Shavings Volume 14 Number 4 (December 1992)

Volume XIV Number 4 December, 1992

Education Conference at CWB On the weekend of October 23, the Center hosted a special conference. Caren Crandell, Seattle school teacher and CWB Board member, and Dick Wagner jointly planned the event and Caren very ably served as the conference facilitator. Here's her report: Sometimes y o u wonder if you are on course - and, if y o u are lucky, y o u get a sign that you are. The Center for Wooden Boats received such a sign in the form of the response to its conference on "Heritage Maritime Skills and Foundering Y o u t h . " In d e v e l o p i n g a p r o g r a m to serve y o u n g people at risk of d r o p p i n g out of school, we wanted to a v o i d rei n v e n t i n g the w h e e l . Instead, we hoped to b u i l d on the k n o w l e d g e and experience of others and " r o u n d out" the w h e e l u t i l i z i n g the Center's resources. In s u p p o r t of this goal, the N a t i o n a l Trust for H i s t o r i c Preservation a w a r d e d the C W B a m a t c h i n g grant to r u n a p l a n n i n g conference. T h i r t y boat builders, maritime educators and administrators, social and government agency representatives, c o m m u n i t y organizers and interested citizens f r o m Puget S o u n d and a r o u n d the nation met at the C W B October 23-25.

for these individuals to make connections with others pursuing similar goals. What we didn't expect was the level of camaraderie that developed, a feeling that manifested itself perhaps most notably in the spontaneous chain-backrub-and-jog that got the Sunday sessions off to an invigorating start (thanks to Joe Youcha and Jack Buckley).

A sense of commitment to kids and, by extension, to the community pervaded the entire weekend and inspired and energized us all. We are assured that the effect of the conference w i l l not be fleeting and that words w i l l indeed be translated into action. Just two weeks after the conference, A n d y Stewart of Youth Enhancement Partnership (Olympia) brought his kids to C W B for an outing with Karin Kallander and her kids from the O r i o n Center (Seattle).

A note from Bill H u n l e y of the Alexandria (Virginia) Seaport Foundation read: "I've been to many conferences but none as informative and

O h , we had an idea that w e ' d get some great ideas and advice from these knowledgeable people. What we didn't anticipate was how generous they w o u l d be with their time, energy and ideas. We covered a broad range of topics - e.g., selection of participants and instructors, c u r r i c u l u m , funding sources - and quickly discovered that we really needed more than six 90minute sessions and a two-day conference to do these subjects and experts justice.

A n d we also knew that the conference w o u l d be an opportunity

1

inspirational as yours." He and Joe Youcha were soon to meet to discuss an upcoming workshop. Jack Buckley of Cohasset (Massachusetts) Alternative H i g h School wrote: "I'm most excited about the contacts I've made." He is currently working on bringing a group of his students to Puget Sound for a maritime week in A p r i l .

A n d y o u k n o w an event has been worthwhile when Ron Snyder, p r i n c i p a l of A l t e r n a t i v e School #1 in Seattle, says, "The o n l y other t h i n g I spend this m u c h time d o i n g outside of w o r k i n g - is s a i l i n g my boat."

F i n a l l y , we received the supreme c o m p l i m e n t from E d " M r . Energy" M c C a b e of the H u l l (Massachusetts) Lifesaving M u s e u m : "This conference d i d n ' t waste a m i n u t e of my time."

I opened the conference w i t h a quotation from William James, psychologist and educational philosopher: "I am d o n e w i t h great things and big things, great institutions and big

success, and I am for those tiny molecular moral forces that w o r k from i n d i v i d u a l to i n d i v i d u a l by creeping through the crannies of the w o r l d like so many rootlets, or like the capillary oozing of water, yet w h i c h , if y o u give them time, w i l l rend the hardest monuments of [human] pride."

The i n d i v i d u a l efforts of the conference participants in their respective programs constitute an existing network of "molecular moral forces" that are m a k i n g a difference in this society. W i t h its o w n rootlet or

Arthur Foss and crew, the Oakmead Foundation, John Ratzenberger, The Martha Tootle Foundation, Mike Wagner and WoodenBoat magazine for many essential contributions.

We're also grateful to Steve and Dorothy P h i l i p p , whose Saturdayevening presentation once again enriched our appreciation for the native peoples of Puget Sound, and to M i k e and V a l James, whose beautiful music ended the evening on a high note.

Copies of the conference proceedings are available from the Center for $8 (shipping and handling included). Stay tuned and let us know if you w o u l d like to support our efforts.

- Caren Crandell

Volunteer of the Year

capillary, the Center joins the effort to serve the y o u n g people of our community. The next few months w i l l be spent developing partnerships with local agencies. O u r goal is to offer a program for at-risk youth in the fall of '93.

