Regarding Skip Johnson’s Island Escape entry #3, Rick Pratt writes:
I had a model of a boat, almost its twin, on my desk at the boat shop for many years. Island built, it was authentic in every detail. The hull was a dugout, and the spars of an endemic wood.
The rig fascinated me and I thought about building one just to try it out. But making a living and finishing the craft currently on the shop floor kept those plans on the shelf.
While working in Central America I spent time in local dugouts of almost identical hull form, and found them to be satisfactory boats in every way—but none were sail powered.
That proa rig still fascinates me. Hopefully, this blog will someday carry a story of how to operate and live with one.
On our flash poll about Best Small-Boat Adventure Books, reader Bob Shipman said Oar & Sail is his choice:
Beautifully written by Dr. Leighton gently describing his solo rowing boat trip from Vancouver to Prince Rupert in his 14 foot wooden row boat.
I have enjoyed reading this book three times, guess it must be my favorite!
Speaking of favorite books, avid reader John Nystrom sent us his latest “book stack” photo:
Welton Rotz writes with a question for SCA readers and sailors:
I’m following the interest in "slow, safe camp-cruising trailerboat “ in SCA. A question I would like to put out there, to see if anyone has a good solution: How to facilitate getting on and off a boat for a handicapped old (older) sailor.
Even when I was using a walker, it was difficult. Now, with a wheelchair, it seems impossible.
•SCA•
Welton,
I'm afraid I don't have experience with your problem. However, if you just want to get out on the water, I don't know where you are, but here in Long Beach, CA there's an organization that specializes in getting disabled folks out sailing. If you'd like the details, let me know. I wonder if there are other similar groups around the country. Anyone know of others?
Ken
dogdude@mac.com
The last time I took my dad out on the SCAMP I had built for him, I tied off the boat alongside the boarding dock, had him sit on the dock with legs over the rail, then just slide in, onto the cushion on the seat. I then boarded the same way, as if that's the way its done these days, even when sober. We cast off and had a great last sail together. He was capable of climbing out okay, but stepping down was very challenging, visually and physically due to poor depth perception. We worked with what we had, but it might be an interesting design modification contest.