Shavings Volume 11 Number 5 (September-October 1989)

V O L U M E XI, N U M B E R 5

P u b l i s h e d for members of the C e n t e r for Wooden B o a t s

September-October 1989

FALL REGATTA — AN EXERCISE IN LIGHT AIR SAILING We were shrouded in fog d u r i n g the m o r n i n g , b u t the afternoon was clear a n d the weather v e r y pleasant. T h a n k s to the steady a n d determined work of the Race C o m m i t t e e , especially the course a n d buoy s u p e r v i s i n g c o n t i n gent, two race courses were ready for the p a r t i c i p a n t s . E v e r y o n e was busy, i n c l u d i n g good o l d A e o l u s , a l t h o u g h the G r e e k c o u l d not m a k e u p h i s m i n d whether to blow soft or h a r d or from w h a t direction. A t times h e rested. O n the occasions he decided to do some work, he gave the sailors an opport u n i t y to show t h e i r l i g h t - a i r s a i l i n g prowess, not to m e n t i o n t h e i r a b i l i t i e s to "sniff" w i n d shifts. Some sailors h a d t h e i r n o s t r i l s i n good w o r k i n g condit i o n ; others were h a v i n g sinus troubles.

T h e gaff rigged boats sailed once a r o u n d t h e i r course while the other classes sailed two races—once a r o u n d the long course, w h i c h i n c l u d e d a leg tenuously close to the fish nets in the northern e n d o f L a k e U n i o n , a n d the short course, w h i c h t u r n e d out to have one side w i t h some w i n d a n d another side w i t h j u s t about no w i n d . E v e r y o n e h a d a challenge.

T h e s t a r t i n g l i n e location provided a good v i e w for a l l those who watched from B o a t House. The major p a r t of the r a c i n g course was visible to a l l .

There were t h i r t e e n boats entered in three c l a s s e s — H P ( H i g h Performance), D S ( D a y Sailers), a n d G A F F E R S (GaffRigged). A boat w h i c h was the subject of a w r i t e - u p e x a c t l y a year ago in S H A V I N G S won the H P category t o n o one's s u r p r i s e , a n d a boat not k n o w n for

h e r l i g h t - a i r performance won i n the G A F F E R category—to everyone's surprise. Two beautifully restored G e a r y 18's caught the attention of the s a i l i n g enthusiasts w h e n i t was noticed t h a t t h e i r sail n u m b e r s were 276 a n d 277. S m a l l w o r l d ! J o h n G r u e n e w a l d showed off h i s n e w l y completed canoe.

T h i s boat is f r a m e d in a combination of a s h , spruce a n d oak reinforced w i t h K e v l a r s t r a n d s , w i t h a n external cover of t r a n s l u c e n t D a c r o n .

The G A F F E R S category was won b y E a r l , Celeste, a n d D a n i e l s a i l i n g our H e r r e s h o f f 12-1/2, Sara. T h i s f a m i l y k e p t the boat m o v i n g , even w h e n the wind seemingly vanished, to finish ahead o f J a n Schuetzow a n d h i s son, W i l l i a m , i n a Beetle C a t . T h i r d finisher i n t h i s class was C a r l L i n d i n h i s beautiful s t r i p p l a n k e d canoe.

The H P category was won b y G a r y N i l s e n s a i l i n g the red O K D i n g h y . G a r y lives aboard a 35-foot sloop moored in Tampa Bay, Florida. He arrived in Seattle aboard a f i s h i n g t r a w l e r w h i c h was b e i n g delivered to i t s owner in Poulsbo. It was obvious t h a t G a r y h a d h i s nostrils in fine shape—he made the r i g h t moves at the r i g h t times.

T h e DS category was the largest. We h a d two G e a r y 18s. M i k e H a h n a n d M i c k Hession brought Torpedo Rose (276) f r o m M t . V e r n o n , a n d K e n S l u s h e r from Seattle sailed 277. J o h n W a t k i n s was c o m m a n d i n g our C-Scow; B i l l V a n V l a c k w a s a b o a r d the B l a n c h a r d J r . ; Rollie W u l f f skippered

the M e r c u r y ; a n d R i c k Z i m m e r sailed the L i g h t n i n g in one of the races. He did not start the second heat.

A s expected, the gang from M t . V e r non p u t on a h i g h l y competitive show w h i c h was m a t c h e d b y J o h n W a t k i n s a n d h i s crew aboard the C-Scow. The two boats exchanged first a n d second places in the two races. They shared the f i r s t place a w a r d . B i l l V a n V l a c k was t h i r d . Some of the other participants preferred to be towed in r a t h e r than w a i t for the w i n d to come u p .

T h i s regatta was a r e a l winner. A l l aspects of the events were h a n d l e d in flawless fashion. The camaraderie evident a l l day r e m i n d e d us of the great b u n c h t h a t m a k e s u p the p u l s a t i n g h e a r t of the C e n t e r for Wooden Boats.

W e look f o r w a r d t o another w i n n e r i n the Frostbite 1989 Regatta on December 31st.

— J a c k Saylor

ALL IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

AUCTION ACTION

T h e v e r y best t i m e to be in the N o r t h e a s t Coast a r e a i s f a l l . The s u n i s b r i g h t , the a i r i s squeaky c l e a n a n d oozes w i t h ozone. The leaves are spect a c u l a r palettes of w a r m colors. T h e tourists are gone, the h o n k y tonk t r a p s are closed. It's the period between the muggy, buggy days of s u m m e r a n d the l o n g g l a c i a l season w h e n a n y t h i n g above zero F a h r e n h e i t is w a r m . I went to the N o r t h e a s t for meetings w i t h m u s e u m professionals i n v o l v e d w i t h our s m a l l craft heritage.

H o w m a n y w a y s does C W B raise money? H o w m a n y stars in the sky?

Some f u n d r a i s i n g schemes are by-thebooks campaigns, such as membership.

Some are leading-edge activities. The r e n t a l of our exhibits, a n d s k i l l s preservation workshops are examples. We now a n d then conduct P . T . B a r n u m - i n s p i r e d events, l i k e the t r u c k l o a d of web belts w h i c h R i p K n o t a n d C a r o l i n e S c h i m k e sold for us at one of our boat f e s t i v a l s ; or t h e " S u c h - a - D e a l " boat sale, a T o m P a r k e r P r o d u c t i o n .