Thanks are due conference participants w h o were a heck of a lot of f u n and whose synergy overjoyed us; Dick Wagner, whose vision always extends beyond local waters but who keeps the Center securely anchored in the context of the community; the National Trust for Historic Preservation, w h i c h recognized this and provided the matching grant; Ted Frantz, whose generosity makes him a "National Trust" in his o w n right; Judie Romeo for a tremendous job of behindthe-scenes coordination; Gerhardt Quast, Vern Velez and a fine crew of volunteers, w h o made us feel like our work mattered A d d i t i o n a l thanks go to Benjamin's on Lake U n i o n , Jerry Brown of the MV Challenger, M i k e and Leslie Foley,

It's time again for one of the most difficult, yet most pleasant tasks at The Center for Wooden Boats: choosing the Volunteer of the Year. A n d we need your help specifically, your nominations of our most outstanding volunteer - to do it.

Eleven C W B volunteers, each a winner in their o w n right, were nominated for this special award last year, each because their nominator felt they met the criteria stated on the permanent award plaque that hangs in the C W B library: "In recognition of the highest qualities of volunteerism: Dedication, Enthusiasm, Leadership and Commitment to the goals of The Center for Wooden Boats."

The 1991 award went to C W B livery manager Horace Ingram, who has been volunteering his skills and talents here for almost 10 years. Horace's was the first name engraved on the plaque, which features a winch from the famous Philip Rhodes designed y a w l Caribbee and was donated by C W B member George G a l p i n .

Whose w i l l be the next name on the plaque? It could be the person y o u nominate. Just tell us in a letter (no more than 100 words please) w h y you think " X " should be the Volunteer of the Year. Nominations do not need to be signed. They do need to reach C W B no later than December 24.

The winner w i l l be selected by a committee chaired by C W B director Dick Wagner. As last year's winner, Horace isn't eligible for this year's award; instead, he w i l l serve on the selection committee.

The 1992 Volunteer of the Year w i l l 2

be announced at the Frostbite Regatta and Volunteer Party Sunday, December 27 (see the Calendar of Events for all the details). A l l of the nominees w i l l be introduced at the party too.

Boat Show The Seattle international Boat Show opens January 15 for a 10-day run in the K i n g d o m e and, once again, The Center for Wooden Boats w i l l be a part of it - but in a better setting this year.

The 1993 K i n g d o m e Boat Show w i l l have a wooden boat enclave, featuring Flounder Bay Lumber, the Gompers boat b u i l d i n g students from Seattle Central C o m m u n i t y College and C W B .

The tripartite exhibit w i l l include boat building and marine skills demonstrations, products and, of course, C W B ' s array of goodies: memberships, classes and merchandise.

The Boat Show has expanded hours this year, so we're looking for lots of volunteers to bring the C W B message to the nearly quarter of a million people who are expected to attend.

Volunteers w i l l be asked to w o r k a four-hour shift and w i l l be able to see the show too.

Boat Show hours are: noon to 10 p.m., Friday, January 15; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, January 16; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 17; noon to 10 p.m., M o n d a y , January 18, through Wednesday, January 20; noon to 11 p . m . Thursday and Friday, January 21 and 22; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, January 23, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, January 24.

If y o u ' d like to be a part of the fun, call Judie at the office, 382-2628, to indicate what days and hours you'd like to volunteer.

New Monograph The Center for W o o d e n Boats has just published Coast Salish Canoes by Leslie Lincoln.

For the native peoples of the Northwest, cedar canoes were as necessary for survival as air to breathe.

Various types evolved to serve various functions; however, function was not the only consideration.

The canoes' construction reflects a strong mystical drive for excellence in design and craftsmanship and an intimate feeling for the nature of the cedar. Every act connected with the canoes - felling the cedar tree, carving

the vessel and p a d d l i n g it - was consecrated w i t h rituals, prayers and chants.

This monograph tells in words, photographs and drawings the story of the canoes of the first inhabitants of Puget S o u n d : the Coast Salish People.

Little has been published on the culture of the Coast Salish People.

Especially sparse are writings on their vessels and maritime skills. We know a good deal more about the more spectacular cultures of the native peoples of the north coast of British C o l u m b i a and Southeast A l a s k a .

This monograph fills a knowledge gap in published information on the various refined and mature canoe designs of the first Puget Sound people, how they built them and how the canoes played an essential role in the culture of the people of Chief Seattle and his contemporaries.

Publication of Coast Salish Canoes was made possible by grants from The Archibald Foundation and The Boeing C o m p a n y . Copies of the monograph are available in the C W B store ($10 plus sales tax) or by mail ($12.72, including tax, postage and handling).

expedition could be financed.

