h e y a l l l i v e a t 1100 S e a t t l e M u n i c i p a l B u i l d i n g , Seattle, W A 98104.
HOW I SAILED FROM FINLAND TO MAINE IN TWO DAYS AND DIDN'T GET THE BLUE RIBBON It began a week earlier w h e n B o b G a r l a n d of the brokerage department o f S p a r k m a n & Stephens i n N e w Y o r k asked me to deliver a 43-ft cutter from M a s s a c h u s e t t s t o M a i n e . I t h a d been c h a r t e r e d for two weeks to a N e w J e r sey doctor. G a r l a n d k n e w me as a sailor since he h a d e a r l i e r a r r a n g e d for me to teach K e v i n a n d S e a n C a s s i d y t o s a i l t h e i r father's 1903 N Y Y C "30" rigged a s a y a w l . A p p a r e n t l y I d i d a f a i r job; both boys l a t e r became good competitors. A day l a t e r I took the e v e n i n g t r a i n from N e w Y o r k to Boston, t h e n a cab to M a r b l e h e a d , spotting the cutter Cirius anchored a few h u n d r e d feet off a dock f u l l of dinghies. At 5 a . m . I borrowed a dinghy a n d r o w e d out to a v e r y h a n d some, almost new cutter w i t h a n e w l y varnished, beautiful mahogany l a p s t r a k e d i n g h y t r a i l i n g abaft. T h e o r i g i n a l s k i p p e r h a d skipped w i t h pay i n advance, b u t there w o u l d b e a t w o - m a n crew to h e l p me. I c l i m b e d aboard carefully to see if they were sleeping. L o o k i n g down the companionway there were two n a k e d couples, one on each side of the p u l l o u t b e r t h s . The table in the center was f u l l of f i n i s h e d bottles w i t h ashtrays loaded w i t h cigarette b u t t s . I climbed gingerly back into the d i n g h y a n d rowed ashore. I found a s m a l l cafe j u s t opening for the day, h a d a b i g breakfast a n d cont e m p l a t e d the next step, w h i c h t u r n e d out to be going to the C o a s t G u a r d s t a tion to l e a r n about the weather. T h e y were most accommodating a n d assured the w i n d w o u l d h o l d steady for a few days from the southwest. It w a s a w a r m a n d nicely s u n n y day, the w i n d velocity about nine k n o t s . N e a r 9 a . m . I r e t u r n e d to the Cirius, k n o c k e d on i t s side a n d a s k e d , "Anyone aboard?" " W h a t i n h e l l d o y o u want?" T h e voice w a s r o u g h w i t h t h a t s p e c i a l crackle from too m u c h d r i n k i n g a n d s m o k i n g the n i g h t before. "I'm N i l s , y o u r new s k i p p e r , here to s a i l t h i s boat to C a m d e n , a n d we'd better get going. J u s t over two days left." " O h , s h i t , go to h e l l , we don't s a i l anywhere," came the words as a tousled h e a d w i t h bleary eyes popped u p , looki n g b u t probably not seeing me clearly. "We aren't going a n y w h e r e , not w i t h some d a m n e d foreigner as s k i p p e r . G e t the h e l l a w a y or I'll break y o u r neck." T h e m o n s t e r disappeared below. I r o w e d a w a y a second time, ponderi n g w h a t to do, l e t t i n g the d i n g h y drift, then r o w e d back to the cutter, let it drift a g a i n . These men are strange, I thought. F i r s t the o r i g i n a l skipper
refused to deliver the boat, now the two crew was doing the same. I was going a n d I wasn't even being p a i d to do i t . N e a r l y h a l f a n h o u r l a t e r two women a n d the crew emerged, got into the d i n ghy a n d rowed ashore, g i v i n g me d i r t y looks on the way. At the dock they took t h e i r gear, w a l k e d a w a y disappearing b e h i n d a b u i l d i n g , l e t t i n g the empty dinghy j u s t drift away. I h a d nasty thoughts about people l i k e t h a t b u t hadn't learned any d i r t y words in E n g l i s h yet. The gilded letters recessed in the v a r n i s h e d transom r e a d Ciriette. F o r an hour I asked a lot of people if anyone w a n t e d to s a i l to C a m d e n , b u t h a d no t a k e r s . It took about three h o u r s to c l e a n t h e mess a b o a r d , w a s h i n g dishes, a i r i n g b l a n k e t s , p i l l o w s a n d other things. T h e sole provisions were salt a n d pepper even though B o b G a r l a n d h a d stated i t was w e l l provisioned. It never occurred to me to c a l l h i m a n d ask w h a t to do. A l l I could t h i n k of was the promise to deliver the boat in time, a n d t h a t I i n t e n d e d to do. F i r s t ashore a g a i n for a few days' food, t h e n get fuel a n d water a n d have a mechanic m a k e sure the engine r a n as it s h o u l d . The s p i n n a k e r was stopped in a somewhat u n u s u a l way, s t a r t i n g from each clew u n t i l the bottom g i r t h was a l l t u c k e d i n , then the top so it looked l i k e a long stick w i t h two legs. Before l e a v i n g the two s p i n n a k e r poles were rigged, u s i n g the s t a y s a i l h a l y a r d as one topping l i f t , both poles fitted w i t h fore a n d afterguys led to cockpit. F i n a l l y one anchor l i n e was coiled on the afterdeck. The s u n w a s almost setting w h e n I motored out of the h a r b o r in a n o r t h easterly direction. W h e n f a r enough out one afterguy was t r i m m e d popping the s p i n n a k e r w h i c h billowed out ahead, a huge w h i t e balloon w i t h a cluster of blue stars sewn near the top. W i t h some m i n o r a d j u s t m e n t s o f pole positions, t h r o w i n g the anchorline out aft, m o v i n g it to the port chock, the Cirius h e l d course j u s t east of n o r t h east. In fact, except for occasional a d d i t i o n a l adjustments, it steered i t s e l f for over 36 hours. By n i g h t f a l l the w i n d abated, h e l d steady from three to five knots t h r o u g h the n i g h t . T h a t f i r s t e v e n i n g I was t i r e d since I h a d n ' t slept the night before so I sacked i n , o r you m a y say out, i n the cockpit, c u r s i n g m y s e l f for h a v i n g forgotten to b u y an a l a r m clock to wake me every h a l f h o u r to see if there was a n y danger nearby. I h a d a good night's sleep even if the teak cockpit seat wasn't a l l t h a t