Vignettes: A classic motor boat tour among the T h o u s a n d Islands i n the S t .

L a w r e n c e R i v e r , a n d the skipper says, "In J a n u a r y I can drive my car here."

"Don't t a l k to me about l i a b i l i t y , " says the director of a large u r b a n m a r i t i m e m u s e u m . "We get sued every day!"

"I'd love to be based in Seattle, b u t only t e n percent of the senior pilots get assigned there," was the w i s t f u l comment of the very j u n i o r pilot of the t i n y Beechcraft t h a t took me in four puddle j u m p s from W a t e r t o w n , N e w Y o r k t o Providence, Rhode I s l a n d . " W h a t i s C W B a l l about? I k n o w you're not a m u s e u m . " T h i s w a s an innocent i n q u i r y from a m u s e u m curator. T h i s person h a d earl i e r reported to our group that their m u s e u m was about to "re-interpret" their s m a l l boat e x h i b i t because most v i s i t o r s d i d n ' t u n d e r s t a n d the w h y s a n d wherefores of t h e i r boat collection.

T h e i r m u s e u m m i s s i o n is to t e l l about t h e i r region's h i s t o r y w h i c h involved boats a n d logging. T h e i r boats, therefore, are quite i m p o r t a n t .

I t h i n k t h i s person answered t h e i r question about C W B w i t h their report on m u s e u m X ' s new perspective on exh i b i t s . T h e r e a l i t y of collections of r a r e , unique, historic stuff is t h a t as a collection they are f u n , exciting, a n d educational to other collectors of rare, unique, a n d historic stuff, l i k e the 30 m u s e u m professionals at our meeting a n d maybe even a few t h o u s a n d other h i s t o r i a n s . N o t the m i l l i n g masses.

" W h a t is C W B a l l about?" It's a place where our s m a l l craft heritage is f u n , exciting, a n d educational for everyone.

We figure folks can u n d e r s t a n d w h a t our collection is for (we now have close to 100 boats) if they t r y t h e m out, w a t c h a class m a k e one, w a t c h a volunteer restore one, or r o l l up t h e i r sleeves a n d join i n .

A r e we a "museum?" A l l m u s e u m s gather stuff not j u s t to preserve, but to e n l i g h t e n . W h o i s t o judge w h e t h e r we're in the sacred m u s e u m circle or out? He who k n o w s a more effective m e a n s of education t h a n direct experience c a n cast the first stone. U n t i l t h e n , I ' l l say C W B i s a m u s e u m . A n d don't drive your car on our site, even in January.

— D i c k Wagner

TUTORIALS IN CLASSICS S a i l i n g i n s t r u c t i o n has been one of our long-time programs. We teach s a i l i n g by s a i l i n g . It's been one-on-one in our Beetle C a t s , for one-hour sessions at $15 per h o u r . O u r guarantee is the student w i l l master the a r t of s m a l l boat s a i l i n g for a m a x i m u m cost of $60, n o m a t t e r how long i t takes. T h i s i n struction is given on weekday afternoons.

N o w we are offering an alternative deal: weekend instruction—one h o u r of classroom a n d four h o u r s s a i l i n g the 19-foot L i g h t n i n g a n d the 18-foot M e r cury sloops (four students per boat).

Sessions begin on S a t u r d a y at noon.

T h e cost is $75 per person. The g u a r a n tee is s t i l l the same: a l l students w i l l become qualified to handle s m a l l s a i l boats.

The first session is December 2. To register, please c a l l 382-2628.

NW SEAPORT EVENTS M o n t h l y concerts of sea music aboard the 1897 schooner W A W O N A , m o o r e d a l o n g s i d e the C e n t e r for Wooden B o a t s . A l l on S a t u r d a y s , 8:00 p.m. A d u l t s $4.50; c h i l d r e n $2.50; f a m i ly $10.

November 25: P h i l i p a n d T h e r e s a Morgan J a n u a r y 27: M a r k B r i d g h a m F e b r u a r y 24: C h r i s Roe a n d A n d r e a Aldridge F o r more i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l Colleen, N o r t h w e s t Seaport, 206-447-9800.

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Probably the oldest fundraising s t u n t is the auction. The first auction w a s u n d o u b t e d l y d o n e b y a cave dwellers' club to r a i s e clamshells in order to send l i t t l e Og to m a m m o t h h u n t i n g school. W e have h a d a n auction almost as long—it's been part of our a n n u a l Wooden B o a t F e s t i v a l s , a n d they go back to the Ice Age. E a c h year, the festival grows in popularity, but not the a u c t i o n . It has r e m a i n e d another a t t r a c t i o n i n our a n n u a l s u m m e r t i m e boat orgy.

It's nice to have developed a galaxy of f u n d r a i s i n g events, b u t it's time to energize the a u c t i o n i n t o a b l a z i n g comet among the s p a r k s .

W h y change t h i s cozy l i t t l e activity?

It's because C W B has changed. W e started w i t h a d r e a m . O u r office was a k i t c h e n table in a houseboat. O u r t r e a s u r y was zero. W i t h donations and persistence we have now become an e x c l a m a t i o n point in the world of maritime museums, experiential education, a n d waterfront r e v i v a l . C o n t i n u i n g o u r e x c i t i n g a n d successful programs takes money, a n d a successf u l auction is p a r t of t h a t .

T h e 1990 auction w i l l be a sit-down e v e n i n g event at the B o a t F e s t i v a l .

T h e r e w i l l b e a n a d m i s s i o n charge, refreshments, e n t e r t a i n m e n t . O u r goal is to r a i s e $10,000. We w i l l dedicate the funds to restoration of our boats.

We a s k y o u to contribute to t h i s f u n d r a i s i n g event by either offering unique, r a r e , a n d priceless items, or c o m i n g to the auction b u r n i n g to help support your favorite m a r i t i m e cause.

S t a y t u n e d for f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n .

Remember, we've got to send L i t t l e Og to school!

E x a m p l e s of auction items: antique ship's clock; seaplane r i d e ; weekend in the S a n J u a n Islands. E x a m p l e of auction a t t i t u d e : I w i l l come early, stay late, a n d b i d ' t i l I drop.