Queen Isabella was greeted by the Grand Duke Dick (Wagner), keeper of the Royal vessels and the Royal barge Resolute, and his entourage of royally appointed assistants, among them Marquis Vernon de Velez, L o r d Jaime "Jim" Handley and Royal A d m i r a l Horatio "Horace" Ingram, overseer of the Royal Fleet operations.

A l l boarded small boats for an onthe-water salute to H e r Royal Highness.

The Queen boarded HMS Resolute and Marquis de Velez steered the Royal Barge to an anchorage in the m i d d l e of the bay from which Her Majesty could review all her subjects as they paid their respects. Royal Shipwright Count Carlos L i n d had cleverly designed an ornate throne which he positioned at the poop deck so H e r Majesty could

After the maritime parade and review, all repaired to the Royal Boathouse where Marchioness Judie, the Royal Chamberlain, with the able assistance of the Baroness Linda Skvorak and Duchess Sheila Tapp, had set out a royal feast. The feast was enhanced by the special gift of the Grand D u k e Dale, his Duchess Tyna and the M i n i D u k e W i l l i a m : a cake of uncommon good taste emblazoned with the legend "Center for Wooden Boats Fall Regatta 1991."

Once the banquet was over and the Royal Mastiffs had licked the diners' hands, G r a n d D u k e Dick addressed the Bacchants in praise of the sumptuous feast and the cooperation of all volunteers. Immediately after, the awards for the sailing competition were announced and given to the participants.

The award for first overall went to Lemolo, a 36' Rhodes designed Evergeeen class sloop very ably skippered by Marquis Jim de Raptis.

The second place overall went to Earl Ed Clark and the L a d y K a m a Sundby, who brilliantly kept the pressure on the larger boats with very clever tactics sailing a Star class yacht. Very close to Earl Ed and L a d y Karna was a classic Blanchard Senior, the Oceanside skippered by M a r q u i s D o n Haviland.

Fall Regatta '92 Sunday, October 4 of the year of our Lord 1492 will long be remembered by everyone in the K i n g d o m of the Center for Wooden Boats in the southern littoral of Lake Union.

Royalty and peasantry intermingled d u r i n g the festivities, w h i c h were attended by H e r Royal Highness Queen Isabella of Castille, Defender of the Faith and Great Regent of the Realm.

H e r Majesty was impeccably attired in the quiet elegance of maroon velvet, trimmed in gold brocade. It was noticed that H e r Royal Highness was not wearing a large amount of her jewels, except for a small diamond and emerald encrusted tiara and a humble ruby ring - symbol of the K i n g d o m .

She explained that the Spanish treasury was almost totally expended after all those years of war against the Moors. H e r visit to the port of Palos this day was to inquire of the local citizenry about the intrepid Genoese sailor Christoforo Colombo, w h o had departed two months before in search of a new route to the Indies so that Spain could open unexplored trade routes. The Queen had disposed of most of her wealth so that the

and Countess of G i g Harbor, Edwardo and Susan Hicks. Royal Helmsman Marquis de Velez counted no less than 35 well-appointed vessels passing in review. Royal Protector of the Fleet Count Dave Erskine, accompanied by Countess Karen Braitmayer, aboard the vessel Katy made certain no one came too close to the Royal Barge.

A surprising visit came from the N o r d i c countries, a sailor (very civilized, contrary to rumors about that race) by the name of B i l l Van Vlack and his sailboat, Yankee Doodle. He brilliantly arrived ahead of Lord John Watkins in the Yankee Clipper. review her subjects (although, after two hours of sitting on the throne, the Sovereign quietly admitted to being "royally pooped").

Aboard the Resolute were several ladies-in-waiting and members of the Royal Court, among them the Duchess Tyna Capps and her infant, the M i n i D u k e W i l l i a m . Her husband, Grand Duke Dale of the Highlands, was one of the participants in the homage, sailing aboard his regally-appointed vessel Venture. Also aboard were the Count 3

This chronicle has been prepared

by A d m i r a l Jack Saylor, Royal Chronicler.

[Ed. Note: Due to more invitations that she could accommodate, Queen Isabella actually sent a stand-in. Her Seattle stringer was Julie Halvorsen, who comes to every CWB historical-theme regatta decked out in the perfect costume. Julie researches, designs and produces each costume herself. The theme for our Spring '93 event will be the Fabulous '50s. We can't wait to see what Julie comes up with.

Wooden Boats in Greece C W B member Paul Marlow has been traveling in Greece for the past several months, taking a look at - what else? Greek boat building. Here's a report on what he's seen and learned: Githio, Greece Greetings, This letter started in Ithaca, actually Vathi, in the Ionian Islands, but didn't get written until now, about three weeks later. It is just as w e l l , because now I have a better understanding of Greek boat b u i l d i n g techniques and the larger issues it raises about how boat b u i l d i n g in the United States and Europe has been transformed from the practical to the fetish state.

