Shavings Volume 6 Number 5 (September-October 1984)

SHAVINGS Newsletter of The Center for Wooden Boats - Vol. 6, No. 5

SPECIAL EVENTS PLANNED FOR CWB FALL REGATTA Our fall gathering of good little boats and shared information will have a few additional features this year—namely, gig races to suit all visitors.

The regatta, Saturday, October 6 at Waterway 4, will include a series of races between 21 foot gigs (four single banks of oars and coxswain per boat), and you can participate as a crewmember.

The C W B will have a gig on hand by early September, on loan from O A R S the O l d Anacortes Rowing Society. Impromptu crews from the C W B will be able to practice for a month before the October 6 races against crews from O A R S and the Vancouver and Puget Rowing Society.

Racing classes will be Women's, Men's, Mixed.

Master (age 60 and over) and Service C l u b (Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.) Please contact Dick Wagner at 382-BOAT for crew sign up details.

The regatta will also include conventional rowing races in various classes, with prizes for first and last boats, best looking boats, skippers coming the longest distance, etc. Rowing events will begin promptly at 1 p.m., with a potluck chilicooking competition at 2 p.m. and sailing races at 3:30. See you there! •

ADOPT-A-BOAT Has the wooden boat stork failed to alight upon your doorstep? Are your dinghy parental instincts proving to be overwhelming? C W B offers a panacea for your longing through its " Adopt A-Boat" program.

Adoption can occur in a variety of ways, you can choose a boat and donate money for (a) restoration materials, (b) restoration labor, (c) both, (d) your own volunteer time, or (e) a $1000 donation for which we will commission a nameboard carved with the name of your choice for the boat of your fancy. The remainder of the donation will be put in a fund for maintenance of all our exhibit fleet.

Caren Crandell. •

FLEET RESTORATION BIDS REQUESTED The C W B Board of Trustees recently allocated funds for a substantial restoration program of our exhibit/rental fleet of boats, moored at the Center's Boatshop/Museum.

The purpose of this program is to refinish the boats needing attention and to establish a base line for ongoing maintenance on each boat Professional refinishing services will be engaged to catalyze and supplement the ongoing efforts of the volunteer Fleet Maintenance C o r p s Bids for this refinishing work are being accepted from qualified craftpersons for the next two weeks. If interested in investigating the work for estimating purposes, please contact Dick Wagner at 382 B O A T as soon as possible for details.

Eric Burkhead. Secretary. •

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CWB FALL SEMINARS We are planning a fall seminar series.

The lapstrake boatbuilding sessions will be taught by Simon Watts, widely recognized craftsman and associate editor of Fine Woodworking. Watts believes lapstrake construction is a technique especially suited to the backyard boatbuilder. In each workshop the students will build a complete boat. The construction session is followed by a launching party where everyone can play with the boat.

We have planned a 6-day workshop building a 10' Herreshoff designed pram followed by a workshop building a 15' sailing dinghy. The second workshop will take two 5 1/2 day weeks. If we do not receive reservations for the full complement of seven students for this workshop, we will schedule a second 10' pram workshop of six day's duration. Therefore, we would like to immediately receive a $100 deposit to reserve your place in any one of the three possible lapstrake workshops (refundable if the class is cancelled due to lack of a full student complement). The cut off date for reservations is thirty days before the class begins.

The scrimshaw workshop is an opportunity to learn this 19th century foc'sle craft from a professional scrimshaw artist, Kelly Mulford. This all day session will include history, ivory preparation and basic techniques using Micarta as an ivory substitute. We furnish the main supplies.

Students should bring: adjustable table lamp, small sable brush (#3 - #6), two small jars. X A c t o knife (we furnish the blades), India ink (must be India) and simple design ideas. Students will make a scrimshaw object great Christmas gift potential.

Fossil ivory will be available for purchase.

The oarmaking workshop will be taught by boatbuilder Rich Kolin of Anacortes.

Students will build full size oars of Pele Culler pattern in two successive weekend days. In the first session students will laminate, line out and eight side the oars.

The second session students will round, fair and seal the oars.

The King of Coldmolding in the North west, Del Saul, will conduct a hands on workshop in all the variations and permutations of cold molding technique. This is a proven method to build a complex hull form in a light, strong, fair and handsome manner. The class, working on two successive weekend days, will build a rowing shell.

Students should reserve their place in the scrimshaw, oarmaking and cold molding workshops by payment in advance.

This will be refunded if the classes are not

Sept.-Oct., 1984 - $0.25

filled. The cutoff date is 30 days before the class.

Here is the class schedule: October 22-27 - 10' Pram Workshop with Simon Watts; 8:30-6 p.m., $275 for C W B members, $300 for non-members; class limit 7 students.

November 3 - Scrimshaw Workshop with Kelly Mulford; 9 5 p.m.; $20 for C W B members, $25 for non-members; class limit 15 students.

November 4 & 11 - Oarmaking Work shop with Rich Kolin; 10-4 p.m.; $35 for C W B members, $40 for non-members; class limit 15 students.

November 5-10 - 10' Pram Workshop with Simon Watts; 8:30-6 p.m.; $275 for C W B members, $300 for non-members;

class limit 7 students. ( N O T E : This class will be held only if the required number of students fail to sign up for the class described below.)

November 5-17 - 15' Sailing Dinghy Workshop with Simon Watts; 8:30 6 p.m.; $550 for C W B members, $600 for nonmembers; class limit 7 students. ( N O T E : If you are interested in this class, please sign up early.)

November 18 & 25 - C o l d Molding Workshop with Del Saul; 9-6 p.m.; $100 for C W B members, $110 for non-members; class limit 8 students.

C W B M E M B E R S H I P : If you are not a member yet, this is a good time to join . . . or renew your expired membership. The costs are as follows: Students and Senior Citizens, $8.00 per year; Individuals, $15.00; Families, $25.00; Contributing. $50; Benefactor. $100; Life, $300. Send membership fees, together with your name and address, to The Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley Street.

Seattle. WA 98109. •

BOAT SHOW VIII — THE CHEMISTRY IS STILL THERE Did we have a big crowd at our 8th Annual W o o d e n Boat Show? W h e n you have to stand in line to enter the Lake Union Naval Reserve Base, that's a big crowd.