Ideas a n d leads for the auction w i l l be greatly appreciated. Please contact Faye or D i c k at 382-2628.

THE FINELY FITTED ZUCCHINI - VARIATIONS ON A THEME The ad in the " F r e e " section of WoodenBoat's classifieds offered "Free.

G i a n t z u c c h i n i . S u i t a b l e for dugout canoe." W h a t an image! I loved the concept. B u t then I'm the one who sends those postcards w i t h the g i a n t locusts s l u n g between two poles, a n d the cowboy s a d d l i n g up " B i g J a c k , " the monster jack r a b b i t . A n d who could forget the behemoth trout being h a u l e d out on the boat t r a i l e r . Boots a n d Saddle gas s t a t i o n ! Coffee pot-shaped cafe! I love t h e m a l l . Corny? Y o u bet!

V I K I N G R A I D E R - Lee Hession.

G r o w n especially for t h i s contest, this monster was transformed into a lovely detailed V i k i n g s h i p w i t h dragon bow, red sails, f i n e l i n e s — a splendid vessel. " M o s t T r a d Z u k e " ribbon went to L e e .

P O L Y N E S I A N P O L L Y - J o y Stoner.

Described by Joy's spouse, George, as an escapee from a budget salad b a r .

D O U B L E - E N D E D ORGANIC ZUCC H I N I F L Y E R - D i a n a Stiles. D i a n a used zucchini m a t t e r for the m a s t and boom of t h i s beauty. We should have h a d a " M o s t Z u c c h i n i U s e d on a Boat" category. She'd have won for sure.

S e a r c h i n g for a new event for a F a l l regatta a n d h a v i n g j u s t been given one of those b i g zucchinis t h a t no one r e a l l y w a n t s (Bob P i c k e t t a l w a y s says next year he's p l a n t i n g h a l f a seed) I put two a n d two together. Seemed l i k e they'd float a l l r i g h t . They're easy to cut u p .

A n d w h a t the heck. We wouldn't be out much if it was a complete flop.

Z U C C H I N A - A v r a t a Conn. You r e m e m b e r the Nina, Pinta, a n d the Santa Maria. B u t d i d y o u k n o w about C o l u m b u s ' l i t t l e - k n o w n f o u r t h boat, Zucchina? There was some t a l k that this m u s t have been the one that sailed off the edge.

T h a t first year, w i t h lots of cheerl e a d i n g from me, we came up w i t h a couple of good o f f e r i n g s — a l i f e l i k e guide canoe w i t h paddler, an out-rigged s a i l i n g z u k e , a n d a beautiful vessel f u l l of veggie snacks w i t h dip.

T h e Second A n n u a l Z u c c h i n i Boat C a r v i n g Contest proved more competitive. A local newspaper mentioned the regatta a n d contest, a n d as a r e s u l t I t h i n k we made a few new r e c r u i t s .

Some people came prepared to carve a boat. O t h e r s , seeing the a c t i v i t y , j o i n e d i n w i t h o u t a n y p l a n n i n g . W h e n they'd ask, " W h a t do I do?", I'd say, "I don't k n o w . We m a k e it up as we go along."

Soon zuke chips were flying. People e n couraged one another. L o t s of wonderf u l p u n s started flying (which I felt obliged to squash). A goofy time was h a d by a l l .

My t h a n k s to the k i n d l y gardeners I k n o w who provided some of the boat stock. A l s o , t h a n k s to an anonymous donor who left a lovely specimen on our doorstep.

H e r e are the results: Z B O A T - J a s o n S i d e l . T r i p l e diesel power plant, 2,400 square feet below decks, three staterooms, b i l l i a r d room, a t r i u m , s w i m m i n g pool, leather upholstery, Y o u get the picture.

R A D - I C - U - L O U S - A l l i s o n DempseyH a l l . A late start b u t a great finish. We l e a r n e d t h a t on the b i g ones you need a hacksaw.

S H A R K B O A T - M e l i s s a DempseyH a l l . M e l i s s a got stuck w i t h a somew h a t aged zuke. A f t e r we t r i m m e d off the squishy bits it did look l i k e a s h a r k .

Z E L D A - D a n Sanford and his design t e a m . Defies d e s c r i p t i o n — t r i - h u l l e d z u k e i n the h e r o i c s t y l e . V a l k y r i e headed p r o w decoration, square sail w i t h zuke motif. Took "Best R a d Z u k e " award.

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V I K I N G B O A T - E a r l and Daniel F e n s t e r m a c h e r . C o m p l e t e w i t h the F e n s t e r m a c h e r F a m i l y crest, this "organic, biodegradable, t r i e d a n d true" design c h a r m e d the judges w i t h its fine d e t a i l i n g a n d took " U l t r a L i t e Zuke" honors.

J u d g e s were W i l l i a m Scheutzow, age 6-1/2, D o n J o h n s o n , twenty somet h i n g , a n d M i t c h e l l M i n e r , age 30-2/3.

— S t o r y a n d photos b y F a y e K e n d a l l

COMMITMENT

WILDLIFE AT SOUTH LAKE UNION O u r out-of-town, out-of-country visitors often are s t a r t l e d to see birds at our downtown site w h i c h they assume to be either endangered or w i l d . In a way, they are quite r i g h t . The m a n n e r i n w h i c h our f i s h a n d forests are being h a r v e s t e d a n d the wastes of our c i v i l i z a t i o n are being disposed of give m e l i t t l e assurance t h a t P l a n e t E a r t h can l o n g s u s t a i n b i r d a n d a n i m a l life, not to m e n t i o n h u m a n existence. H o w ever, I can report that, sure enough, our visitors have noticed some signs of e n vironmental health at South Lake U n i o n . N e w w i l d l i f e sightings include a p a i r of G r e e n H e r o n s . T h e y perch along the shallows s p e a r i n g the Sockeye S a l mon fry t h a t are now a p p e a r i n g as a mass of silver darts, each about 2" long.

Sockeye i s the s a l m o n c a u g h t w i t h gillnets a n d most u s u a l l y canned.