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comfortable. I woke at s u n u p to the unmelodious cries of foraging seagulls. T h e next day was b o r i n g — n o t h i n g to do except prepare a n d eat food. No good books; no f i s h i n g gear. I have never understood singlehanded sailors c i r c l i n g the globe. I'd die of boredom. It was the slowest of days u n t i l near s u n set w h e n a t h u n d e r s t o r m decided suddenly to break the monotony. T h e w i n d h a d h e l d steady from the southwest, b u t the s t o r m changed a l l t h a t for an h o u r . It suddenly began to blow quite h a r d from the northwest, collapsing the s p i n n a k e r , b u t before I h a d a chance to figure how to douse i t , it f i l l e d a g a i n a n d the course changed to the southeast, the speed now p i c k i n g up to eight or n i n e k n o t s . T h e n the w i n d died suddenly a n d came back from the southwest at perhaps 15 to 18 knots a n d I was back on course. By darkness the s p i n n a k e r was barely f l y i n g , the wind but a whisper. I h a d been l u c k y since the center of the storm passed w e l l ahead on i t s way to F i n l a n d or someplace in that direct i o n , b u t by t h i s t i m e I began to worry about my position. W h e r e was I? The r e a l i z a t i o n t h a t over confidence h a d b r o u g h t m e o u t alone nagged. J u s t w h a t c o u l d h a v e h a p p e n e d h a d the s t o r m center come directly into my path? A lost costly s p i n n a k e r , a mast, disaster? I d i d n ' t k n o w , b u t a lesson was l e a r n e d . U n f o r t u n a t e l y I h a d not w r i t t e n down t i m e s a n d speeds, j u s t stored them in my head, but trying to recall it wasn't easy—another mistake. I f i g u r e d I w o u l d come alongside M o n hegan I s l a n d sometime after m i d n i g h t if my course was correct, so another watchful n i g h t in the cockpit. Spooked twice was enough; I didn't w a n t to r i s k more problems. At exactly 3 a.m. I woke to a loud s p l a s h , w a t e r cascading into the cockpit a l l over m e . T h e n it was quiet. I was s h i v e r i n g as I h a d fallen asleep w i t h n o t h i n g on b u t a p a i r of shorts, now totally wet l i k e the r e s t of me. I h a d , of course, h e a r d of various creatures at sea, b u t never t h a t a n y t h i n g b i g would come t h a t close; perhaps I was near some rocks, I thought, as I scanned the v i c i n i t y a n d saw n o t h i n g . A f t e r c a l m i n g down I went below, put on some c l o t h i n g a n d made coffee. T h e n back u p o n deck b u t s t i l l nothing. The compass h a d the r i g h t numbers a n d by t h i s time it was too l i g h t to see a n y stars w h i l e the h o r i z o n was j u s t a b l u r . N o t t h a t stars w o u l d have helped, except t e l l me some general direction
w i t h o u t assurances other t h a n they could be seen. A b o u t 6 a.m. I thought I s a w l a n d to the northwest. T h e n s o m e t h i n g w h i t e to the west, b u t the l a n d disappeared a n d the w h i t e k e p t m o v i n g i n the early s u n in the same direction I w a s going. T h e n about n i n e a huge motoryacht overtook me as I was f r y i n g some bacon a n d eggs below. As they passed to port, at least two p a i r s o f b i n o c u l a r s t r a i n e d o n the Cirius w i t h m e p e e k i n g a t t h e m through the ports. It was a game to m e . A f t e r a l l , they were j u s t some s t i n k p o t ¬ ters (a w o r d I l e a r n e d m u c h later) in a huge yacht a n d wouldn't k n o w a n y t h i n g about s a i l i n g . I guess t h i s is something about differences—differences b e t w e e n those who " s a i l " w i t h engines a n d those u s i n g the w i n d s . B o t h t h i n k they are better i n some ways. N o w after over fifty years of experiencing both, b o t h are r i g h t a n d n e i t h e r is r i g h t , a n d I have settled on motorsailers to give me the comfort of power a n d a b i l i t y to s a i l , albeit in a reduced w a y regardless o f w h i c h . F o r an i n s t a n t , however, I w i s h e d I h a d been a passenger on t h a t motoryacht. The yacht circled back a n d came up astern, a uniformed crewman holding a long boathook over the bow r a i l . Cirius' lifelines ended j u s t aft of the cockpit a n d w h a t the m a n i n t e n d e d to do wasn't clear. J u s t as h i s hook was about to touch the deck I j u m p e d out a s k i n g , " W h a t d o you want?" H e r e a r e d back a n d disappeared from sight, the yacht slowing down. T h e y came alongside about fifty feet away. I could see the c a p t a i n in a neat u n i f o r m w i t h a w h i t e cap a n d at least three other crew members i n u n i f o r m . T h e port r a i l was l i n e d b y about t e n well-dressed people, the m e n i n blue blazers, w h i t e s h i r t s , ties, a n d white slacks. T h e l a d i e s i n t y p i c a l "yachty" dresses of t h a t t i m e a n d a few c h i l d r e n i n white s h i r t s a n d blue B e r m u d a shorts. I w a s the only b u m w i t h d i r t y shorts, t o r n sneakers, a n d a l i g h t stub o f b e a r d u n d e r a n uncombed h e a d . "Ahoy there," called a corpulent m a n , obviously owner of the f l o a t i n g palace. " A h o y there," I r e p l i e d , w o n d e r i n g if t h i s was the w a y A m e r i c a n s greeted each other at sea. " A r e y o u alone?" he c a l l e d . "Yes," I r e p l i e d . "Where are y o u going?" he a s k e d . To C a m d e n , " I r e p l i e d . W h e r e are y o u from?" he a s k e d . "Finland," I replied. " O h my," a w o m a n at h i s side v e n t u r e d . " A l l alone, a l l the w a y from F i n land."