Was there sparkle, was there pizazz? People danced to the syncopated beat of the antique one cylinder engines. Steve Philipp had his audience in the palm of his work calloused hand when he talked about " C e d a r Culture." the special skills of the Northwest canoe people. David Dunning, auctioneer of aplomb, enticed a fellow rowing past the show in his skiff to stop for the auction.

The rower stayed in his skiff long enough to be high bidder on an 18' sloop—a new auctioneering benchmark.

The sharp ping of caulking kept the crowds enthralled every day. T o d d Helmerson, third generation caulker, used his father's and grand father's mallets and irons.

Toy boats, built by the tiny hands of toy-sized people, were products of concentration and wild imagination. At award time, the kids intensely watched every move of the judges, and their parents tried to look cool and unconcerned. Roy Kobayashi, head boatbuilding instructor at Seattle Community College, was seen carefully examining the kids' work, maybe wishing his grown-up students could be so motivated.

Craftsmanship wasn't hard to find. The Antique and Classic Boat Society's highly polished runabouts had it. Freya Boatworks schooner Sophia Christina had it. The Shetland Island sixern, built by G r e g Foster, had it. A rainbow of good wood boats ranged from the delicate lapstrake canoes of Earl Doan to the massive oak power of the 19th-century Baltic ketch, Sylvia.

Frankel, races and water taxi; Darlene Allen, food booths; and Dick Wagner, anything else.

A plethora of radio coverage was given to us by Bob Hardwick of K V I . Enormously helpful preshow publicity was provided by K O M O T V . C h a s Dowd crafted the press releases.

W h e n all the strategies were worked out, the troops marched in and nailed them together.

Bill Van Vlack and Neil Allen installed the electrical system. Betsey Shedd and Bill Van Vlack did the announcement set-up. The 360 feet of small boat floats, loaned by Northwest Marine Trade Association, were towed to the show by Mike Wolaston, with George Lathrop and Mike Wagner as crew. Foss launch and Tug C o . loaned a radio for the tow. The floats were returned by Frank Didier, aboard the Arro, assisted by C u r t Abel. Anchors for the floats were donated by Seaforge. Owner Grant Sarver personally made the six 75 pound kedge anchors.

The crew that set up the floats, ramps and booths were Terry Lavalee. Curt Abel, John Lessing, Marcus Lester. Courtney Smith. Herb Donald. Dick Foust. Celeste and Morrin Kuhn.

Roland and Clarice Messer, and Eric Hvalsoe.

During the show, the C W B info booth was run

by Paul F o r d , with assistance from Colleen Wagner, Marcus Lester, Susan and Richard Gale, Mark Cunningham, Barbara Oakrock, Dick Hudson and Foster Lewis.

The C W B store crew, led by Jay Hamilton, were Stu Currier. Dean Gibson, J o h n Moran.

Tena and Earl Doan, Pat Lane. Bill Aston, Ellen Briggs, and J o n Singleton.

The potluck dinner was organized by Paul F o r d , Colleen Wagner and Mary Ford. Dave Wright and John Lessing glued themselves to our

Watching the boats racing back and forth alongside the Naval Reserve Base seawall was almost as exciting as the roar and smoke of Kelly Mulford's muzzle loader starting the races.

Interwoven in this tapestry of action was the staccato tapping of Eric Hvalsoe's riveting hammer, planking a lapstrake boat; the frantic whine of skillsaws slashing wood at the Quick and Daring Boatbuilding Contest; and the sunshine sounds of the wandering folk singers. It was theatre on 77 stages.

The show happened because lots of people planned it, and lots more implemented it, all freely donated. They had a bit of show biz themselves. For instance, the special boat show edition of Shavings headed by Henry G o r d o n , with Dave C o x , Marty L o k e n , C h a s D o w d , and Dick Wagner assisting, kicked off their plans with a beer sipping session at T h e Mark Tobey Tavern.

The Auction Committee, led by Mary Lathrop. got started with a flip-chart pep talk by David Dunning, and about one hundred feet of newsprint covered with flow-penned spontaneous ideas. Outstanding sales efforts of Mary Lathrop, Dennis Broderson, Clay Prescott, and Mike Oswald brought in most of the auction loot.

The overseeing Boat Show committee was kept in lock step order by Judy Mazzano.

Meetings featured computer print outs of the various production aspects, and potluck desserts. These well fed committee members and their responsibilities: Caren Crandell, boatshop; Paul F o r d . C W B information booth; Jay Hamilton. volunteer coordination and C W B store; Mary F o r d , volunteer coordination; G a r y

water taxis, with help from J i m Sand, Marcus Lester and Philip Neal. B o b Hale coordinated the Quick and Daring Boatbuilding Contest. T h e dockmaster job was handled with the firm but fair hands of Lee Ehrheart and Marcus Lester.

The toy boatbuilding workshop was organized

by Bruce Skilling, with patient help from J o h n Gruenwald. Howard M a s o n , Stu Currier, K e n Bus and Victor McKillop. Announcements and commentary on the Quick and Daring contest were done by Alan Del Rey, Chas D o w d and B o b Allen.

Caren Crandell gave visitors to the C W B boatshop more information than they ever dreamed of. Assistance was volunteered by Herb Donald, Dick Foust, J o n Singleton, Faye Kendall and Mike Phimister.

Slide talks were given by Les Bolton on sail cruising in the San Juan Islands. John Moran on rowboat cruising in Barkley Sound, and Chris Cunningham on his paper-canoe voyage from Quebec to Florida.

The auction action was handled by Colleen Wagner, Mary F o r d , Darlene Allen, George Lathrop, Dennis Broderson, Mike Oswald.

Courtney Smith and Kay Bullitt.

Lee Ehrheart was liaison with our cordial host, the U.S. Naval Reserve Center, Captain J o h n R. Geaney, Commanding Officer.

A blur of hands took down and stowed away the show paraphernalia in double time. They were Mark Cunningham, Curt Abel. Dave LeFebvre, Bill Higgins, Eric Hvalsoe, Colleen Wagner, Caren Crandell and J o n Singleton.