T h e s a l m o n i n L a k e U n i o n were thought to be p l a n t e d r u n s . The Sockeye genus passes t h r o u g h the l a k e into the C e d a r R i v e r at the S o u t h e n d of L a k e W a s h i n g t o n . F e r t i l e Sockeye eggs were p l a n t e d there about 50 years ago.

The K i n g S a l m o n genus heads for the University of Washington spawning pond, w h i c h was set up 20 years ago.

However, a n a t u r a l Sockeye r u n has been recently discovered on the east side o f L a k e U n i o n . There are m a n y streams flowing into the l a k e , w h i c h have long ago been covered by roads a n d assorted f i l l s . As one who has frequently s w u m i n L a k e U n i o n , I can testify they exist. T h e i r currents a n d cold temperatures are sure signs. A p p a r e n t l y a t l e a s t one u n d e r g r o u n d stream s t i l l r e t a i n s the proper gravel bottom for s p a w n i n g s a l m o n — a s m a l l m i r a c l e in a w o r k i n g freshwater h a r b o r in the m i d d l e of a large b u s t l i n g city.

A n o t h e r surprise is a B a l d Eagle (possibly more t h a n one exists, b u t we see only one at a time). It (they) come from Discovery P a r k , about 2 miles as the E a g l e flies. O u r v i s i t o r never l a n d s b u t s i m p l y glides in b i g circles over the S o u t h E n d . T h e clue when to look aloft i s w h e n the M a l l a r d s a n d C a n a d a Geese suddenly disappear under the shade of trees or bushes.

A flock of loons is congregating and m a y be n e s t i n g among the p i l i n g s off the C i t y L i g h t steam p l a n t o n F a i r v i e w Ave., about 1/2 m i l e from here. Besides our u r b a n i z e d ducks, geese, a n d coots, w e p e r i o d i c a l l y see K i l l d e e r , B l u e H e r o n , P i e b i l l e d G r e b e , H o r n e d Grebe, Hooded M e r g a n s e r , C a n v a s b a c k , B u f flehead, Western Grebe, Shoveler, Lesser S c a u p , Goldeneye, K i n g f i s h e r , and Purple M a r t i n .

Beavers a n d M u s k r a t s have been sighted a t S o u t h L a k e U n i o n . Raccoons are a dime a dozen.

C o n s i d e r i n g that the l a k e h a s been used as an i n d u s t r i a l work a n d dump site for over 100 years, the c u r r e n t wildlife population is a h e a r t e n i n g i n dicator t h a t the earth can s t i l l h e a l itself, given h a l f a chance.

—Dick Wagner

ANCIENT SECRETS The C e n t e r for Wooden Boats cond u c t s c l a s s e s on a wide v a r i e t y of maritime skills.

We w a n t to k n o w the classes you w o u l d l i k e to take. Subjects of popular interest w i l l be scheduled.

P a s t workshops have i n c l u d e d : •Boat B u i l d i n g — C a n v a s / w o o d canoes, C a r v e l , C o l d m o l d , Lapstrake, Strip •Boat Design •Boatshop T o u r s •Brightwork •Casting •Forging •Lofting • M a r i n e Photography •Maritime Museum Tours •Model M a k i n g •Navigation • Oarmaking •Sailing • S a i l m a k i n g and C a n v a s Construction •Tool S h a r p e n i n g •Woodworking—beginning; i n t e r m e d i a t e ; women only Please let us k n o w your interests.

Suggestions for classes are welcome.

W r i t e , or call us at 206-382-2628.

'TIS THE SEASON T h i n k C W B when you think of holiday gifts for special people. We have five different posters, monographs on the Poulsbo Boat a n d D a v i s B o a t s , tshirts a n d sweatshirts w i t h our classic motif, a n d gift certificates for boat use, workshops, s a i l i n g instruction, you name i t . A membership isn't a b a d idea either. Y o u s k i p the c r u s h , s u r l y c l e r k s , a n d ho-ho-ho's from chubby fellows in r e d suits i f y o u shop a t C W B .

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"Hobie" Stebbins gave us a tour of L a k e U n i o n D r y d o c k i n late October. I t is t h i r t e e n acres of l i v i n g history on the southeast side of L a k e U n i o n , about h a l f a m i l e from the C e n t e r for Wooden B o a t s . It was b u i l t in 1919 when L a k e U n i o n was j u s t a w a k e n i n g from a 12,000-year postglacial slumber. N o t h i n g m u c h h a p p e n e d o n the l a k e u n t i l the locks were completed in 1916. L a k e U n i o n D r y d o c k was b u i l t to handle the r e p a i r of the fleet of three- a n d fourmasted schooners t h a t sailed for the B e r i n g S e a each A p r i l a n d r e t u r n e d i n October w i t h tons of salted cod in their holds. T h e schooners preferred L a k e U n i o n D r y d o c k because m o o r i n g i n fresh water location meant death to the barnacles.

T i m e s have changed greatly since t h e n . We've gone from cod schooners to j e t s k i s 'most e v e r y w h e r e o n L a k e U n i o n except t h i s s h i p y a r d . Vessels i n drydock, a n d a w a i t i n g haulout, were j a m m e d a l l over the site, a n d they were m a i n l y wooden. C a u l k e r s i n their shed were r o l l i n g o a k u m . A t w o - m a n crew was c a u l k i n g a minesweeper w i t h a beetle a n d hawse i r o n . A t u g boat of the same vintage as L . U . D . D . , h a u l e d out on one of the seven l i f t s , was getting a bottom survey w h e n we began the tour, a n d a h a l f h o u r l a t e r , as we were leavi n g , loose b u t t joints were already being refastened.

Hobie t a l k e d about the y a r d and the crew as if he were one of the trustees of a legacy. A n d he i s . H i s dad bought the operation in 1946 w h e n Hobie must have j u s t finished h i g h school.

Hobie I s t i l l presides at L a k e U n i o n D r y d o c k in an office practically overh a n g i n g one of the drydocks; a n d his grandson, Hobie III is w o r k i n g there, too.

Hobie II, our guide, said, "It cleanses my soul to t a l k to y o u guys who are p r e s e r v i n g the old vessels." J u d g i n g f r o m the a c t i v i t y w e s a w o f t h r e e generations of Hobie Stebbins, a n d a crew of about 200 other s h i p w r i g h t s , caulkers, riggers, and machinists r e p a i r i n g old-style vessels, I thought Hobie's r e m a r k too modest.