"See y o u i n C a m d e n , " the m a n y e l l e d as the huge yacht gained speed a n d soon disappeared to the n o r t h in the m o r n i n g haze. N o w I k n e w I was on course a n d in open waters, so I r e t u r n e d below to f i n i s h m y bacon a n d eggs. It was late afternoon w h e n I took the t i l l e r for t h e f i r s t t i m e since M a r b l e h e a d a n d headed Cirius i n t o the bay c r a d l i n g C a m d e n , M a i n e , a s m a l l sleepy N e w E n g l a n d town r e s t i n g o n the E a s t e r n shores of Penobscot B a y . O n l y t h i s afternoon i t wasn't v e r y quiet. It sounded as if the l i t t l e h a m l e t h a d been i n v a d e d by a horde of people a l l c a l l i n g l o u d l y for me to r u s h to the dock. I w a s , however, s a i l i n g a 43-foot double-headed cutter alone, s p i n n a k e r f l y i n g , w i t h a l l k i n d s o f l i n e s a n d ropes to clear after I doused the s a i l , hopefull y w i t h o u t getting i t wet. T h i s was the first time I h a d experienced n y l o n a n d didn't k n o w water wouldn't h u r t i t . In the lee of the point I got the t h i n g d o w n a n d bagged, a n d a s the boat drifted in the gentle breeze, I stored the two poles, coiled a n d p u t a w a y a l l l i n e s a n d h a u l e d the a n c h o r l i n e I h a d towed astern a s m y auto-pilot. A f t e r a l l was i n order four cotton fenders were h u n g a n d m o o r i n g l i n e s made ready, t h e n the engine was s t a r t e d and I headed t o w a r d s the crowded dock, people c h e e r i n g a s I got c l o s e r . W h y , I wondered? It confounded me t h a t a spot h a d been cleared for the Cirius w h i l e the rest of the long dock h a d up to five-deep rafted boats of a l l types a n d sizes. I'm proud I docked quite s m a r t l y , b r i n g i n g the boat to w i t h i n two feet from the dock, stopping it a n d the engine, t h e n t h r o w i n g the spliced ends of m o o r i n g l i n e s to the dozens of people t r y i n g to h e l p , a s k i n g they b e looped a r o u n d piles or cleats so I could r e t a i n control a n d t i g h t e n l i n e s f r o m boat. C o m m u n i c a t i o n was a b i t difficult because E n g l i s h was s t i l l new to m e . A m e r i c a n s , I soon found out, were the most t r u s t i n g people i n the w o r l d . T h e y u s u a l l y p u t the spliced e n d on a cleat aboard a n d t h r e w the b i t t e r end to some " l a n d l o b s t e r " ashore, r e l i n q u i s h i n g control t o a n u n k n o w n a n d often less t h a n knowledgeable shoreperson. N o t m u c h different t h a n w h a t they do in i n t e r n a t i o n a l politics, I found out over the years. H e l p f u l , but...? W h e n the cutter was properly docked I was asked to c l i m b a s h o r e — a task made easier by m a n y helpers as it was low tide a n d about five feet up to dock l e v e l . There a n elderly m a n (remember I was j u s t 23 in 1948) dressed in a d a r k s t r i p e d s u i t a n d a f u n n y old-fashioned s h i r t a n d tie gave a short t a l k . T h e o n l y 3
words I understood were "welcome," " C a m d e n , " a n d " A m e r i c a . " H e handed me a paper w i t h some sort of seal on i t , s h a k i n g m y h a n d vigorously. T h e n began a parade of people f i l i n g by, a l l w i t h some p l e a s a n t words I didn't understand. I flushed like a cooked lobster w h e n a y o u n g beautiful g i r l t h r e w h e r a r m s a r o u n d m y neck a n d k i s s e d m e passionately. H e r e I was, u t t e r l y confused, clad in a p a i r of d i r t y shorts a n d a torn s h i r t , s m e l l i n g due to l a c k of a shower, greeted by officialdom a n d a l l k i n d s of y a c h t s m e n as a s m a l l h e r o without the faintest i d e a of the r e a s o n . Up on t h e r o a d l e a d i n g to the dock a band began p l a y i n g as an elderly w o m a n took my a r m g u i d i n g me to a long table l a d e n w i t h a l l k i n d s o f food a n d d r i n k . G l a s s e s were f i l l e d , toasts made. I was more confused t h a n ever. T h e n a m a n poked a microphone at m e a s k i n g h o w m y t r i p h a d been? "Good," I s a i d . " H o w was the weather?" he asked. "Good," I r e p l i e d . " H o w was the w i n d ? " he a s k e d . "Good," I answered. " H o w long d i d it take?" he a s k e d . "Two days," I s a i d . "Two days!" he exclaimed. " H o w could y o u do it?" " E a s y , " I r e p l i e d . "Is n o t f a r from Marblehead." A t f i r s t there was total silence, then p a n d e m o n i u m as the g a t h e r i n g began to r e a l i z e it was a l l a hoax. Everyone spoke, y e l l e d , t a l k e d , a n d some began laughing loudly. T h e n the m a n i n the striped suit grabbed my a r m a n d l e d me a few paces a w a y followed by a dozen other m e n , a l l w i t h new serious f a c i a l expressions. T h e owner of the motoryacht asked, " W h y d i d y o u say y o u were from F i n l a n d when we passed you near M a t i n i c u s Island this morning?" He didn't look h a p p y . "I am f r o m F i n l a n d , " I r e p l i e d . " B u t I s a i l from M a r b l e h e a d to b r i n g boat." A t f i r s t h e looked perplexed, then began t o l a u g h , s l a p p i n g m y back. T h e n he t u r n e d to the crowd. " W e l l , I didn't ask where he came from, j u s t where he was f r o m , so a l l t h i s commotion is r e a l l y my own f a u l t . " T h e n he added, "Since I s t a r t e d a l l t h i s a n d p a i d for a l l the food, d r i n k , a n d the b a n d , let's have a party a n y w a y a n d l a u g h a t me." E v e r y o n e a p p l a u d e d except the s t r i p e d s u i t . H e w a l k e d u p t o me, grabbed h i s paper a n d w a l k e d a w a y i n a huff. I never k n e w w h a t that paper contained, a n d i t r e a l l y didn't matter because it ended in a n i g h t l o n g party w i t h food, d r i n k s , singing, m u s i c , a n d d a n c i n g on the dock. I sacked in j u s t as the s u n announced another day, t h i n k i n g a l l A m e r i c a n s are crazy. — N i l s Lucander
DRAGON LESSONS
MAINE PEAPOD WORKSHOP-WONDERFUL! F o r several years I h a d w a n t e d to a t t e n d one o f C W B ' s b o a t b u i l d i n g workshops. There were lots of reasons w h y I didn't. I h a d never attended a n y C e n t e r functions, a n d I didn't k n o w anyone there; the workshops seemed expensive (that was before I started b u y i n g boat l u m b e r ) ; I a l w a y s felt g u i l ty w h e n I told my wife I w a n t e d to spend more money on boat stuff. T h e r e a l r e a s o n was t h a t I was scared. " W o o d w o r k i n g experience r e q u i r e d " was w h a t the announcements s a i d . I h a d b u i l t a plywood skiff, I w a s pretty good w i t h fiberglass, b u t woodworking? N e v e r . Woodworkers made f u r n i t u r e — things where the joints fit. Besides, I w o r k e d alone, in my garage, where I h a d plenty of time to h i d e my m i s t a k e s . A l l t h a t didn't m a t t e r w h e n I s a w the " M a i n e Peapod W o r k s h o p " advertised. The peapod is a double-ended r o w i n g boat developed over 100 years ago for l o b s t e r i n g on the coast of M a i n e . It is one of my favorite boats, despite the fact t h a t I h a d never seen one. I called the C e n t e r a n d t a l k e d t o a n extremely e n t h u s i a s t i c person who t u r n e d out to b e D i c k W a g n e r . " W o o d w o r k i n g experience" was never mentioned, a n d I was on m y way. T h e instructor was E r i c Dow, of B r o o k l i n e , M a i n e . E r i c has b u i l t over 2 0 peapods (and numerous other boats up t o 3 0 feet) i n h i s own shop. H e i n s t r u c t s a t the WoodenBoat School i n B r o o k l i n e . He h a s a wonderful down-east accent, great patience, a n d (we were to d i s cover) c a l m in the face of c a l a m i t y . O u r g o a l w a s to b u i l d a 15-foot peapod o f E r i c ' s design i n eight days, l a u n c h i n g i t o n the n i n t h , s t a r t i n g from the a l r e a d y lofted l i n e s t h a t E r i c h a d t a k e n from h i s h a l f - m o d e l . W e i n t r o duced ourselves, t a l k e d about l o f t i n g for a w h i l e , a n d headed to the shop. D u r i n g the next week we l e a r n e d to w o r k w i t h one another as the boat slowly took shape. We understood, for the f i r s t t i m e , m a n y of the techniques we h a d r e a d about i n b o a t b u i l d i n g books. W e l e a r n e d w h e n precision m a t t e r e d , w h e n it didn't, a n d w h a t to do if y o u got it w r o n g . T h e r e were a few days w h e n n o t h i n g seemed to go r i g h t . We r a n out of p l a n k i n g . We h a d a chronic problem w i t h our scarf joints f a i l i n g . T h e boat seemed to be cursed. B u t w h e n disaster s t r u c k , E r i c w o u l d come up w i t h a solution a n d we went back to w o r k . O u r l e a r n i n g curve was tremendous. W e w o u l d have l e a r n e d a lot less if everyt h i n g h a d gone smoothly.