During the show, help was always forthcoming from our mascot, young Brian Grube.

Now the show is all wrapped up. We have already begun planning for Boat Show IX, and we hope it will be another popular event. The question is, why did so many people come, and why did they enjoy themselves? The site is a far cry from a golf course setting. Parking is as hard to find as air dried planking stock. Our exhibit architecture is built with chicken-coop carpentry. We offer no superstars. Then what is the catalyst of success? I think it's simply tossing together a lot of people in a casually constructed space. This is the stimulus that evokes friendliness. exchange of ideas, wit and ingenuity. It seems these are the elements of a lively party. The more contrived the style, the less compelling the incentive to look, think, react, laugh. Maybe this is even the special chemistry of a vital city: a gathering place of active displays and interactive people. Of course, good wood boats and a waterbound peninsula help. We'll be back next year with our ongoing experiment in urban vitality.

Dick

Wagner. •

THE 84 SIKA CHALLENGE CUP

By B o b Hale Of the many entered, only six boats were chosen to be built at this year's Quick and Daring boatbuilding competition, and three of them beat last year's best building time. Not only that, but this year nobody capsized, and everybody finished the race afloat.

Bob Fisher and his partner Art Neslund built their boat fastest; they took an hour, nine minutes, and five seconds for the job. That's an hour and nine minutes, people. They created a boat out of 2 1/2 sheets of plywood (Bob Pickett's best), six of Pickett's straightest 2 x 4s, a pound of itty bitty roofing nails, and a 4 x 8-foot sheet of Dacron sailcloth. A n d all the Sikaflex they needed. Fisher didn't use much Sikaflex, maybe eight tubes. Others used a lot of Sikaflex, perhaps 40 tubes.

The Challenge C u p contest was run like a sailboat regatta made up of two races. The building competition was one race, and the on the water event was the second race. Low point system, equal weight for both building and racing, ties to be broken by the boat doing better on the water. Fisher and Neslund won the building side with the fastest time, and finished second in the on-the-water portion, so they won the Sika Challenge C u p going away.

They also had the classiest program. They had T-shirts, a display board with their building plan mounted on it. and for the race they wore Nordic helmets with horns sticking out the sides. The boat was called Sven and Ole's Lefsa Lite, the slogan was "Uff d a . " Art " O l e " Neslund told me that Uff da doesn't translate literally from Norwegian to English. He explained, however. that if I were ushering all three Easter services at the largest Lutheran church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and at the end of the third service I looked down and saw my pants unzipped, I could say "Uff d a ! " and use the expression well. W h e n

plywood take a compound curve. This year no compound curves, but an interesting boat and a fast building time. It was the only boat that leaked.

They tried to make a glop of Sikaflex fill a 1/4"-wide gap at the chine, and they asked too much. They bailed as they sailed, and finished the race 4th for 4th overall.

Jeff Bristar sent in a catboat with a junk rig and called it the Junk Catbox. Jeff's building partner was Kent Russell, who went home ill and couldn't take part in the race. A friend named Jeremy Sandahl filled in. The boat was cute but not fast.

It had the shortest waterline length and the most wetted surface, and it proved everything we've read about waterline length and skin friction.

Lefsa Lite was launched they cried "Uff d a ! " as the boat touched water. When " S v e n " Fisher and " O l e " Neslund finished building Lefsa Lite it was to a shout of "Uff da!" Marvelous, flexible phrase, uff da.

As I s a y . six teams entered. Three built their boats on Friday, June 29, three on Saturday the 30th, and on Sunday afternoon, July 1, all six raced on Lake Union. Richard Johnson and his partner Gary Davis built their boat in the fastest time the first day, 1:18:19. Johnson and Davis competed in last year's event and broke last year's mark — which they had set — by five seconds or so.

Now to the sentimental favorite. Jim Sand entered the contest last year and had a good time, so he decided to try again this year, only with his 12 year old son Orrin as partner. Jim wasn't trying to set speed records. He just wanted a pleasant outing with his boy. Still, they built a slick looking little sampan-style vessel in 3:09:44.

In the race they held their own in the rowing leg, then, with the tallest rig in the fleet, simply sailed away in the sailing leg. When they rounded the

Johnson and Davis really flew during the building contest. They gooped Sikaflex like it was free instead of $7.00 a tube (it was free, donated by the manufacturer). When they finished, they had Sikaflex all over the concrete parade field, and the Navy base commander, who watched the show, was not one bit amused. Johnson came back the day after the show and ground off the then cured and enormously tenacious Sikaflex with his big power grinder. For that gesture we all thank Richard Johnson.

Phil Montgomery and his partner Gerry C r o s s , from Victoria, B . C . , entered the competition last year, but w e r e n ' t chosen as a finalist. They submitted the same design this year with the statement that they truly believed they could build and race well, and this time they w e r e chosen. Their boat looked unstable it was shaped like an exclamation point in bold face type but Phil Montgomery claimed that his years of experience as a member of the Canadian national W h i t e w a t e r kayaking team gave him the skills needed to stay upright. They built in 1:14:47 second fastest time — and finished third in the race. It was good for second overall.

Wind Whitehill and his best girl Paula Backas built their boat in 2:24:50. It was the only lapstrake design yet built in the Sika competition. Whitehill entered last year and showed how to make

leeward mark for the dash to the finish line they were untouchable. They won handily, and got 3rd overall. Those of us with teen age kids appreciate what a super experience they had.

Tim Nolan. Dick Wagner, Sam Devlin, and Paul Schweiss were the design judges. Alan Del Rey announced the first day, and C h a s Dowd announced the second and third days.

Chas also took the awards presentation pictures. Sikaflex picked up the tab and gave each of the participants a bottle of Mumm's C h a m pagne. Young O r n n Sand received a bottle of Sparkling cider. O r n n ' s mum, we presume, got Orrin's Mumm's. Uff da. •

OLE! C a s a Lupita and C W B got married for the evening of June 25th. The C a s a , a Mexican restaurant located in a Spanish Colonial building on Eastlake Avenue, just around the corner from C W B , decided to publicize C W B , our Wooden Boat Show and raise funds for us by splitting the dinner proceeds that night.