I have looked at literally hundreds of w o r k i n g wooden small craft. Every harbor and cove has a fleet of small craft. The size range is l2'-20', with the median being about 17'. They are not toys, but actual w o r k i n g boats. The Greeks have an extensive inshore dayboat fishery. They have not succumbed to mortgaged high-tech fisheries, such as we have in the N o r t h Pacific.

There are two distinct styles of Greek boats, the caiques of Mediterranean origin and the gigs of northern European heritage. The

shapes are distinctly different, but the construction techniques are the same.

The caiques are d o u b l e - e n d e d w i t h c u r v e d , raked stems, l i k e the Rana boats, for example. T h e y have a great deal of flare f o r w a r d and aft, this being a b u i l d e r ' s stylistic choice.

Ithaca boats have more than u s u a l .

The after stern post is a l w a y s straight and r a k e d . The midsection is an inverted bell shape, w i t h a moderate deadrise. T h e boats are f u l l , but very pretty. The fullness keeps the caiques from squatting when r u n n i n g at speed. I t h i n k this is something that has been lost from s m a l l craft design in this c o u n t r y . We go for fine lines in launches but the boats squat because there is no displacement to counteract the p r o p suction. The Greeks have figured this out. The decks are c r o w n e d and a small doghouse is a l w a y s aft. They appear to purse seine or gillnet in a technique that I don't understand at a l l . It is just very different than o u r s .

V i r t u a l l y all the bigger boats - 20'-40' - are caiques.

T h e gigs are p l u m b - s t e m m e d a n d wineglass-sterned and o w e their lineage to the 18th a n d 19th century s h i p s ' boats of n o r t h e r n E u r o p e . I suspect they are copies from the w r e c k a g e of m e n - o f - w a r a r o u n d P i l o s and N a v a r i n o H a r b o r . T h e boats are b e a u t i f u l a n d range from l 2 ' - 2 0 ' w i t h 17' about average. T h e y

are f u l l e r t h a n W h i t e h a l l s , m o r e l i k e the Spring Sea but w i t h o u t the W h i t e h a l l stern. The f u l l n e s s is c a r r i e d m o r e l i k e a P o u l s b o boat, but w i t h a finer t r a n s o m , t r u l y h e a r t - s h a p e d . B e a u t i f u l boats; I w i s h I c o u l d b r i n g a c o u p l e back w i t h me.

V i r t u a l l y a l l the boats are p o w e r e d , even the s m a l l 12' boats.

T h e e n g i n e of choice is an Italian a i r - c o o l e d single c y l i n d e r diesel, a " L a m b o r g i a r d i a . " T h e y d r y stack them o v e r the side. T h e engines seem w e l l - b a l a n c e d a n d r e l a t i v e l y quiet. There is an assortment of other engines in use: Listers, Petters a n d a few gas engines ("Robins") in the s m a l l e r boats. The choice of engine comes f r o m a v a i l a b i l i t y , just as w i t h P o u l s b o boats, a r e a d i l y available industrial-agro engine.

N o w to the c o n s t r u c t i o n details.

T h e Greeks b u i l d their boats in w a y s that are c o m p l e t e l y different than w e d o . T h e y t u r n out b e a u t i f u l d u r a b l e boats w h i c h have their s t r o n g a n d weak p o i n t s , just as o u r style of boat b u i l d i n g does.

M a t e r i a l s : T h e G r e e k s use local p i n e e x c l u s i v e l y . It is p u n g e n t a n d o i l y , sort of. The g r o w t h rings are as b i g as 1 / 2 " apart. W h a t they do not use is any k i n d of h a r d w o o d .

E v e r y t h i n g i s p i n e . A l l the t i m b e r i s p l a i n s a w n a n d is used w i t h knots.

In essence, they use material that we w o u l d t u r n up o u r noses at as being suitable for scrap.

The planking is plain sawn.

P l a n k i n g Style: Plain sawn 5 / 8 " to 3 / 4 " on an average boat. The boats

4

are all carvel, virtually no lapstrake boats. The p l a n k i n g style is to put three or four f u l l - w i d t h planks on the bottom, tapering but letting them rise up the stem as far as possible. Then, from the sheer, the same thing is done, three planks d o w n or so. T h e n , at the turn of the bilge, stealers are put in essentially crescent-shaped planks whose ends are nibbed in (Fig. 1). It works and makes a nice smooth shape.

Virtually all the boats are done this w a y . E v i d e n t l y , s p i l i n g never developed in the country of the ancient geometers. I'm sure some spiling is done, but not in our way. The w i d t h of the p l a n k i n g stock appears not to be a factor, since plain-sawn lumber is being used w h i c h gives w i d e boards 8"-12".