i n d u l g e d m y boat m a n i a i n p r i v a t e , i n v o l v i n g my wife a n d a few friends. H e r e were others who s h a r e d my passion. T h e y h a d b o a t s i n progress i n t h e garage or the basement, j u s t as I d i d . Wonderful! I discovered that my fears of not being up to the task were unfounded. There was a l w a y s work t h a t needed doing. We a s k e d for w o r k if we needed some, a n d for help if we needed i t . I l e a r n e d from my classmates as well as from E r i c . My confidence grew as the week went o n . L e s s a n d less I w o u l d ask i f w h a t I h a d done was O K — I a l r e a d y k n e w t h a t i t was. There were a few special moments. One of our n u m b e r backed off the dock while c a r r y i n g one end of a long p l a n k , i n s t i g a t i n g a lot of s w i m m i n g jokes. We were v i s i t e d by a photographer from the S e a t t l e T i m e s . H e a p p a r e n t l y h a d n ' t been w e l l briefed as he took one look at the students, most of w h o m h a d f u l l beards, a n d s a i d , " W h o are these guys? T h i s looks l i k e a n A m i s h town m e e t i n g ! " O n F r i d a y n i g h t w e were treated to a wonderful seafood d i n n e r prepared by C e n t e r volunteers. The week ended w i t h a l a u n c h i n g ceremony on S u n d a y . We l a u n c h e d the boat, rowed it a r o u n d a bit, took pictures, a n d said goodbye. We were proud of our boat, a n d p r o u d of w h a t we h a d l e a r n e d . T h e boat w i l l r e m a i n i n the C W B fleet for everyone to use. I hope y o u enjoy u s i n g it as m u c h as we e n joyed m a k i n g i t . A n d nobody w i l l ever notice t h a t broken d r i l l bit that I h a d to leave i n the boat. It's i n the left r a i l , near the s t e r n . . . —Ralph Merriman
A l l this may make it sound like a g r i m week. It wasn't. As we w o r k e d we got to k n o w each other. I h a d a l w a y s 4
In J u n e 1988 we purchased a wood D r a g o n c l a s s s l o o p — o u r f i r s t experience w i t h boats, beyond the W a s h i n g t o n State ferries a n d a tour of the W a w o n a . At a price of less than $1,000, Mariah needed work. G o o d m a t e r i a l s are r e a d i l y available i n W e s t e r n W a s h i n g t o n — g r e e n white oak a t F l o u n d e r B a y i n A n a c o r t e s ; white oak cut to size at Compton L u m ber; bronze screws a n d machine bolts at Doc F r e e m a n ' s a n d the Wooden Boat Shop; a n d epoxy for g l u i n g a n d coating at System 3 in B a l l a r d . We r e t u r n e d the borrowed t r a i l e r in the s p r i n g when we l a u n c h e d the boat at M i l l e r & M i l l e r B o a t y a r d in Seattle. In the process we l e a r n e d a lot w h i c h m i g h t help others. 1. E v e n w i t h three coats of epoxy before assembly on both sides a n d two coats of p a i n t after assembly, the fir m a r i n e plywood on deck h a s checked. N e x t time I'll spend the e x t r a money on mahogany or teak plywood. 2. I m i s s e d two s m a l l areas of the h u l l b e h i n d the c l a m p j u s t u n d e r the deck on the inside of the h u l l when coating w i t h epoxy, causing the h u l l to swell s l i g h t l y o n the outside i n this area. T h e whole inside m u s t be coated w i t h epoxy. 3. Do not s a n d the outside of the h u l l u n t i l a l l s t r u c t u r a l r e p a i r s are made. B e l o w the w a t e r l i n e we h a d some u n even surfaces t h a t r e q u i r e d a lot of sanding and filling. 4. A 4-1/2" angle g r i n d e r w i t h coarse paper q u i c k l y removes even years of bottom p a i n t (use protective clothing a n d m a s k s ) . C h e m i c a l p a i n t strippers are useless on the h u l l p a i n t . 5. S t e a m b e n d i n g is f u n if y o u are not b e n d i n g on a j i g . T h e springback of the ribs was so u n e v e n t h a t few could be used. Instead, I l a m i n a t e d ribs using S y s t e m 3 epoxy. 6. A D r a g o n — a t 29 feet a n d 4,000 pounds—is a good size to r e b u i l d in y o u r d r i v e w a y or b a c k y a r d . 7. T h i s size boat can be r e b u i l t w i t h a few h a n d power tools a n d a number of basic h a n d tools. A s m a l l high-speed electric d r i l l motor a n d rechargeable battery screwdriver are necessary to i n s t a l l the s m a l l (1-1/4" x 1") ribs. 8. M a n y of the r e b u i l d i n g operations require two people. T h i n k about t h a t as y o u p l a n the project. 9.1 w o u l d r e c o m m e n d t h a t someone who w a n t e d to do such a project do some s m a l l e r ones first, or take some classes in canoe b u i l d i n g , r e f i n i s h i n g , steam bending, etc. - J o h n M . S t e e d m a n , 4117 26th S W Seattle, W A 98106