To show how clever our Boat Show Committee is, we held our last pre-show meeting at the C a s a that night, topping all previous gastronomical records of the committee.

The evening was a splendid mixture of authentic atmosphere, cheerful service and excellent food. We had a great time, and C a s a Lupita generously handed us a check for $990.34! Super Bueno! Let's get married again. •

Boatbuilder's Journal

OOHS, AAHS AND THE PERILS OF PERFECTION

By Eric Hvalsoe If you think life is depressing in the wake of Christmas, try picking up the pieces after a boat show. I stand diligently by my boat, through a week of oohs and aahs, blank stares and incredulous head-shaking. Someone asks how I keep the water out. Occasionally I am mistaken for Bob Pickett of Flounder Bay Boat Lumber: " A r e these made, or do they come in kits?"

O h , it's not all bad. People fall in love with the boat. The ubiquitous retired shipwright offers a nod of approval. Some folks stop and chat, imploring me to keep on building, as if part of a quiet social and economic revolution.

Some ask the price. I break into a cold sweat and blurt out a figure having absolutely no relationship to the real price of skilled labor in today's market. There is a tendency to ask, what is the point?

Is it just vanity? Eric Hvalsoe, Boatbuilder, in shades of neon? Everyone wants a little respect, right? Fine, I'll use a little respect as a down payment on a truck. (My '63 Bug has gone through three engines, two transmissions and half a dozen emergency brake c a b l e s . . . that is, since I've owned it.)

Some said that the Herreshoff establishment set boatbuilding back 50 years. The name Herreshoff symbolizes the zenith of the fine yacht, "bristol fashion." Rich, elegant, and probably out of reach for you and me.

C o m e to think of it, that sounds a lot like my own advertising. But I wonder now if the boats that appear to come out of the cabinet of a violinmaker's shop frighten as much as they attract the public. T o o many people are inclined to feel that something so beautiful cannot possibly withstand the gentle crunch of a rocky beach.

Even Sam Devlin's sensible, affordable plywood boats sparkle, glisten and gleam like a million bucks.

Lord knows, if the varnish tax is ever implemented, all hell will break loose. •

MATCHING DONATIONS Many corporations have demonstrated their interest in the efforts of historic non-profit organizations by matching the contributions of their employees. The Center for Wooden Boats is eligible for these matching grants. T h e following companies can help us by equalling your donation of a new membership, membership renewal or special-purpose donation for fleet maintenance, site maintenance or even a new exhibit boat: Boeing Safeco Atlantic Richfield Bank of America Burlington Northern Chevron Digital Equipment Company Exxon G.T.E. Hewitt Packard Honeywell

IBM. Mobil Oil Company Paccar Pacific NW Bell Rainier Bank Seafirst Bank Seattle Times Seattle Trust and Savings Sunstrand Shell Oil Xerox

ABLE OF PORT TOWNSEND

By Roberta Butler Able, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of the builder, Bertram Levy, was launched March 24 in Port Townsend. As her name implies. Able is the embodiment of a concept: to be able. To be an able sailor. To be able to build and repair, if need be, your vessel wherever you may be. To be able to work hard to see your dreams become reality.

The designer, Lyle Hess, utilized the principles of the channel cutters in England. These boats carried the harbor pilots out to incoming ships, so that they could pilot the foreign ships in through local waters. Since competition between pilots was stiff, the boats needed to be strong and heavy in order to stand off in all sorts of weather, and to be agile and fast, in order to get to the ships first.

The Falmouth oyster boats were a later development of the channel cutters. These oyster boats had great cargo carrying capacity (all those fresh oysters in the shell!). The Falmouth boats added more sail, making them fast down wind. Since the last boat to harbor could find the market saturated with oysters, they had to be fast as well as stout.

Lyle Hess refined the design. For example, he raised the buttocks. He cut away the forefoot so that she would come about easily. He preserved the plumb bow as a reminder of her English ancestors. He added a narrow entry so that the hull would be easily driven. The full keel aids in tracking. The beamy midsections are brought aft, providing buoyancy. She is tucked up at the stern to reduce drag.

The original boat of this design was the gaffrigged Renegade, originally out of Newport and now in Sausalito. Built in 1947 by Hale Field and Lyle Hess himself. Renegade startled the racing community by coming in first overall in the 1954 Ensenada race and first in class in 1957. A sister ship, Serqffyn, was sailed around the world by Larry and Lin Pardey, her builders. It was in seeing Seraffyn at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival in 1978 that Bertram Levy decided to build this design.

Bertram had wanted a 24-foot sailboat for years, having carved a half-model which sat over his desk during the years of schooling. He had walked the San Francisco docks ogling Dandy, a Gilmer-designed Blue M o o n . Somehow 24 feet seemed the right size: small enough to easily go out daysailing, large enough for longer cruises. Seeing Seraffyn clinched the matter. She was able to go fast. Able to live aboard. Able to sail the oceans as well as the bays.

The lofting for Able was started by Bertram in October, 1979. During the previous year, the wood and materials had been agathering in the shop behind his house, by the blackberry bushes.

Her 2720-pound lead keel was poured in the backyard. Her load displacement weight is 11,500.

Able is light, however. Bertram's idea was to maintain her framing strength and then lighten up the scantlings on the rest of the construction. For example, the carvel planking is 1 1/8" Port Orford cedar. The teak cabin sides are l-1/4" thick, rather than the l-1/2" thickness called (or in the plans.

The locust lodging and hanging knees are 1-1/2" rather than 2".

This economy of weight paid off. On her way to the harbor, Able was driven over a truck scale and weighed in at 8088 pounds. As she was designed to carry a ton of cargo, this makes her light. With 450 pounds of chain, full water and diesel tanks, and engine installed, she is on her designee waterline.

Able is 24'7" L O D with a 4'6" draft and an 8'11" beam. Her frames are 2" x 2-1/4" double sawn oak, with red lead between the riveted futtocks, every third station. Each sawn frame has a copper tack at the head, to leach copper sulfate into the frames. At the two stations between the sawn frames are l-1/2" square steamed oak frames.