Frames: Sawn frame construction on virtually all boats. I have seen no steam-bent frames. Frames are made of two pieces. A frame floor and the upper frame, (see Fig. 2). Frame floors go to about the lower turn of the bilge.

The connection is a staggered overlap.

There are no gussets on either side.

Frame depth is about 1 1/2" on average, width is 3/4" to 1" and is proportional to the size of the boat.

Spacing is about every 6"-8". Cant frames in the bow are not connected w i t h a gusset but are nailed to the stem. Floor frames tend to be thicker proportionally. Fasteners are usually two nails and, on bigger caiques, bolts.

Backbone: Pine. Keel is a single or composite piece made up of nibbed scarfs, as we use. The composite keels are found on bigger caiques and are due to availability of stock, which is about 2".

Stem and G r i p e : Stems are done in a basic manner, but vary according to style. Caiques use natural crooks, or used to. Gigs, straight stock. It is hard to tell about gripes, which connect the stem and keel. They may or may not be there or they are very small in comparison to our standards. There usually is cement poured in but maybe

I just can't sec enough to make a determination.

H o r n t i m b e r and d e a d w o o d : Virtually absent on all boats. The boats are built as if they arc to be rowed or sailed. The shaft log is an afterthought, usually a pipe encased in cement. The boats are planked aft fully (see F i g . 3).

The packing gland is placed on a floor connecting frames (Figs. 4 and 5) and the intervening space filled w i t h concrete or left open.

What shaft log there is, is only the w i d t h of the stern post. Consequently, there is little or no propeller aperture.

The prop just sticks out of the end of the stern post and tends to be quite shallow in the small boats. On bigger caiques, it is deeper.

Fasteners: Galvanized nails, w i t h the attendant problems. As the boat gets older, they rust out and the wood becomes nail sick. False economy at work. M o r e boats are lost to this than anything else.

K e e l and keelson: The keel is notched to accept the frames and a thin keelson goes over the top of the floor frames. No blocking is provided between the keel and keelson (see Fig. 6). A couple of lag bolts hold the keelson on.

Rabbets: From the inspection of a 40' caique under construction in Vathi and chainsawed derelicts (both nicely dissected), it appears that the keel rabbet is cut in after the frames are fastened and the stem and stern rabbets are roughly gouged out with a chainsaw. The stem and stern may be cleaned up as the boat is planked. It appears that not a lot of time is spent

5

finely gauging the angle and depth.

Some composite stems may be used, like in Poulsbo boats, judging from the remains of the derelicts. It is hard to tell, but I suspect this.

The survey of Greek boat b u i l d i n g raises some serious questions about h o w boats are being built in the United States or perhaps where the emphasis is. The Greeks turn out beautiful w o r k i n g boats that w i l l last 40-50 years, if taken care of, without the mystical fetish that has grown up about boat b u i l d i n g in the U.S. I am afraid we have literally lost sight of w h y and how to b u i l d small boats. We have degenerated honorable craft into a cult. We think we need perfect w o o d , a fortune in tools and perfect w o r k i n g space to b u i l d a small boat.

M o n e y has been substituted for common sense. The reason so few boats are built is that the materials cost a fortune because they have to be perfect. We are locked into a rigid mindset about how boats are built.

H o w the Greeks plank is heresy in America, yet they b u i l d boats that are beautiful, functional and look just like ones built by our very meticulous methods.

It w o u l d be an interesting project to find out if we have a local pine similar to Greek pine and b u i l d a 12' or 14' version using sawn frames, notched keel and plain-sawn planking, just to prove that boats can be built that are not pieces of fine furniture that require a fortune to b u i l d .

Perhaps in another letter I w i l l go into the sociological reasons I think a lot of these boats are going to become

derelicts in the next 10 years and Greece w i l l slowly become bereft of good wooden craft and filled with ugly glass boats, just as happened to us in America. Sometimes progress is regressive. M o r e later as I find more builders.

Take care, keep the keel in the water and the sail filled with w i n d .

Best wishes, Paul

Fleet Repair O u r Boatshop is used most of the time for maintenance of our evergrowing fleet. Boatbuilding workshops are the time C W B ' s shop manager, C a r l L i n d , and his band of irregulars are fixing floats or b u i l d i n g cabinets in the Boathouse.

This year, a tremendous volume of work was done. C a r l and his helpers among the most notably faithful: Larry A l l e n , Jim Feltrup, Scott Fulmer, Don Griffith, Leif Karlsen, Paul M a r l o w and Bob Schoonmaker - have totally reframed, re-timbered, re-transomed, redecked and cosmetically rehabilitated a 12' Beetle Cat (which also received a new centerboard and centerboard trunk) and a 20" Blanchard Jr. Knockabout (the extras for the BJK, Martha T, included new skeg, keel bolts and rudder post).