YOUR TYPICAL SUNDAY BRUNCH The enjoyment of boating is i n creased i m m e n s e l y w i t h good company a n d food. P e r h a p s t h a t is the secret of the success of the C e n t e r for Wooden B o a t s . T h i s year we solved the problem of how to eat a l l y o u c a n a n d a v o i d t h a t g u i l t hangover—get together a n d r o w to b r u n c h . I w o u l d have been w i l l i n g to go in almost any weather. L u c k i l y , J o h n W a t k i n s r e m i n d e d me t h a t not everyone enjoys r o w i n g into the w i n d a n d getting wet. So at 7 a.m., S u n d a y m o r n i n g , J a n u a r y 14, J o h n a n d I h e l d a conference. W e a t h e r report for the d a y — i n the 40's, possible w i n d s a n d precip by n i g h t . O u t s i d e our windows the weather was fine. A l l systems go! 8:45 a.m., the Center's pilot gig D a n was loaded a n d r e a d y to depart. T h e crew, Sue B a l e s t r e r i , M a r y J u n e Iverson, C r a i g M i l l e r , J o y Stoner, and myself, decided to take h a l f - h o u r shifts at each position in the boat. T h o u g h p a r t l y cloudy, it was a great day to be on the water. In a d d i t i o n to our y e a r round residents—the Mallards, C a n a d a Geese a n d Coots—DoubleCrested Cormorants were i n abundance. P a s s i n g the A r b o r e t u m we noticed a p a i r of elegant T r u m p e t e r S w a n s a n d found ourselves u n d e r the careful s c r u t i n y of a B a l d E a g l e . Dan's voyage across Lake W a s h i n g t o n on c a l m w a t e r w a s easy, r e l a x i n g , a n d f u n . If only we could get our l a w m a k e r s i n t o Dan... A b o u t 2-1/2 h o u r s a w a y from the C e n t e r we were greeted by J o h n W a t k i n s , P o l l y J a c k s o n , George Stoner (and a couple of local dogs) at the K i r k l a n d public pier. T h e people f i s h i n g there probably thought we were crazy as we slowly r o w e d i n t o sight in a 19th-century-type boat. T y p i c a l l y , a boat l i k e Dan w o u l d be p u l l e d up as close to the beach as possible a n d everyone w o u l d step out i n t o the water, l e a v i n g the boat at a n c h o r off shore. H o w e v e r , not h a v i n g boots a n d not b e i n g crazy, we
THE PORTUGUESE ENXO
tied up at the pier. K i r k l a n d waterfront designers h a d obviously expected t h a t only large boats w o u l d w i s h to use t h e i r public p i e r . B u t we were prepared. We climbed out of Dan u s i n g a rope ladder D i c k W a g n e r made especially for t h i s trip. M a r i l y n a n d T h e a R i t c h i e , who often row w i t h us, provided the shuttle service to C o u s i n s , a popular, smoke-free r e s t a u r a n t , where a table was w a i t i n g . A good cup of coffee, good food, a n d good company were our r e w a r d s . A f t e r r e f u e l i n g , the new crew m e m bers, P o l l y , George, a n d J o h n , j o i n e d J o y a n d yours t r u l y a n d b i d farewell t o our b r u n c h companions. L o w clouds were h i d i n g the blue W a s h i n g t o n skies. J o h n decided to take a compass r e a d i n g , j u s t i n case. T h e south breeze was slowly p i c k i n g u p . A g a i n , everyone took a h a l f - h o u r shift at each position. We were greeted at the entrance to Portage B a y by a group of jet skiers. We didn't see the swans, b u t the eagle was j u s t g l i d i n g onto a log at the A r b o r e t u m . By now we were h e a d i n g i n t o a w i n d of about 5-7 k n o t s , r e a l l y n o t h i n g for a good crew in a boat l i k e Dan. B u t whether it was a very heavy m i s t , or a l i g h t r a i n , e v e r y t h i n g on board was wet. I n L a k e U n i o n , the w i n d was a t our back, a n d w e h e a r d t h a t w e h a d j u s t m i s s e d some heavy weather. Success! E v e r y o n e is s t i l l e n t h u s i a s tic about r o w i n g together. We expect to h a v e m o r e o u t i n g s i n the f u t u r e . I w o u l d l i k e t o t h a n k D i c k a n d the C e n ter for a l l of their support. A l s o my t h a n k s to everyone who has been out p u l l i n g a n oar. O n e more t h i n g , r e t u r n i n g f r o m b r u n c h , we were famished! Note: R o w i n g can be easy, f u n a n d good for y o u . B r i n g a friendly smile a n d j o i n u s . P r e v i o u s experience a n d great strength are not necessary. J u s t call the C e n t e r for i n f o r m a t i o n . —Victor M . Eskenazi
The enxo (pronounced en-shaw), w h i c h h a s its roots in the Stone Age, is s t i l l w i d e l y used i n P o r t u g a l . T h e m o d e r n enxo h a s a curved blade 4-1/2" wide a n d 5" l o n g . T h e c u t t i n g edge is also s l i g h t l y curved a n d ground to a 25" bevel. T h e blade is attached to a wood h a n d l e w i t h a pressed steel bracket. I've h a d an enxo for some time and have found it a h a n d y , versatile tool. Y o u can become adept after only a few hours of practice. Since the tool is used one-handed, the other h a n d is left free to h o l d the work. T h e enxo is not p r i m a r i l y a f i n i s h i n g tool. It c a n remove q u a n t i t i e s of wood, r e q u i r i n g o n l y a few passes w i t h a plane to f i n i s h . U n l i k e a p l a n e , a n enxo can cut i n side curves a n d is especially useful for overhead work a n d g e t t i n g into tight places. The enxo works best on softwoods a n d green or p a r t i a l l y dry hardwoods. A n enxo i s especially useful w h e n it's not feasible to take the