Besides t h a t , they l a s t h a u l e d the 1897 cod schooner Wawona in 1985— only yesterday i n L a k e U n i o n Drydock time.

— D i c k Wagner

SKIN BOATS AND SCIENCE-THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE People often t h i n k of science as a recent activity of h u m a n k i n d , a way of dealing w i t h the w o r l d t h a t emerged only a few centuries back. At best, we g r a n t some roots to the G r e e k s a n d R o m a n s , b u t it's m o s t l y t a k e n as a European discovery—never m i n d C h i n e s e technology o r A r a b m a t h e matics.

Y e t the t r u t h is t h a t science belongs to no single c u l t u r e or t i m e . W h a t we now c a l l science, a n a c t i v i t y w i t h m a t h ematics at its core, is only one face of the endeavor. W h e r e v e r a n d whenever people have p u r s u e d k n o w l e d g e , they've s t u m b l e d upon science.

As an example, I offer a wonderful example of indigenous n o r t h e r n technology: the k a y a k .

F i r s t , consider the n a t u r e o f the scientific endeavor. A scientist observes a n d from the observations generates a hypothesis. T h e hypothesis is challenged by experiment a n d f u r ther observation; for the hypothesis to be v a l i d a t e d , the experiments m u s t be repeatable, y i e l d i n g the same results when done by others u n d e r s i m i l a r conditions.

W i t h that i n m i n d , r e t u r n t o the subject of k a y a k s . E n v i s i o n a hypothetical scene thousands of years back on the stony shores of an arctic sea. The observant h u n t e r k n o w s there are a n i m a l s in the water. A shaman's dreams m a y take h i m safely f a r out over the ocean w i t h o u t a boat, b u t t h a t

experiment is not uniformly repeatable. A h u n t e r needs another mode of transport to get where the a n i m a l s are a n d back safely w i t h the meat. H a v i n g observed objects floating on the food-rich sea, the h u n t e r develops a w o r k i n g h y p o t h e s i s : the r i g h t boat w i l l do the job.

Observation w i l l show what m a t e r i a l s are available to construct a vessel. E x p e r i m e n t shows what m a t e r i a l s w o r k ; no careful observer w o u l d try c a r v i n g a functional stone boat, nor p l a n ( i n the Arctic) to b u i l d one of logs. C o n t i n u e d observation a n d e x p e r i m e n t shows w h a t w o r k s best.

W i t h long enough to work it out, w i t h thought experiments as well as p h y s i cal ones, the h u n t e r s of the n o r t h e r n seas developed a f a m i l y of vessels perfectly suited to the complex of available m a t e r i a l s , physical a b i l i t i e s , a n d local conditions: k a y a k s .

A n d they were a f a m i l y of vessels, not j u s t a unique design copied endlessl y . Some forty different types have been classified—of two basic k i n d s . I n l a n d k a y a k s were used on r i v e r s a n d lakes to pursue s w i m m i n g caribou. Speed was a prime consideration; caribou can s w i m at a rate of five n a u t i c a l miles an h o u r . T h a t meant the desirable craft was l o n g because a longer waterline makes for greater speed. In practice, C a r i b o u E s k i m o k a y a k s were up to 30 feet l o n g . T h e y a l s o h a d n a r r o w rounded bottoms to reduce d r a g and increase maneuverability.

5

Sea k a y a k s met different demands.

S t e a l t h was more i m p o r t a n t t h a n speed; an a l a r m e d seal or sea otter dives a n d v a n i s h e s i n a n i n s t a n t . P a d dles were purposely made long a n d n a r row to decrease p o t e n t i a l l y noisy d r i p p i n g . S e a w o r t h i n e s s was v i t a l l y i m p o r t a n t as was the a b i l i t y to transport q u a n t i t i e s of meat. W i t h i n those f u n c t i o n a l b o u n d s t h e shored w e l l i n g people from S i b e r i a to G r e e n l a n d came up w i t h an array of variations.

It m a y have t a k e n m a n y generations to get it r i g h t , b u t the process was ess e n t i a l l y thoughtful, logical, and scientific. T h e v a r i a t i o n s prove that. They could only have come about through the processes of observation, hypothesis, a n d experiment. D e s i g n i n g a n d b u i l d i n g k a y a k s w a s a n a p p l i e d science needing no f o r m a l m a t h e m a t i c s but a b u n d a n t q u a n t i t i e s of e v e r y t h i n g else that good science demands.

A s the elegant m i n i m u m i n w o r k i n g boats—exactly w h a t was needed to perm i t a h u n t e r to b r i n g home food, with no wasted m a t e r i a l s in e x t r a weight or l e n g t h — k a y a k s even exemplify a n i m portant scientific premise: other things being e q u a l , the best solution is the simplest one.

— C a r l a Helfferich [Provided as a public service by the G e o p h y s i c a l I n s t i t u t e , U n i v e r s i t y of A l a s k a F a i r b a n k s , i n cooperation w i t h the U A F research community.]

A FAMILY VACATION IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA-PART 1 School was out for the s u m m e r of 1926. M o t h e r a n d D a d w o u l d b e t a k i n g the e n t i r e f a m i l y on a s u m m e r - l o n g vacation. G r a n d p a a n d G r a n d m a D a v i s were to be left in charge of the various f a m i l y businesses. It w o u l d be a w o r k i n g v a c a t i o n . D a d , a l w a y s the entrepreneur, h a d signed a contract to pack iced-down freshly caught K i n g S a l m o n from the trollers on t h e i r f i s h i n g grounds a n d deliver t h e m to the cold storage p l a n t i n t o w n . O u r port o f operation w o u l d be P o r t A l e x a n d e r on Baranof Island.

T h e t i p of the s u n was j u s t p e e k i n g over the m o u n t a i n s above the l i t t l e cove of T a i n east of M e t l a k a t l a as we shoved the h e a v i l y loaded skiffs off the sandy beach near our b o a t b u i l d i n g y a r d a n d p u l l e d up alongside D a d ' s new P u r s e S e i n e r / T r o l l e r n a m e d the "Leader."