Paul H e n r y , part-time C W B boat builder, rebuilt the thwarts for Martha T, d i d a total rebuild of the 17' Falcon sloop, repaired and refinished the foredeck of the 21' Truscott steam launch Puffin, stabilized the onshore Bristol Bay gillnetter and made a new sprit for our gillnetter w h i c h is afloat.

Other boats Finished, refinished a n d / o r repaired this year included: 12' Whitehall, 15' Whitehall, 16' Whitebear skiff, 12' Chamberlain dory skiff, 15' Valso, 13' Acme, 12' Coeller dinghy, 13' Catspaw dinghy, 15' Lake Oswego boat, 12' Penguin sloop, 12' Yankee Tender, 32' Nootka dugout canoe, 21' gig Dan, 12' Lake U n i o n flattie and 12' Bristol Bay pram.

The active Star mast was broken and repaired, lots of repairs were done on parts of the 18' M e r c u r y sloop and 19' Lightning sloop. The 44' y a w l Resolute was hauled for bottom and boot-top painting and has received a lot of brightwork topside.

Vern Velez and Jim Handley have done extensive rigging repairs. Duane Harris and Bud Ricketts have sewn and re-sewn innumerable sails and

stitched up new sail bags and mast boots. Harvey Nobe took on the chore of finishing off new oars and refinishing o l d ones.

Total rebuild of the 1906 White steam engine for the Puffin was done by Everett Engineering. Rod A l b i n rebuilt the Perkins diesel for the 44' y a w l Resolute. Paul M a r l o w overhauled the Briggs & Stratton engine for the 16' Poulsbo boat and the Detroit diesel for the 28' Monterey C l i p p e r Paesano. The Atomic 4 engine of our 15' launch Katy was overhauled by Ken Hatch.

Still underway are repair and refinishing of Resolute's spars, rebuilding of Blanchard Sr. Knockabout #7 - a project of Jerry LaCaille and Dave Parker - and another Blanchard Jr. Knockabout (all new frames in both of them so far) and rebuilding a Geary 18' sloop.

The numbers of workers in the Boatshop, their BTUs of enthusiastic energy and the quantity of shavings they generate (which get recycled as fire starters for the shop stove or Puffin's boiler - but that's another story) make Santa's workshop and chirping crew look like a mattress testing laboratory. A n d their toys aren't as cute as our toys!

- Dick Wagner

CALENDAR OF EVENTS ( N O T E : There w i l l not be a monthly speaker in December.)

December 27 (Sunday) CWB FROSTBITE R E G A T T A A N D A N N U A L VOLUNTEER PARTY 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

It's time for the 1992 Beetle Cat Championships - a fantastic, fun-filled frigid frolic to determine just w h o is the best Beetle Cat sailor. Registration is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the skippers' meeting is at 12:30 p.m. and the first race starts at 1 p.m. After that, races start five minutes after completion of the previous race. The big sail-off for the heat winners begins at 3:15 p.m.

Then it's on to the post-race potluck - a celebration of and for all our fabulous volunteers and the announcement of our second annual Volunteer of the Year A w a r d (written nominations for Volunteer of the Year arc being accepted at the C W B office through December 24). The Beetle Cat Championship awards will be presented at the potluck too. Bring a dish to serve 6. C W B w i l l provide the beverages.

6

January 15, 1993 (Friday) CWB M O N T H L Y SPEAKER 8 p.m. Boathouse Felix Moitoret, six times Geary 18 International C h a m p i o n , w i l l give a talk in his 55-year involvement with b u i l d i n g , racing and administrating the Gearys. Felix was the terror of the fleet for many years: N o w that he is retired from racing Gearys, he can give us tips on how to show your wake to the rest of the fleet.

February 19 (Friday) CWB M O N T H L Y SPEAKER 8 p.m. Boathouse "The Shipwright and H i s Trade."

Lee Ehrheart of Seattle's Havorn Marine Services surveys and repairs wooden vessels and teaches surveying.

He w i l l give a talk on the stalwart men who build wooden ships, their tools, knowledge and lives.

MARINE SKILLS WORKSHOPS A l l year 'round L E A R N TO "SAIL N O W ! " 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday CWB Boathouse Fee: $I25 per person (includes a oneyear C W B membership) Students w i l l learn to sail small classic craft in one session of classroom work and four (or more) sessions of hands-on instruction in our small boats. Students w i l l graduate when able to sail a variety of keel, centerboard, sloop and catboats by instinct. Y o u may begin any Saturday, space permitting; m a x i m u m of six students.

Please call ahead for reservations.