Abie's deadwood is oak of great proportion. T h e keel was from a 9" x 16" x 16' timber. The knees, floor timbers, mooring bits, standing timbers, and fashion pieces are all locust, some from a local tree that blew down in the storm that also scuttled the H o o d Canal Bridge. This choice of locust comes from another of Bertram's theories: any structure that pierced the deck should be made of highly rot resistant locust with meticulous joinery.

The l-1/8" planks are Port Orford cedar which are fastened with Mustad square copper rivets.

The decks are solid teak, using 1-1/4" by l-3/4" strakes. Teak was used in the cabin sides, which are further outboard than Seraffyn's. Abie's cabin sides follow Lyle's plans and provide a sense ol

spaciousness below while maintaining the wide side decks protected by high bulwark rails. The teak cockpit is a first with this particular boat, featuring a bridge deck and deep cockpit seats.

The bridge deck strengthens the midsections, as well as providing room for the Saab 8 horsepower one-lunger diesel engine to sit below. The engine installation required bronze floors with a copper drip pan. Both features—the deep cockpit and the engine—are nods to the fact that this is a boat to sail the Northwest: when there is wind, be protected from the chill, and when there is no wind, have some auxiliary power. Additional auxiliary power is provided by a sculling oar from oarmaker Art Bright of Lopez Island.

Able is made to be sailed, though. Marconirigged, she carries 550 feet of working sail in her three sails. Her main is a vertically cut, battenless sail flying from her hollow round spruce mast of 40 feet. Her tanbark staysail makes her visible. The 6-foot bowsprit allows a high cut jib to catch the airs, which can be replaced by a 110%, reacher.

berth, and a grapefruit prism over the forward double berth bring in the daylight. By night kerosene lamps reflect a warm glow off the varnish and white.

Has Able been living up to its promise? The boat has been out frequently since its launch. In fact, she went for a ride immediately following her launch. On her return she sailed into Point Hudson and was sculled to her slip. Since then, Bertram has said that she is everything he hoped she would be, and more. She has I he easy motion of a heavier boat but is very light and responsive.

She can be short tacked in tight spaces, and sculled reasonably well. She has stiff initial stability and ghosts surprisingly well. Her helm is balanced and almost can be left unattended while the helmsman drops sails. Like her predecessor, she stands off well. Because of her light weight and immense sail area, she requires shortened sail at 15 knots.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Saturday, August 25 PAINTING & FINISHING W O R K S H O P 9 a.m.-3 p.m.. Port Townsend $18 workshop, N . W . School of Wooden Boat building. Details, 385-4948.

Saturday, August 25 THE GREAT CROSS-SOUND RACE Alki Beach to Winslow; noon start This is always the big one among Northwest rowing events, drawing about 400 boats of all descriptions. Several classes and lots of winners, with a course that begins at Alki Beach, Seattle, and ends in Eagle Harbor (Winslow), Bainbridge Island. Feast, T-shirts and awards at the finish.

For details, call Sound Rowers, 842-4202, Bainbridge Island.

Saturday-Sunday, August 25-26 B E L L I N G H A M MARITIME F E S T I V A L Wooden boats will gather for rowing events on Sunday; many other events planned during the two-day waterfront festival. For details, contact the Bellingham Maritime Foundation at 671-2325.

August 31-September 2 CLASSIC B O A T FESTIVAL Victoria, B . C . waterfront This event features some of Washington and British Columbia's most beautiful vessels—old powerboats and classic sailing craft. Registration fee. Entry details available from Classic Boat Festival, 3035 Nanaimo Street, Victoria, B . C .

V 8 T 4W2. Phone (604) 385-7766.

On occasion Bertram availed himself of the services and advice of Port Townsend's boatbuilders, sailmakers, foundrymen and riggers.

For example, Jim Lyons helped with the initial construction of the hull and decks. The sails were made by the local sail loft of Hasse and Petrich.

The double spreader rig features 1/4" stainless rigging with eye splices by rigger Kitt Africa.

There is considerable custom bronze work throughout the boat, poured by Newfound Metals from patterns made by Bertram.

Bronze is, in fact, the primary metal used on the boat, from the rivets to the Barient winches.

Rostand fittings were used where possible. The winch pads are bronze platforms, not poured but fabricated by Bertram.

Throughout the boat, the standards of a 1930's classic yacht were followed. Down below is no exception. Bertram always kept an eye to the combined aesthetics of beauty and boatiness ("It's gotta look like a boat, not a Betty Furness kitchen"). The joinery becomes its own aesthetic, featuring beams from which hammocks, ladders, and canvas leeclothes can hang. The interior is all solid wood, but not hefty, just as the hull itself is strong but not a heavyweight. The white bulkhead of tongue and groove cedar adds a touch of brightness to the varnished cedar hull. The white is set off by varnished locust trim around the curves of the passage to the forward cabin and around the partial bulkheads. Locust hanging knees take the curve of the hull. The tops of the berths and settees are slatted, to reduce weight and to allow ventilation.

In the main cabin, offset settees allow the cook to sit down and keep an eye on the stovetop. The Mariner propane stove has an oven big enough for at least a pie. There is also a little Sardine wood stove by Lunenberg, for heat and for drying out damp Northwestern socks. The deep English made sink is welded into the stainless steel countertop. The cabin is full of light. Six ports in the cabin sides, a deck prism over each quarter

Friday-Sunday, September 7-9 W O O D E N B O A T FESTIVAL Port Townsend Last wooden boat show of the season in the Northwest. Details, Wooden Boat Foundation, 385-3628, Port Townsend.

Her first overnight cruise was the weekend following her launch, when she sailed over to Fort Flagler, Marrowstone Island. The first night on her own 25 pound C Q R anchor proved uneventful in spite of the wind arguing with the strong currents in Kilisut Harbor. The next morning she glided out of the anchorage, winding past the channel markers as well as a herd of seals sleeping on the sand spit. She is indeed proving herself to be a capable cruiser, daysailer, and racer: all in all a most Able boat, •

HELP

WANTED:

SHAVINGS NEEDS A N A S S O C I A T E EDITOR The job is what some would call "entry level," and the rewards are strictly personal, but it's good experience for anyone interested in the publishing game.