The 46-foot L e a d e r was designed by G r a n d f a t h e r a n d D a d a n d b u i l t i n our b o a t y a r d t h a t y e a r . She was a r o u n d bottomed, carvel p l a n k e d design. H e r new 1 6 H P C l a y two-cylinder heavyduty gas engine pushed h e r a l o n g at 8 to 9 k n o t s . H e r entire h u l l from the w a t e r l i n e to the pilothouse was p a i n t e d pure w h i t e . H e r teak t r i m a n d S i t k a spruce m a s t a n d boom were f i n i s h e d in clear V a l - S p a r v a r n i s h a n d lacquer.

As we set out from M e t l a k a t l a , we c h i l d r e n c o u l d h a r d l y contain ourselves. A f t e r repeated questions to D a d , he f i n a l l y broke out h i s charts to show us the route he w o u l d be t a k i n g a n d where o u r d e s t i n a t i o n w a s . O f course w e didn't u n d e r s t a n d a l l those n u m b e r s o n the chart, but we s a i d "That's fine."

O u r f i r s t stop was the fuel dock in K e t c h i k a n where D a d topped off h i s f u e l , lube o i l , a n d fresh w a t e r p l u s several 55-gallon d r u m s of gasoline a n d containers of lube-oil for the trollers he w o u l d be servicing. F r o m the fuel dock D a d m o v e d the L e a d e r t o the N e w T o w n f l o a t where we l o a d e d the s u m m e r ' s s u p p l y o f groceries f r o m Skidmore's m a r k e t .

L e a v i n g K e t c h i k a n w e headed n o r t h u p Clarence S t r a i t , past the o r i g i n a l D a v i s homestead site a t S u n n y P o i n t .

We h a d n ' t been u n d e r w a y very l o n g before we came to appreciate D a d ' s precautionary measures in m a k i n g e v e r y t h i n g secure. As we cleared the north end of G r a v i n a Island we encountered long g r o u n d swells from the open sea of the G u l f of A l a s k a off our port beam. Once underway, D a d decided to r u n nonstop. I was too y o u n g , b u t D a d designated m y sisters M a r l e i t a a n d B l a n c h e to s t a n d wheel watches a l t e r n a t e l y w i t h h i m . D a d w o u l d give

them t h e i r compass courses to steer by.

He took the t h i r d watch. Besides m y s e l f a n d the two g i r l s , there were my sisters E v e l y n , C h a r l o t t e , a n d M a r y L o u , the youngest, a n d , of course, M o t h e r .

C o n t i n u i n g n o r t h we went through K a s h e v a r o f Passage. E n t e r i n g S u m n e r S t r a i t we rounded P o i n t B a k e r . We cont i n u e d south i n S u m n e r S t r a i t t o r o u n d K u i u I s l a n d , a g a i n out i n t o the u n protected open seas of the G u l f where we r a n into a severe s t o r m . T h e tide was ebbing against b r e a k i n g seas from the southwest. J u s t p r i o r to r u n n i n g into t h a t storm we h a d m e t a large troller h e a d i n g in our same direction.

D a d k n e w the owner, who was from K a k e , A l a s k a , a n d they decided t o r u n side by side to our f i r s t port of anchorage—Tebenkof B a y on the west coast of K u i u Island. To indicate the severity of that storm I can only state that the f u l l height of the troller's 32foot t r o l l i n g poles disappeared from our sight as she dove into the troughs on our same course not 50 y a r d s off our s t a r b o a r d b e a m . M o m e n t a r i l y , she w o u l d ride to the top of the next crest, then ride h i g h above us as we dove into the next trough, s h i p p i n g solid water over our bow w h i c h t h e n s m a s h e d a g a i n s t t h e front of the p i l o t h o u s e flooding the foc'sle deck. My sisters and I h a d never experienced such a storm.

M o t h e r was the only one who h a d been out to sea w i t h D a d d u r i n g their twoyear honeymoon c r u i s i n g the A l a s k a a n d C a n a d i a n coasts i n Dad's cabin cruiser, the " F l y i n g A r r o w . " The w i n d s were 65 to 70, g u s t i n g to 80 to 100 k n o t s , d r i v i n g the white caps h o r i z o n tally w i t h the r a i n . V i s i b i l i t y dropped to barely 50 y a r d s . We feared for Dad's safety w h e n he h a d to go forward to l a s h d o w n g e a r t h a t h a d w o r k e d loose.

M o t h e r h a d her h a n d s f u l l keeping u s younger c h i l d r e n safe as the L e a d e r r o l l e d a n d pitched. A f t e r w h a t seemed l i k e days i n s t e a d of hours we f i n a l l y w o r k e d our w a y i n t o the protected anchorage w i t h i n Tebenkof B a y . D a d dropped a n d set two heavy anchors, c h a i n , a n d l i n e s t o h o l d the L e a d e r a g a i n s t the h o w l i n g w i n d even inside the bay. T h e troller anchored w i t h the same p a t t e r n near us. We w o u l d keep a check on each other in case either of us w o u l d d r a g anchor d u r i n g the n i g h t . B y then no one h a d an appetite for even a snack. The gale force winds were sendi n g high-frequency whistles t h r o u g h our r i g g i n g . We h a d to shout above the roar of the s t o r m b u t soon dropped off to sleep from sheer exhaustion.

The delicious odor of f r y i n g bacon, 6

eggs, hot pancakes, a n d coffee b r e w i n g woke us the next m o r n i n g . T h e w i n d h a d died d o w n to a stiff breeze. R a i n was moderate a n d steady w i t h heavy g r a y overcast skies. The waves h a d subsided to about 8 to 10 feet, off our port quarter. E v e n though P i l l a r B a y was j u s t a r o u n d the point, it was a rough ride for a boat the size of the Leader.

She r o l l e d a n d pitched head-long as each crest swept under her. A f t e r contacting the t r o l l i n g boats anchored in P i l l a r B a y r e g a r d i n g D a d ' s port o f operation i n P o r t A l e x a n d e r , w e then left P i l l a r B a y h e a d i n g due west across C h a t h a m S t r a i t . A g a i n the L e a d e r was t a k i n g heavy green seas over her port bow as we dove i n t o the w i l d confused seas coming mostly from the south. On r e a c h i n g the east shore of B a r a n o f Isl a n d D a d s w u n g due south along the coastline and entered Port Walter, where a d d i t i o n a l t r o l l e r s were anchored.