work to a b a n d s a w . W i t h a factory-new blade leave the bevel a s i t i s b u t a d d a 5 ° secondary bevel w i t h a s m a l l oilstone or waterstone. A f t e r s h a r p e n i n g the tool, m a k e a g u a r d — w o o d or leather—so t h a t y o u r other tools w i l l not damage i t s edge a n d vice v e r s a . The steel of a m o d e r n enxo is too h a r d to file. If y o u damage the edge, you m u s t resort to a g r i n d e r . W h e n l e a r n i n g to use an enxo practice f i r s t on the edge of some one-inch t h i c k stock. D r a w a l i n e a n d t r y h e w i n g as close to it as you c a n get. If the wood seems to be t e a r i n g u p , reverse the direction of cut. N e x t t r y d r a w i n g a line w i t h a gentle concavity a n d h e w i n g to t h a t . P i v o t t h e tool from the w r i s t r a t h e r as y o u w o u l d s w i n g a shorthandled hammer. N e x t take a more solid c h u n k of wood a n d t r y f l a t t e n i n g one side. Y o u ' l l f i n d it often works best to work in a herring-bone p a t t e r n so y o u are s l i c i n g through the g r a i n fibers obliquely. T r e a t the enxo w i t h respect. Keep a g u a r d on the edge w h e n not in use. The enxo is not sold in the U . S . or C a n a d a . I i m p o r t t h e m directly a n d send t h e m b y m a i l o r U P S . The price i s $50 F . O . B . S a n F r a n c i s c o . P a c k i n g and postage adds $5 to $8 depending on where y o u l i v e . — S i m o n Watts 720 B a y Street S a n F r a n c i s c o , C A 94109 415-885-4183
5
CALENDAR OF EVENTS M a y 5 & 6 (Saturday & Sunday) 5TH A N N U A L PEDAL POWER POTLATCH 10 a . m . - 5 p . m . e a c h d a y A g a t h e r i n g of p e d a l powered watercraft & t h e i r designers & b u i l d e r s . A d i s p l a y & hands-on demonstration, free to the p u b l i c . M a y 18 (Friday) C W B M O N T H L Y MEETING 8 p.m., C W B Boat House A slide show, produced a n d directed by J a c k T o w n , of the 2-week odyssey he a n d 10 others took l a s t N o v e m b e r to the famous a n d infamous m a r i t i m e Meccas from N e w Y o r k t o M a i n e . J a c k w i l l coordinate slides and commentaries of m e m b e r s of the tour. J u l y 6 , 7,8 ( F r i , Sat, S u n ) 14th A N N U A L L A K E U N I O N WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL 10 a . m . - 6 p . m . e a c h d a y A g r a n d c o n c l a v e o f a b o u t 150 wooden watercraft plus talks, d e m o n s t r a t i o n s , toy boat b u i l d i n g , races, m u s i c , food a n d the gloriously w a c k y b o a t b u i l d i n g contest. J u n e 15 (Friday) CWB MONTHLY MEETING 8 p.m., C W B B o a t H o u s e " C r u i s i n g A r o u n d the S o u n d . " Stories a n d photos b y B i l l a n d L o r e t t a Somers on boats a n d folks of character they have k n o w n o n P u g e t S o u n d . J u l y 7 (Saturday) CWB'S A N N U A L AUCTION 6 p a n . - 9:30 p . m . A fresh-baked v e r s i o n of the old boat festival event. A sit-down, bid-til-you¬ drop auction with unique, exciting, outrageous objects & adventures p e r t a i n i n g to l a n d , sea, sky, & even u n d e r the e a r t h . See it to believe i t ! J u l y 20 (Friday) CWB MONTHLY MEETING 8 p.m., C W B Boat House T r a v e l s in a W i l l i t s canoe Since 1934. A slide t a l k b y J o h n a n d J e a n H e n r y o n t h e i r long-term r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h t h e i r canoe i n N o r t h w e s t waters. October 7 (Sunday) F A L L ZUCCHINI REGATTA 12 n o o n - 6 p . m . W a i t ! Don't p i c k t h a t z u c c h i n i . L e t i t a t t a i n its f u l l growth for the T h i r d A n n u a l G i a n t Z u c c h i n i B o a t Contest! Boat races, p o t l u c k l u n c h e o n , lots of good t a l k , show a n d t e l l .
CLASSIFIED SECTION
LETTERS
S N I P E O R I G I N A L Seaworthy. H u l l , t i l l e r , daggerboard, & t r a i l e r only. Y o u supply m i n o r r e p a i r s , r i g g i n g , m a s t & sails. H u l l #118! M a k e me a deal. Trade? A s k i n g $295. 206-647-2278 (Bellingham) M e l Barringer.
Dear Dick, J u s t w a n t e d to express my respect a n d appreciation for y o u r words about A l a n D e l R e y . Y o u captured the s p i r i t o f one who t r u l y loved boats a n d a l l t h a t t h a t means.
GALLEY CREW POSITION W A N T E D Seaworthy 28-yr-old female. H a r d w o r k i n g & h e a l t h y , dependable & consistent personality w i t h intense love for the sea. L o n g - & short-term considered. B r o o k 206-491-2794/733-1309.
A l t h o u g h A l a n spent h i s l a s t few years here in the P o r t l a n d a r e a , those who k n e w h i m k n e w t h a t h e t r u l y was a s a l t - w a t e r m a n . I w i s h somehow he h a d spent h i s l a s t days nearer t o i t . H i s death was a surprise to several of us who work together at the Oregon H i s t o r i c a l Society's boat shop. A l a n dropped i n from t i m e t o time a n d h e l d back on h i s u s u a l c r i t i c a l (and accurately so) r e m a r k s about our attempts at c r a f t s m a n s h i p because he too believed i n w h a t w e are t r y i n g t o do.