We need an Associate Editor — the exact job description to vary according to the talents, desires and time available. If you can type, spell and punctuate, we want you!

Please call Marty L o k e n , Shavings editor, for details (783-2491, evenings.) •

Saturday, September 8 BAINBRIDGE M A R A T H O N Rowing 'round Bainbridge Island Y o u have to get up early for this one, starting at 9 a.m. to complete the 22-mile loop. Boaters interested in a shorter cruise will go about 12 miles to the long-race start-finish spot, Fay Bainbridge State Park. (Last year's entrants in the 22-mile race completed the row in 4-1/2 to 7-1/2 hours.) For details, call Sound Rowers, 842- 4202, Bainbridge Island.

Saturday, September 8 O P E N H O U S E , N.W. S C H O O L O F WOODEN BOATBUILDING Port Townsend The school welcomes the curious to its shop at 251 Otto Street, Port Townsend. For details, call (206) 385-4948.

September 14-16 CALIF. W O O D E N B O A T FESTIVAL Newport Beach, C A Exhibit of new and old wooden boats, with bestof-show judging, sailing regatta and building demonstrations. Details: (714) 673-9360.

Friday, September 21 C W B M O N T H L Y MEETING 8 p.m. Waterway 4 Earl Doan, canoe builder and and current tables, will talk about Tides and Currents in the San information, an absolute necessity cruising, will cover use of current

editor of tide " C o p i n g With Juans." The for small boat tables, recog-

nizing and avoiding dangerous currents, and maneuvering against foul currents.

Saturday, October 6 CWB FALL REGATTA Noon to dark, Waterway 4 Rowing and sailing races, shared information, lots of good food and fun. For details, see story elsewhere in this issue.

Saturday, October 6 L A Y O U T & PATTERN-MAKING WORKSHOP Port Townsend Another N.W. School of Wooden Boatbuilding workshop, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; fee of $18. Details: (206) 385-4948.

Friday, October 19 C W B M O N T H L Y MEETING 8 p.m., Waterway 4 We'll show an exciting film version of the mystery story. The Riddle of the Sands, by Erskine Childers. The film stars Michael Y o r k and it's thoroughly English, so bring your calabash pipe, a pint of bitters, dress in woolens and enjoy an evening of early 1900's adventure in the North Sea. Saturday, October 20 CAULKED AND CANVAS DECKS WORKSHOP 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Port Townsend Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, $18. Details: (206) 385 4948.

Saturday, November 3 ELECTROLYTIC ACTION WORKSHOP 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Port Townsend Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. $18. Details: (106) 385-4948.

Saturday, November 17 D R Y R O T A N D REPAIR W O R K S H O P 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Port Townsend Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, $18. Details: (206) 385 4948.

October 22-27 CWB LAPSTRAKE WORKSHOP 8:30 - 6:00 p.m. Daily Simon Watts helps students build a 10-foot lapstrake pram in six days. (See story elsewhere in this issue.) Details: 382-2628.

Saturday, November 3 SCRIMSHAW WORKSHOP 9 a.m.-5 p.m.. Waterway 4 Kelly Mulford, instructor. See details elsewhere in this issue, or call 382 2628.

November 4 & 11 OARMAKING WORKSHOP 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. Waterway 4 Anacortes boatbuilder Rich Kolin shows students how to build oars designed by Pete Culler. See details elsewhere in this issue, or call 382-2628.

Nov. 5-10 or Nov. 5-17 CWB LAPSTRAKE WORKSHOP 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily Dates and boats to be built will vary according to response from potential students. Nov. 5-10 if there is interest in building another 10 foot pram.

Nov. 5-17 if students wish to take more time and build a 15-foot sailing dinghy. See story elsewhere in this issue, or call 382 2628 for details.

November 18 & 25 CWB COLD-MOLDING WORKSHOP 9 am.- 6 p.m.. Waterway 4 Del Saul, instructor, shows how to build a rowing shell in two days. See details elsewhere in this issue, or call 382-2628. •

DONATIONS Valuable donations which we have received: Parking lot grading - Robert Rudine.

C e d a r logs for future floats - Robert Rudine. Ballard Mills Properties.

Railroad ties for parking barriers Paul Ford.

Moving our sailing gillnetter - Associated Boat Transfer.

Site cleanup funds Oakmead Foundation.

Lumber (or picnic table and benches Dunn Lumber Company.

Design and construction of picnic table and benches Mark Cunningham.

Trash receptacle Paul Ford.

Books Marcus Lester, Harry Holden.

John Riley. Lon Israel. Robert Kelly.

Slide Projectors Roland and Clarice Messer, Jim Sharp.

Refinishing whitebear skiff Marcus Lester and Mike Phimister.

Refinishing Chittagong boat - Jay Hamilton. Mary F o r d , Gary Frankel.

Copper windvane for the Pavilion (it's our logo, the sailing gillnetter) Bart Kister.

Oar leathers - The Wooden Boat Shop.

Assorted fancy knotted key lanyards and bell ropes Eric Dahlin.

Floorboard for Falcon sailboat,donated and installed Charlie Mastro.

We are very grateful for contributions of labor and material, all of which are tax deductible.

We still need a copying machine, film projector and a truck. •

WILDERNESS NOTES Lake Union is a bustling 24 hour a day harbor.

Even so, a fair sprinkling of wildlife shares the lake with the fishing fleet, tugs, barges, research vessels, boats, seaplanes and the plague of windsurfers.

We have seen in season, killdeer. blue heron, green heron, red merganser, western grebe, bufflehead, old squaw, surf scoter and falcon. Of course, we have year round mallard. C a n a d a geese, brant and coot. We recently discovered a neighborhood beaver who has been snacking on a willow tree growing along the shore of our Waterway 4 site.

It seems there have been beaver colonies in the University of Washington Arboretum on Union Bay between Lake Union and Lake Washington.

The beaver population was kept small and stable due to illegal poaching. A few years ago, the State Fish and Wildlife people staked out the Arboretum and caught the trappers. Since then, the Arboretum beaver population has exploded and some have decided to homestead in L a k e Union.