D a d h a d t i m e d the l a s t leg of our trip to a r r i v e at the n a r r o w entrance to Port A l e x a n d e r at peak h i g h tide. As we rode in on the,crest of an ocean swell, the e n t i r e f a m i l y w a s o u t o n deck spellbound by the unspoiled beauty of the h a r b o r . No poet could adequately describe t h i s l a n d l o c k e d harbor. The l i t t l e c o m m u n i t y was on the r i g h t - h a n d side one entered. It consisted of a few l i t t l e wood houses w i t h pitched roofs, w h i c h were reached from the beach by r a i s e d wooden s i d e w a l k s fitted w i t h side r a i l s . E x t e n d i n g out from the beach was a float of g i a n t cedar logs, decked over w i t h r o u g h l u m b e r . At the offshore end was a floating structure that offered fuel, lube o i l , a n d fresh water. It also h a d grocery stores a n d served as the community's U . S . Post Office. P a r t of the f a c i l i t y was a cold storage w i t h a c o m m e r c i a l ice maker.

Dad m a n e u v e r e d the L e a d e r slowly around the periphery of the harbor, past dozens of trollers at anchor. He anchored in the extreme southwest corner of the harbor, w h i c h w o u l d become our home-site for the s u m m e r . A l l h a n d s turned-to offloading the tents, galley stove, wood heaters, stovepipes, a n d flooring l u m ber, t r a n s p o r t i n g everything in the two flat-bottom skiffs to the site D a d had previously s t a k e d out. W i t h darkness closing in on us we d i d not start assembing the m a t e r i a l . We r e t u r n e d to the L e a d e r where M o t h e r h a d prepared a delicious d i n n e r . We spent that night on board w a r m a n d comfortable, free from the noise a n d w i n d of the storm.

— J . J . Davis [continued in next issue]

I

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CWB M O N T H L Y MEETING WELL NOT H A P P E N IN D E C E M B E R .

H A P P Y HOLIDAYS! December 31 (Sunday) S E C O N D A N N U A L CWB FROSTBITE REGATTA 10 a.m. 'til dark, CWB Site B o a t r a c i n g a n d a potluck supper send out the old year. If you w i s h to stay a n d r i n g i n the new y e a r , b r i n g food a n d d r i n k to share. C a l l F a y e for details.

January 19,1990 (Friday) CWB M O N T H L Y M E E T I N G 8 p.m., CWB Boat House F r e d S u n d t w i l l give a t a l k on how he a n d his boatbuilder son, B i o r n , r e s u r rected a whole fleet of classic N o r w e g i a n s a i l i n g boats—the 22-foot K u t t e r s . F r e d w i l l also t a l k about the galleon r e p l i c a he is p l a n n i n g to b u i l d .

February 16,1990 (Friday) CWB M O N T H L Y M E E T I N G 8 p.m., CWB Boat House Scott R o h r e r , p r o f e s s i o n a l r a c i n g sailor, w i l l t e l l sea stories about i n t e r n a t i o n a l r a c i n g a n d wooden r a c i n g boats in the w o r l d of fiberglass. Wooden boats he has sailed recently include the S i x M e t e r Razzle Dazzle a n d the P e t e r son 41 Challenger.

March 16,1990 (Friday) CWB M O N T H L Y M E E T I N G 8 p.m., CWB Boat House S p e a k e r to be announced. Please call for i n f o r m a t i o n .

April 14,1990 (Saturday) POLING A N D PADDLING IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES 7:30 p.m., CWB Boat House Besides b e i n g the p r e m i e r b u i l d e r of wood-and-canvas canoes, J e r r y S t e l m o k uses h i s canoes a n d takes b e a u t i f u l pictures o f h i s adventures. J e r r y , who i s i n Seattle teaching the M a i n e Guide Canoe W o r k s h o p at C W B , has offered to share h i s slides w i t h u s .

April 29,1990 (Sunday) SPRING REGATTA 10 a.m. 'til 6 p.m., CWB Site It's s h o w - a n d - t e l l t i m e for s m a l l boats—yours a n d ours. T h e R e g a t t a is a s h a r i n g of boats a n d ideas on b u i l d i n g , m a i n t a i n i n g , a n d h a n d l i n g . There w i l l r o w i n g a n d s a i l i n g races b e g i n n i n g a t noon a n d a potluck l u n c h at 2 p . m . The l u n c h w i l l feature a c h i l i contest, judged by popular a c c l a i m .

MARINE SKILLS WORKSHOPS L O F T I N G WORKSHOPS 8:30 a.m. 'til 5:30 p.m. each day (Saturday and Sunday) December 2 & 3,1989 February 3 & 4,1990 April 7 & 8,1990 June 2 & 3,1990 August 4 & 5,1990 October 6 & 7,1990 Fee: $100/$110 Students w i l l draft scale line d r a w ings of a 12-foot dinghy from a table of offsets, followed by a f u l l - s i z e d loft.

E n a b l e s students t o r e a d p l a n s a n d u n derstand the arcane mysteries of bevels, rabbet l i n e s , deductions, a n d construction drawings. H i g h l y recommended as a prerequisite for our boatb u i l d i n g workshops. L i m i t e d to six students.

USE OF P O L Y U R E T H A N E ADHESIVES January 27,1990 and February 3, 1990 (Saturdays) 9 a.m. 'til 12 noon each day Fee: $30/$35 Instructor: Perry Munson D e m o n s t r a t i o n s a n d hands-on i n struction in the wide scope of uses of the new breed o f sealants/adhesives, i n c l u d i n g speedy a n d effective t e c h n i ques. M u n s o n l e a r n e d t h r o u g h t h e School o f E m p i r i c a l Knowledge. M a x i m u m of 6 students.

INTRODUCTION TO METALLURGY February 17,1990 (Saturday) 10 a.m. 'til 3 p.m.

Fee: $20/$25 Instructor: Prof. Paul Ford K i n d s a n d properties of alloys. H e a t treatment for ferrous a n d nonferrous metals. H e l p f u l for anyone doing forgi n g or c a s t i n g a n d especially for the casting workshop w h i c h follows.