INTERNATIONAL ENTERP R I S E 14-foot D a y S a i l e r - 14-foot sloop, one-design class boat w i t h t r a i l e r & canvas cover. Roomy enough for 4. Responsive & self-rescuing. F i b e r g l a s s w i t h wood t r i m i n t e r i o r . E x c e l l e n t for b e g i n n e r s , yet v e r s a t i l e . $1,100 i n cludes boat, t r a i l e r & cover. Contact S u s a n Stone, 206-543-5539 M - W 9-4. F O R S A L E 18-foot W h i t e b e a r S k i f f . E x t r a strake t o r a i s e sheer, i m p r o v i n g open w a t e r c r u i s i n g a b i l i t y w i t h o u t compromising beauty or r o w i n g character. F o u r C u l l e r - s t y l e spruce oars, C a l k i n s t r a i l e r & m a n y other extras. N e w i n 1985; has h a d l i t t l e use. Y o u j u s t can't get these a n y more! $4,000? C a l l D a v e Cox at 206-453-9682. F O R S A L E G r a n d B a n k s Dory. 18'6" A e o l u s - b u i l t in 1975, plywood w/ hardwood t r i m . G a f f rigged sloop, r o w sail-motor w/ 4 hp E v i n r u d e , 9' S m o k e r spoons. N e w C a l k i n s t r a i l e r , f u l l boat cover, m a n y extras. See in Seattle from 5/20 t h r u 6/3. A s k i n g $3,500. C a l l D a l e Speroni 415-552-2426. F O R S A L E Supplies - D a c r o n fabric (6 yds) a n d K e v l a r fiber—the only spec i a l m a t e r i a l s for 14' geodesic/aerolite canoe. B r u c e C h e r r y , 206-328-4854. L I L L I E G O T S O L D . N o w I'm h u n t ¬ ing for a character s a i l b o a t , 25'-30', $ 2 0 K top. "Needs w o r k " ok. B r o o k e E l g i e 206-357-4556. EOS A classic S o u t h J e r s e y B e a c h Skiff. 18', red cedar p l a n k i n g on oak frames, gaff rigged, three s a i l s , b u i l t i n Seattle i n 1971. B r i s t o l condition. G a l v a n i z e d t i l t t r a i l e r , & Y a m a h a 2 hp o.b. motor. A s k i n g $7,200 obo. 206-64479237. F O R S A L E 1939 - 1940 22-foot g i g . $5,000 spent on new decks, p l a n k s , k e e l , seams. A l l r e c a u l k e d & seamed. N e w h u l l paint, bottom paint, new stuffing box, shaft log & b e a r i n g . O u t side r u d d e r . Comes w i t h choice of e n gine: 5 h p , 1 c y l , 1918 R e g a l ; 5.5 h p , 1 c y l , 1918 C a i l l e ; 7.5 h p , 1 c y l . 2-cycle, 1930 F a r r o ; 2 300 c u . i n . , 2 c y l . 4-cycle P a l m e r w/ reverse gears, or engines s e p a r a t e l y . B o a t w i t h one e n g i n e $5,500 or best offer. M o n t y H o l m e s , day 206-624-3995, eves 2 0 6 - 2 8 2 4 9 3 4 . 6
I remember w h e n I first saw A l a n . It was at P o r t T o w n s e n d late in the afternoon of the show. I was astonished to see t h i s b e a u t i f u l m i n i a t u r e schooner s a i l i n g out of the h a r b o r ! T h e n suddenly it c h a n g e d course. I l o o k e d about a n d f i n a l l y figured out t h a t the guy up there on the b a n k was the skipper. A l a n h a d a lot of f u n w i t h t h a t - a n d so did h u n d r e d s of other people. A l a n exhibited his talents many t i m e s a t our P o r t l a n d Wooden Boat Show. A s C h a i r m a n the past several years I counted h i s p a r t i c i p a t i o n as a b i g p l u s . People w i t h o u t a n y r e a l interest i n boats c o u l d appreciate h i s work. H e even sold some of i t , m u c h to h i s delight. It was at the f i r s t show t h a t A l a n offered s o m e t h i n g profound a n d I've never forgotten i t . H e said, "Whenever we b u i l d a boat we s h o u l d p l a n t a tree." A n d he s a i d he w o u l d supply the seedlings from h i s own source of P o r t O r ford cedar (somewhere on the Oregon Coast, he said.) O u t of respect for A l a n I am going to p l a n t a tree - at least one - in h i s honor. I w i l l propose that we members o f our new local T S C A chapter p l a n t some more as w e l l . T h a n k s a g a i n . M y wife a n d I p l a n t o be to the M a y 18th (Friday) meeting to meet once a g a i n my shipmates from the excellent N e w E n g l a n d t o u r o f last f a l l . Regards, Bob Young
MARINE SKILLS WORKSHOPS L E A R N T O "SAIL NOW" 11 a.m., every S a t u r d a y , C W B Boat House F e e : $75 per person (5 lessons) Students w i l l l e a r n to sail our classic boats in five easy lessons. One h o u r of classroom work a n d four h o u r s h a n d s on i n s t r u c t i o n w i l l enable you to s a i l our s m a l l boats. B e g i n a n y S a t u r d a y , space p e r m i t t i n g . M a x i m u m o f four students. Please c a l l ahead for reservations. M a y 11,12,13,14 T H E SALISH P E O P L E AND THEIR SKILLS S e m i n a r / C r u i s e a b o a r d the schooner Crusader F e e : $325/$350 Steve a n d D o r o t h y P h i l i p p w i l l lead you into the lifestyle of Puget Sound's first residents. Y o u w i l l s a i l on the 1926 65-foot schooner Crusader, m a k i n g nettle l i n e s , t u l e m a t , v i s i t the S u q u a m i s h M u s e u m , l e a r n canoeing techniques. Meals and workshop materials i n cluded i n fee. Co-sponsored b y C W B a n d Resource Institute. Contact C W B for i n f o r m a t i o n or to reserve y o u r place. M a y 11 - 20 BUILDINGA G R E E N L A N D KAYAK 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. e a c h day Instructor: S v e n d U l s t r a p F e e : $850/$900 E a c h student w i l l b u i l d t h e i r own canvas-over-bent wood classic E s k i m o kayak. The instructor is world renowned for h i s knowledge of G r e e n l a n d k a y a k s a n d h a s k a y a k workshops in D e n m a r k . He h a s taught over 700 people to b u i l d these boats. T h e i r ages have r a n g e d from 12 to 85. No woodw o r k i n g experience i s necessary. M a x i m u m 6 students. LOFTING WORKSHOPS 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. e a c h day (Saturday a n d Sunday) J u n e 2 & 3; or A u g u s t 4 & 5; or October 6 & 7 Instructor: E r i c Hvalsoe F e e : $115/$125 S t u d e n t s w i l l draft scale l i n e s d r a w i n g of a 12-foot d i n g h y from a table of offsets, followed by d o i n g a full-size loft. T h i s workshop w i l l enable students to read plans a n d u n d e r s t a n d the arcane mysteries of bevels, rabbet lines, deductions, a n d construction d r a w i n g s . T h i s class is h i g h l y recommended as a prerequisite for o u r b o a t b u i l d i n g workshops. L i m i t e d to 6 students.
MARINE SKILLS WORKSHOPS
MARINE SKILLS WORKSHOPS
June 2 I N T R O D U C T I O N TO WOODWORKING, F O R WOMEN 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Instructor: C h a r l i e Mastro F e e : $40/$45 T h i s session i s designed t o m e l t a w a y fears a n d anxieties about m a k i n g wooden t h i n g s . S t u d e n t s w i l l l e a r n sharpening, maintenance, a n d t e c h n i ques of u s i n g h a n d tools. B a s i c wood j o i n i n g w i l l be done. C h a r l i e M a s t r o is a professional c a b i n e t m a k e r w i t h the personality of everyone's favorite uncle. M a x i m u m 6 students.