For the student w h o is only free on weekdays, or prefers to have one-onone instruction, we continue to offer individual lessons (S15) on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. C a l l for an appointment.

January 9 (Saturday) PLANE M A K I N G Fee: S70/S75 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Instructor: Charlie Mastro Students each w i l l create their o w n planes under the guidance of the tool maestro himself. Charlie w i l l cover the basics of the blade - sharpening and maintenance - and lead the class through the intricacies of shaping and forming the body of the plane and inserting the blade. Each student w i l l take home a tool that w i l l last a lifetime. Limited to 6 students.

January 1 6 - 1 7 (Saturday and Sunday) LOFTING WORKSHOP Fee: $115/$125 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p . m . (each day) C W B Boathouse Instructor: Eric Hvalsoe Students w i l l loft a full-size 11' d i n g h y from a table of offsets. This workshop w i l l enable students to read plans and understand the arcane mysteries of bevels, rabbet lines, deductions and construction drawings.

This class is recommended as a prerequisite for our boatbuilding workshops. Limited to 6 students.

January 23 (Saturday) BASIC WOODWORKING FOR WOMEN Fee: $40/$45 9 a.m. - 5 p . m . C W B Boatshop Instructor: Charlie Mastro An introduction to the art and use of w o o d w o r k i n g tools. Charlie shows y o u how to do the basics: sharpening and maintenance of your tools and simple joint making. H i s genial manner and teaching style w i l l have you using w o o d w o r k i n g tools like a pro in no time at a l l . Limited to 6 students.

January 30 (Saturday) INTERMEDIATE W O O D W O R K I N G FOR W O M E N Fee: $40/$45 9 a.m. to 5 p . m . C W B Boatshop Instructor: Charlie Mastro The natural f o l l o w - u p to C W B ' s Basic W o o d w o r k i n g for Women. The comfortable atmosphere and teaching style remain the same but, this time, Charlie w i l l guide the students through more complicated joinery.

Limited to 6 students.

February 10, 17, 24 (Wednesdays) CELESTIAL N A V I G A T I O N Fee: $50/55 7 p . m . - 10 p . m . C W B Boathouse Instructor: Randal Franke This course is designed for the small boat cruiser: understanding and using the sextant, based on sun sightings. Previous coastal navigation skills helpful but not necessary.

Handout materials included. Limited to 12 students February 20 - 28 (Saturday through Sunday) LAPSTRAKE WORKSHOP Fee: $550/$600 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p . m . each day C W B Boatshop Instructor: Eric Hvalsoe The instructor has had extensive

experience in b u i l d i n g and teaching traditional w o o d boat construction. The class w i l l build an 11' dinghy from the drafting board of Bob Baker. (The boat w i l l be lofted in the January 16-17 workshop.) The classic upright stem and wineglass transom involve the challenges of traditional boat building on a manageable scale. The completed boat will be launched Sunday afternoon, February 28.

Basic w o o d w o r k i n g skills are required.

M a x i m u m 7 students.

March 13 - 14 (Saturday and Sunday) LOFTING WORKSHOP Fee: $115/$125 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p . m . each day C W B Boathouse Instructor: Eric Hvalsoe Students w i l l loft a full-size dinghy from a table of offsets. This workshop w i l l enable students to read plans and understand the arcane mysteries of bevels, rabbet lines, deductions and construction drawings. This class is highly recommended as a prerequisite for our boatbuilding workshops.

Limited to 6 students.

March 20 - 21 R I G G I N G AS IF IT M A T T E R S Fee: $100/$110 9 a. m. - 6 p . m . C W B Boatshop Instructor: Brion Toss and assistant Master rigger and author Brion Toss unlocks the secrets of tuning, doublebraid splicing, rigging fundamentals including design, fabrication, maintenance and more and adds one more important element: fun.

Innovative, easy-to-remember techniques w i l l help y o u learn knots and splices specifically adapted to modern-day applications and materials.

Sail plans, examination of boats in the water and a sort of "mob mime" w i l l help you understand the nature and intensity of the forces that act on rigs and how good rigs translate those forces into boat speed. Limited to 18 students A p r i l 10 - 15 (Saturday through Thursday) M A I N E G U I D E C A N O E WORKSHOP Fee: $360/400 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day C W B Boatshop Instructor: Jerry Stelmok Students w i l l build a classic canvason-wood canoe and paddles. Jerry Stelmok of M a i n e is the premier builder of this type of canoe, has written the 7

definitive book on canvas and wood canoe b u i l d i n g and has taught several classes on the subject. Students must have woodworking experience.

M a x i m u m 6 students.