SAND CASTING AND FOUNDRY TECHNIQUES March 3 and March 10,1990 (Saturdays) 10 a.m. 'til 3 p.m. each day Fee: $40/$50 Instructor: Prof. Paul Ford Basic foundry know-how will be covered in the first session. S t u d e n t s w i l l cast simple forms. T h e second session w i l l involve more complex casting.

Students w i l l l e a r n how to b u i l d a cheap but effective foundry.

[continued i n next column] 7

CLASSIFIED SECTION T w e n t y P o r t O r f o r d cedar trees for sale. A b o u t 6 feet t a l l . H e n r y M a i r s .

206-631-0868.

23-ft Blue Moon, gaff r i g g e d (see Roger Taylor's Afore Good Boats). B u i l t 1980 by B e n t Jesperson. O a k frames over cedar h u l l . 5 hp P e t t e r diesel. A r e a l classic. P r i c e $28,000 C D N . 604251-3040. A s k for J a m e s or J u l i a .

WOOD/CANVAS CANOES REST O R E D . O l d Towns, Chestnuts, and others. Complete restorations i n c l u d i n g r e c a n v a s i n g a n d a l l wood r e p a i r s . N i n e years' experience. Free estimates a n d free i n f o r m a t i o n if you w a n t to do a l l or p a r t of the work yourself. J o h n S. R u n d b e r g , 6219 - 41st A v e . N E , Seattle, W A 98115, 206-524-9255.

CWB NEEDS T H E FOLLOWING to help keep us s o u n d in soul a n d body: Sloops & Shallops b y W i l l i a m B a k e r ; Adirondack Guide-Boat by K e n n e t h & H e l e n D u r a n t ; International Register of Historic Ships by N o r m a n B r o u w e r ; any books b y B a s i l Lubbock, E d g a r M a r c h , Eric McKee, or Harold Underhill; Seamanship in the Age of Sail by J o h n H a r l a n d . One-gallon bleach bottles for b a i l e r s ; a flatbed t r u c k ; a t r u c k w i t h crane. A l l donations e n r i c h the state of the C e n t e r a n d are, as they s h o u l d be, tax deductible.

V I N T A G E 1959/60 P a l m e r P W - 2 7 8 h.p. i n b o a r d a u x i l i a r y . B r a n d new, never used! Comes complete w i t h starter/generator, F / N / R t r a n s m i s s i o n , shaft, prop, s t r u t , r u d d e r , a n d owner's m a n u a l . M a k e y o u r vessel authentic w i t h t h i s one-time o p p o r t u n i t y . C a l l Jeff @ 206-935-6012 and make a reasonable offer.

4 7 - f t t u g Winamac. D e a t h forces sale. B u i l t 1909 by Dafoe. Good condition. R a d a r , V H F , A u t p i l o t , 220 h p . C a t 342 D engine, pressure water system.

P r i c e r e d u c e d t o $26,000. C a l l W i n A n d e r s o n at home 293-4539, Anacortes.

BUILDING A MAINE P E A P O D March 17 through March 24.

Launching March 25 Fee: $500/$550 Instructor: E r i c Dow U n d e r the guidance of an experienced M a i n e boatbuilder, the class w i l l b u i l d a carvel p l a n k e d Peapod. T h e instructor has b u i l t a r o u n d 20 of t h i s seaworthy type in his own shop a n d has conducted m a n y b o a t b u i l d i n g workshops at the WoodenBoat School. W o o d w o r k i n g experience necessary. M a x i m u m of 8 s t u dents. [continued on next page]

T H E JOYS O F BRIGHTWORK A p r i l 3, 4, and 5 (Tues., Wed., and Thurs.)

7:00 p.m. 'til 9:00 p.m. each evening Fee: $30/$35 Instructor: Rebecca Wittman E v e r y t h i n g y o u w a n t e d to k n o w from a professional about the do's-and-don'ts of b r i g h t w o r k . Session I is about s t r i p p i n g off; session II on surface prep; session III on l a y i n g it on.

HOW TO M A K E A STRIP P L A N K E D KAYAK April 7 (Saturday) 9:00 a.m. 'til 3:00 p.m.

Fee: $25/$30 Instructor: Prof. Paul Ford The instructor has b u i l t several k a y a k s i n the s t r i p p l a n k m e t h o d a n d i n a s e m i n a r f o r m a t w i l l give students the i n f o r m a t i o n needed to m a k e their own kayak.

MAINE GUIDE CANOE WORKSHOP April 14 • 19,1990 (Saturday through Thursday) 8:30 a.m. 'til 5:00 p.m. daily Fee: $360/$400 Instructor: Jerry Stelmok Students w i l l b u i l d a classic canvason-wood canoe a n d paddles. J e r r y S t e l mok, of M a i n e , is the premier b u i l d e r of t h i s type of canoe, w h i c h dates from 100 years ago. He h a s w r i t t e n the definitive book on canvas a n d wood canoe b u i l d i n g a n d h a s t a u g h t several classes. S t u d e n t s m u s t h a v e w o o d w o r k i n g experience. C l a s s l i m i t is six students.

INTRODUCTION TO WOODWORKING, F O R WOMEN April 21,1990 (Saturday) 9 a.m. 'til 5 p.m.

Fee: $40/$45 Instructor: Charlie Mastro D e s i g n e d to m e l t a w a y fears a n d anxieties about m a k i n g wooden things.

Students w i l l l e a r n sharpening, m a i n tenance, techniques of u s i n g h a n d tools, a n d basic wood j o i n i n g . M a s t r o is a p r o f e s s i o n a l c a b i n e t m a k e r , w i t h the personality of everyone's favorite uncle.

Class limit is six.

8

LINES TAKING AND DRAFTING WORKSHOP June 22 - 24,1990 (Friday afternoon; all day Saturday and Sunday.)

Fee: $150 Instructor: Dave Dillion A course for accurate documentation of historic watercraft. Includes "readi n g " the artifact, 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 drafting.

The a i m is to provide background and t r a i n i n g for m u s e u m professionals, h i s torians, a n d students a n d professionals i n v o l v e d w i t h m a r i t i m e preservation.

D i l l i o n is the nation's only full-time boat documentation specialist. Class is l i m i t e d to twelve students.