It's a little bizarre - a nature preserve in the middle of a world class maritime traffic jam. •

The Classics Revisited

JACK LONDON IN SAN FRANCISCO BAY O n e of the quiet joys awarded to diligent readers is the discovery of a forgotten book by a well known author. Generally these books have been forgotten for good reason, but occasionally you come across one that deserves a better fate.

O n e such book is Jack London's Tales of the Fish Patrol, an account of the author's brief service as a California Fish and G a m e patrolman in the continuous war between the Commission and San Francisco Bay's poaching fishermen. It's one of London's earliest tales and is filled with a young man's view of how the world works.

The first thing that virtually jumps out of the page at you is the style. London was never an ornate or "literary" writer, but the prose here is so stark and unadorned that it doesn't even read like a book. It's much more like a very well written letter intended for someone the writer respects, a teacher possibly, or the family patriarch. A n d yet, for all its sparseness and simplicity, the fact of its bedrock reality makes it crackle with life. London was obeying the first rule of good writing: write about what you know. This reality based narrative gets truly exciting when he writes of the wild chase in pursuit of Demitrios C o n t o s , each in his own Columbia River Salmon Boat, or his freezing night in the shallow mud as he tries to hide from Yellow Handkerchief, a murderous shrimp poacher. These episodes are so direct and unsophisticated that there's no doubt of their factual truth. Made-up fiction just couldn't compare.

The other delight is the picture he presents of the sleazy Bay towns which today are San Francisco's expensive bedroom suburbs crammed with hot tubs and fern bars: Tiburon, Sausalito, Vallejo and Marin. He even feels it necessary to tells us where Berkeley is. It's hard to see any trace of their origins today. Y o u must read between the lines indeed.

For we boat buffs, his evocations of sailing and his explanations of boat handling are particularly good. In many ways, San Francisco Bay has a lot in common with conditions on Puget Sound. To be an average sailor was easy, but being a good one took skill, strength and a good helping of nerve and courage.

Courage was always important to London. In Tales, physical courage is the only measure of a man. W h e n their sloop is sinking, London scorns another patrolman, George, who won't pull a gun on their captive shrimp fisherman, forcing them to bail. London saves the situation by refusing to slack the mainsheet when the waterlogged boat hits a squall. C o w e d by his determination, the shrimpers realize he will sink rather than allow them to escape.

This valuation of courage is part of the boy's code of honor that runs throughout the book. It allows the fishermen to do anything, including shooting patrolmen, to escape capture, but once in custody they're expected to be docile, even helpful. It forbids the patrolmen to shoot at fishermen unless fired upon. When he and Charley Le Grant capture Demitrios C o n t o s for illegal fishing after he saves London's life, they must turn him in for trial. After he's been convicted, Charley pays the fine and the lawyer's fees. Demitrios reforms. G o o d men, brave men, can always do the right thing. In a time when good and bad are nowhere nearly as clearly drawn, it's refreshing to move back into a world where a boy

sees even lawbreakers obey a higher law.

There is a dark side to London's naive code.

Today we call it prejudice. The villains are all G r e e k s . Mexicans, Italians or Chinese. His antiChinese attitude is particularly unsettling. There are good Greeks, but all the Chinese are "yellow heathens" or "crafty Orientals." It's unfair to judge a 1906 book by 1984 standards and London's attitude was, sadly, pretty standard for that part of the country in that era. Y o u must just look at it as an historical artifact, like having to explain where Berkeley is. Jack's dead now and so is Big Alex, Yellow Handkerchief and Ole Ericsen, so maybe these racial stereotypes don't matter.

Read the book as 1 read it: a boy's adventure story, a bit of history, a bit of boat lore and a real good yarn. It's definitely worth it. — Chas D o w d .

• (Editor's note: Shavings would like to know about your boat books. Tell us about your favorite so we can all read it. Just send suggestions and we'll spread the word.)

NEW ROWING ORGANIZATION Sound Rowers, a just-formed group of enthusiasts headquartered on Bainbridge Island, is looking for members. Full details were being finalized at press time, but the group already is involved in promotion of several events, including The Great C r o s s - S o u n d Rowing Race, Blake Island Rowing Meet, Ballard to Bainbridge Rowing Race, Lutefisk Pull, 'Round Shaw Island Row and Bainbridge Marathon. (Full details on each event will be found in the Calendar of Events, elsewhere in this issue.)

For information on membership, drop a note to Sound Rowers. B o x 11304, Winslow, WA 98110, or call Kent Miller at 842-5047. •

ROWING TO EXPO '86 ..

Plans are brewing for a massive rowing event during the summer of 1986, in which hundreds of traditional pulling boats will make their way from Anacortes (and other ports in the Puget Sound region) to the Expo '86 site in Vancouver, B . C .

Tentative plans call for a rendezvous of boats in Anacortes and group row north over a period of two or three days, with a grand parade on arrival at the E x p o '86 site.

Stay tuned for details!

•

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING C W B members may advertise personal items for free - one ad per member per issue, with a limit of 50 words of copy. (Contributions are welcome, of course, if you would like to help offset the cost of producing Shavings.)

Individuals and companies may advertise commercial products and boat-related services in display classified ads Prices (or display advertising are as follows 1 col. x 1 inch, $10. I col x 2 inches. $18; 1 col. x 3 inches. $26.

1 x 6 inches, $50; 1 col. x 9 . inches. $100 Payment must accompany orders. 10".. discount for one year (6 issue) advertising insertions. Production charges, if any (reduction of artwork, halftone negatives, etc.) will be billed upon publication. There is no charge lor typesetting.

F A S T R O W I N G B O A T Pooh, the speedy 48pounder designed and built by Dave Lefebvre (featured in Small Boat Journal), is for sale. Pooh placed first overall (singles class) during three days of racing at the recent Seattle Wooden

Please support Shavings -advertise in the next issue'

DEADLINE FOR COPY: September 6, 1984 F O R S A L E Various surplus items from Shine, 16-foot Poulsbo Boat. Dacron tanbark sail, 100 s.f., rigged as sprit but could be used as lug or gaff on any boat in this size range, $150. O a k rudder and hand-carved, laminated oak tiller, $40.