J u l y 14 - 21; l a u n c h i n g J u l y 22 BUILDING A L A P S T R A K E B O A T 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. e a c h day Instructor: E r i c Hvalsoe F e e : $360/$400 Students b u i l d a classic r o w i n g boat. The instructor has led many C W B workshops a n d h a s wide experience in t r a d i t i o n a l b o a t b u i l d i n g . B a s i c woodw o r k i n g experience req'd. M a x . : 6.
M O R E "SAIL NOW"—EVENINGS 5:30 - 8 p.m., every weekday C W B B o a t House F e e : $100 per person (includes a 1year C W B membership) C W B ' s "Sail Now" training program offers weekday classes b e g i n n i n g J u n e 4. C o m p l e m e n t i n g the w e e k e n d classes, w h i c h started l a s t J a n u a r y , this innovative program trains students in boats 12 to 30 feet. U p o n graduation a l l students w i l l be certified t o handle sailboats a t C W B . J u n e 9 (Saturday) M O R E WOODWORKING, F O R WOMEN 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Instructor: C h a r l i e Mastro F e e : $40/$45 B y popular demand, C h a r l i e M a s t r o w i l l teach more wood joinery a n d tool h a n d l i n g for those who have t a k e n h i s Introduction to Woodworking. M a x i m u m 6 students. J u n e 16 (Saturday) M O R E WOODWORKING, F O R WOMEN A s above. J u n e 22 - 24 ( F r i d a y afternoon; a l l day S a t u r d a y a n d Sunday) LINES TAKING AND DRAFTING WORKSHOP Instructor: Dave B i l l i o n F e e : $150/$175 Accurate documentation of historic watercraft. Includes "reading" the a r tifact, m e a s u r i n g , plotting the notes, f a i r i n g l i n e s , a n d d r a f t i n g . The a i m i s to provide background a n d t r a i n i n g for m u s e u m professionals, h i s t o r i a n s , a n d related students a n d professionals i n volved with m a r i t i m e preservation. Dave D i l l i o n i s the nation's only f u l l t i m e documentation specialist. C l a s s is l i m i t e d to 12 students. 7
A u g . 11,18,25, S e p . 1, 8,15 (Sats.) WOODCARVING 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. e a c h day Instructor: T o m P a r k e r F e e : $90/$ 110 The class w i l l l e a r n the A B C ' s of c a r v i n g from a m a s t e r of the techniques a n d design. Sessions w i l l be i n c r e a s i n g ly advanced h a n d s - o n projects, w i t h m i n i m a l c h a l k t a l k . Some tools are req u i r e d . M a x i m u m 10 students. Sep. 22, Nov. 10 (1 class, 2 sessions) OARMAKING 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Instructor: R i c h K o l i n F e e : $50/$55 Students w i l l l e a r n how to design a n d b u i l d these most basic items of boat propulsion. R i c h i s a n experienced boat, spar, a n d oar b u i l d e r . M a x i m u m 1 2 s t u dents. MARLINSPIKE SKILLS Sats.: Sep. 29, O c t . 6,13,20,27 Instructor: D e n n i s A r m s t r o n g & other guest experts September 29—Unraveling the mysteries of basic sailors' k n o t s 10 a.m. to noon F e e : $10/$15 October 6—Making the monkey's fist, w h i p p i n g s & seizings 10 a.m. to noon F e e : $10/$15 October 13—Dispelling the mystique of s p l i c i n g yacht b r a i d & l a i d line 9 a.m. to noon Fee: $15/$20 October 20—Construction of m a t s 10 a.m. to noon Fee: $10/$15 October 2 7 — M a k i n g the classic rope fender 9 a.m. to noon Fee: $157$20 Classes c a n be t a k e n separately or as a s e r i e s . T h e fee for the series: $50/$70. N O T E : Fees indicate member/nonmember cost $100 refundable deposit required for all boatbuilding workshops.
SO YOU WANT TO BE AN IMPORTER! F i r s t y o u need s o m e t h i n g t o i m p o r t . I chose a Portuguese hand-adze, the enxo, a tool w i d e l y u s e d in P o r t u g a l b u t almost u n k n o w n here. N e x t y o u need a Freight-Forwarder and Customs A g e n t . T h e y e l l o w pages provided one: J . E . L o w d o n , w i t h a neat logo incorporating truck, t r a i n , plane, and ship. T h a t seemed to cover it pretty w e l l , so I called them. "A first-time importer? Lisbon to Oakland, California? Formal Entry? Y o u s a i d hand-adzes? W e l l , t h a t w i l l b e six a n d a h a l f percent customs duty p l u s .04 percent for the P o r t of O a k l a n d . T h e n you'll h a v e to p a y for an intensive customs examination. T h a t can be a n y w h e r e f r o m $75 to $250. J u s t once after t h a t i t ' s r a n d o m . " " W h a t do y o u m e a n , random?" "They p i c k i m p o r t e r s a t r a n d o m . B y computer. Oh yes, w e l l also need to have a power of attorney to h a n d l e the p a p e r w o r k , w h i c h costs $50. A n o t h e r one-time charge. A n d t h e n $82.50 for the paperwork itself, a n d $5 for l i q u i d a tion services." " T h e n we have a s n a i l problem," the voice went on unexpectedly. " Y o u m e a n things move slowly a r o u n d the docks."
" N o . H e r e in C a l i f o r n i a we have a problem w i t h s n a i l s . Imports m u s t be e x a m i n e d for s n a i l s by the D e p a r t m e n t of A g r i c u l t u r e . " " A n d w h a t do they charge?" I a s k e d feeling t h a t I now k n o w w h a t it was l i k e to be pecked to death by a duck.
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" N o charge, b u t y o u m a y have to pay to have the boxes opened. A n y w h e r e from $35 to $150." T h e n there i s t r a n s p o r t from the dock to the customs shed. A l s o w h a r fage - about $35 - more in a union-cont r o l l e d p o r t , p l u s a n o t h e r $35 for customs bond. Y o u probably won't have to pay demurrage. "So t h i s is a l l to get the goods from the s h i p to the c i v i l i a n side of customs?" " E x a c t l y . I'll get back to y o u on the a c t u a l freight charges." A n h o u r l a t e r t h i s prompt a n d efficient outfit called back. " F r e i g h t charges w i l l be $277 L i s b o n to O a k l a n d . " " F i n e , " I s a i d , feeling a l i t t l e dizzy. There is one t h i n g y o u s h o u l d k n o w - they only accept f u l l container loads." I've seen containers. They're quite r o o m y . People even l i v e i n t h e m . I thought j u s t one m i g h t absorb the entire production of the J a g u a r factory (that m a k e s the enxo) for quite a few years. " P e r h a p s y o u s h o u l d consider a i r freight i n s t e a d ? " J . E . L o w d e n suggested h e l p f u l l y . B u t t h a t i s another story. — S i m o n Watts