A p r i l 21-25,1993 (Wednesday through Sunday) CANVAS ON CEDAR CANOE REPAIR A N D P A D D L E M A K I N G Fee: $360/400 8:30 a.m. - 5 p . m . each day C W B Boatshop Instructor: Jerry Stelmok This course w i l l be a combination of repair, recanvasing and paddle making. The instructor is a wizard at the most effective w a y to get an old canoe into shape. W o o d w o r k i n g experience is required. M a x i m u m 6 students.

A p r i l 24 (Saturday) H O W T O M A K E A STRIP P L A N K E D KAYAK Fee: $25/$30 9 a.m. - 3 p . m . C W B Boathouse Instructor: Paul Ford The instructor is experienced in strip b u i l d i n g and effectively provides students w i t h the technical information needed - in a seminar session - to enable them to b u i l d their o w n kayak using the strip planked method.

M a y 22 (Saturday) I N T R O D U C T I O N T O METALLURGY Fee: $25/$30 9 a.m. - 3 p . m . C W B Boathouse Instructor: Prof. Paul Ford K i n d s and properties of alloys.

Heat treatment for ferrous and nonferrous metals.

This workshop provides information helpful for anyone doing forging or casting. It is especially valuable for students interested in the Casting Workshop which follows on M a y 29 and June 5.

M a y 29 and June 5 (Saturdays) SAND CASTING A N D FOUNDRY TECHNIQUES Fee: $40/$50 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Instructor: Prof. Paul Ford Basic foundry know-how w i l l be covered in the first session. Students w i l l cast simple forms. The second session w i l l involve more complex casting. Students w i l l also learn how to build a cheap, but effective foundry.

Limited to 12 students.

N O T E : Fees indicate member/nonmember costs.

Need A Gift?

If you're still in the market for some holiday gifts - or for a gift any time of year - don't forget that C W B has a whole slew of d a n d y items, including one-size-fits-all gift certificates.

The best gift y o u could choose for anyone, of course, is a membership in The Center for Wooden Boats. O r , if that special person on your gift list is already a member, how about a gift certificate for one of our workshops or classes (you'll find a complete list of them in the Calendar of Events in this issue). Or how about some boat rental time. A l l of these can be done through a gift certificate.

If your gift-giving tastes r u n more to something that can be put in a box and wrapped up, we've got goodies that w i l l fill just about any size box.

T i n y boxes can be filled with jewelry, including from our signature C W B cloisonne pins (two sizes, $3 and $5.50), C a v i n Richie's handsome sterling silver pins and tie tacs (eagles, otters, sailboats, walruses, $15-$18) and W i l l i a m Spear's lovely cloisonne sailboats (Catboat, Swampscott dory, America and Reliance, $8-$l5), each with its o w n descriptive card.

Sailors w i l l welcome the C W B sweatshirt with its cozy standup collar and front quarter-zipper (navy, grey, white, M, L and X L , $24). For warmer days or layering, a C W B T-shirt ($12) fills the bill (light, m e d i u m , turquoise and navy blue, raspberry, grey and jade). A n d everyone can use a hat, particularly when it's C W B ' s handsome full-billed, size-adjustable poplin cap in navy or grey with contrasting logo ($8.50).

What else have we got? C W B mugs, white with a navy logo, $5. The Marco the Cat books by Bellingham author Joanne Roe ($6.95 paperback, $10.95 hardcover), a hit with both kids and adults. A great selection of notecards, including C W B photo notes, Kathy Bray's fine sailboat drawings and Dick Wagner's Boathouse sketch, at prices ranging from $1.50 to $10 for i n d i v i d u a l cards and sets.

A n d , last but not least, Wooden Boat Festival posters, including the 1989, 1990,1991 and 1992 versions. The first three feature the photos of C W B member Marty Loken ($7.50 to $10).

The 1992 poster is from a painting by another member, Coupeville artist R. A. Benson, and is available at $8 for the poster or $40 each for a numbered limited edition i n d i v i d u a l l y signed by

8

the artist.

Get your gift shopping done the easy way any day of the year. Stop in at the C W B Boathouse (noon to 6 p.m. every day but Tuesday) or call us.

CWB Officers and Crew Four new members have been elected to the C W B Board of Trustees, who chart our course: Celeste Archambault, an experiential education teacher and consultant; K i m N o l a n , a vice president and partner in Pacific M e d i a G r o u p of Seattle; Scott Rohrer, yard manager for H C H / M a r i n e Servicenter on Lake U n i o n , and Bob Tapp, a metals consultant and also Dockmaster for our annual Wooden Boat Festival.

The Board also has elected officers for the October '92 - September '93 period.

They are Carter Kerr, president; Caren Crandell, vice president; M i k e M i l b u r n (immediate past-president), treasurer, and Duncan Bayne, secretary.

The C W B staff is Dick Wagner, director; Judie Romeo, administrative manager; C a r l L i n d , maintenance manager, and Horace Ingram, livery manager.