Rebuilt Wisconsin 4 hp marine engine with gearbox, plus spare-parts engine, $250. Marty L o k e n , 783 2491 after 6 p.m. (Back from vacation Aug. 24.)

F O R S A L E - Mukilteo type boat, 17 feet, cedar and mahogany on oak. Excellent condition. This graceful boat is similar to a Poulsbo Boat. With Caulkins trailer. $1,250. Lyman Lyons, 363-5405, Seattle.

F O R S A L E - 23-1/2' Nightengale C u b , 1952. Zuider Zee. Excellent condition, with moorage. Asking $6,000. 782-5083, Seattle.

A N T I Q U E M A R I N E E N G I N E - Completely rebuilt rare 1918 Evinrude (yes, Evinrude!) 2 cylinder, water-cooled inboard marine engine.

8 h.p., ready to go into a b o a t . . .or just show. $520. Marty L o k e n , 783-2491 after 6 p.m. (Back from vacation Aug. 24.)

T O O L S A L E - Table saw, very sturdy, $100.

Heavy-duty 1/2-inch drill, $40. Marty L o k e n , 7832491 after 6 p.m. (Back from vacation Aug. 24.

C A N O E F O R S A L E - Wood-canvas Chestnut 16' Prospector model with spruce and dacron lateen sailing rig. A few cracked ribs. $350.

J o h n , 782-4098 evenings, Seattle.

R U N A B O U T F O R S A L E - 1946 Century utility runabout, in storage for 30 years. Fireball 6-160 Gray Marine engine, canvas boat cover. Florence T o t h , 226-2317, Renton.

C R U I S E IN A W A Y F A R E R - Procter's 16' trailerable pocket cruiser sleeps two, day sails five, stows 200 pounds of gear. Pre-cut mahogany kits from Wayland Marine. B o x 33, Cobble Hill, B . C . V0R 1L0. Call (604) 743 4741 for details, or send $3.00 for descriptive brochure.

F O R S A L E Geary 18' sloop, cedar and mahogany. Spruce spars, canvas cover. Tee Nee trailer.

Ready to sail. $695. Dave C o x , 453-9682, Bellevue.

W A N T E D - Small marine engine suitable for Poulsbo Boat, with gearbox. 783-5083, Seattle.

F O R S A L E 16' Swampscott rowing and sailing dory. Salty looking, like new, complete sailing rig.

Rows easily, sails smartly. Built by Aeolus Boat yard to lines by Howard Chapelle $1,290. Henry Studer, 937 6541. Seattle.

LETTERS The attached photograph is of a 30-foot wooden cruiser I have owned for 9 years, using it in the extensive lake system south of Whitehorse, Y u k o n . Since purchasing it I have been trying to find out its origin .. and I hope you can help.

The hull is planked with 3/4" cedar on fir with oak battens. The hull shape is a deep V, with a compound curve toward the stern, which is virtually flat at the transom. The original engine is

unknown, but the beds are massive enough to carry a GM 6-71. Beam is about 7-1/2' draft at its present displacement of 2-3/4 tons is 28" to the base of the skeg. The cabin trunk is solid cedar.

Windows have the characteristic curvature of early 1940s boats.

The boat was brought to the Y u k o n in 1969, the previous owner having been a gentleman in Sidney, B . C . In my work on it I have removed lots of the characteristic blue paints used by the U . S .

Navy, which I have seen on other old WWII veterans. Some years ago I was told the boat was probably Navy gig and that it used to be powered by a GM 6 71. With this in mind I wrote to the U . S .

Archives and the David Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center. The Archives sent me a picture of a powerboat used in New Caledonia by the Engineers in 1942. It looks similar but I'm still looking.

I suspect that because the hull has magnificent

3/4" by 12" planks fully 30' long that the boat came from Puget Sound or Oregon. Perhaps some of your members may be able to recognize it.

Thanking you for your trouble, Robert McCandless Box 4790 Whitehorse, Y . T .

Y 1 A 4N6 Canada If you have been involved with traditional wooden boats for very long you probably have heard of the sloop Clearwater which sails on the Hudson River in New York. It is one of the finest examples of a large, traditional sailing vessel built in recent times. Because of what the Clearwater is and what it does it has received worldwide media attention.

The Clearwater is more than just a sailing vessel, it is an organization that gets people involved. People from diverse backgrounds mix and work together on boating, teaching, planning and fighting to achieve the goals of preserving the history, natural history and culture of the region.

Over 5,000 people are active members of the Clearwater organization, and each year over 10,000 people sail on the sloop. The sails take groups of 25 to 70 people out (or a few hours to see the river, experience traditional sailing, learn something about the environment and share some music Half of the crew are volunteers who stay on board for a week which gives dozens of people a year the chance to become closely involved in traditional sailing.

The Clearwater is a symbol of the ability of people to succeed when they work together. It is an inspiration to all of us who have been involved in its work. It makes a person want to go out and spread the goodness, the beauty and the creativity wherever we can.

With this kind of inspiration it isn't surprising that independent Sloop Clubs have been springing up on waterways all over the United States.

For years now there has been occasional talk of starting such an organization on Puget Sound. It's about time to put this talk into action!

Do you share the dream of a Clearwater type organization started in this region? If so, let's hear from you. We need to develop a core group who are willing to help change this dream into something real. Y o u don't need any special skills or resources beyond a willingness to work with others on a noble goal.

When the number of willing supporters becomes great enough we will start a newsletter, have a planning party and incorporate the organization. It could be as soon as this summer.

We will need artists, sailors, musicians, fund raisers, printers, planners, cooks and carpenters, so tell your friends.

Please get in touch if you are interested in the idea.

T o d d Litman Clearwater C l u b Box 1624 Olympia, WA 98507 Despite the recent disgusting development of becoming a senior citizen, I want to continue on giving at least some small support to your very admirable and unique activities. There is nothing that I find more enjoyable than the subject of small wooden sailing boats. Shavings gets better with each issue and brings a lot of pleasure to those of us who are beginning to study the best rocking chair designs—teak, of course.

Best regards to all who have made the Center a dream come true.

Art Burt

Sierra Madre, C A