What's New? Part Two
From Alan Stewart and Graham Byrnes at B&B Yachts
Alan wrote, ramping up promotion of Graham's upcoming 80th birthday sailing trip, which he is using as an opportunity to raise money for their local chapter of "Rock Steady Boxing," a program for people suffering from Parkinson's Disease. Here is more info from Graham:
On May 21, 2023, I will turn 80. I plan to do a celebratory cruise in my sailboat “Carlita” around the whole of the Pamlico Sound. A distance of 500 nautical miles. It has been just over 10 years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and I never expected to make it to 80, let alone to still have the desire or feel fit enough to attempt this cruise. I believe that Rock Steady Boxing has played a big part in that and I thought it would be good to try to give something back.
Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact, beneficial fitness class for people with Parkinson’s Disease that helps with mobility, coordination, flexibility, and voice projection in an upbeat, positive atmosphere ...surrounded by energetic and fun coaches and volunteers.
My idea is to use social media to promote my “Sailing for Parkinson’s” cruise to raise funds and pass it all on to the New Bern chapter of Rock Steady support group which is part of the Michael J Fox Parkinsons’ foundation. Parkinson’s has been around for a long time and the rate of new diagnoses is ever increasing. There is no cure and there have been no real breakthroughs in fifty years, just treating the symptoms. Specialized and regular hard exercise is about the best that we have right now to slow the progression
Who is the beneficiary of this fundraiser?
The Bike Box Project of New Bern, NC
A Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
From Roger Crawford at Crawford Boatbuilding
“Some will say building a boat is one of man’s nobler efforts. Maybe so, it’s a lot of fun anyway.” wrote the legendary Cape Cod boat builder Pete Culler. Crawford Boatbuilding had its 47th anniversary last month where a crew of +/- two workers have built 555 Melonseed Skiffs, 200 Swampscott sailing/rowing/motor dories, 30 Gunning dories about 25 dinghies and yacht tenders, and a few small custom boats. Over 800 boats total. That accounts for a great deal of skill, passion, effort and yes, old Pete was right, we’ve had a great deal of fun along the way.
And then too there is no shortage of romance in this industry. In 1987 I got a call from a fellow who asked me if I could rebuild a dying, old unfinished wooden sailboat hull. His painful description of the boat’s condition was discouraging, and I suggested that the only cost-effective method of saving the boat was to fiberglass the whole thing. I was extremely reluctant to take on the job, but the owner insisted I was the right person for the task. He left the boat with me, I put it aside for a while but was constantly drawn to it and just plain fell in love with the seductive lines and shapes. I knew I had to put the boat into production. Sometimes things are just meant to be.
The Crawford Melonseed Skiff can claim rights to be among the most appreciated and successful small traditional boats to come along in the last thirty years, its reputation has spread globally and has been in part the reason that amateurs have been building their own beautiful Melonseeds in wood.
The beginnings of boat ownership start with a fantasy that somehow this material object will enrich our lives, bring us new or renewed pleasures, and perhaps allow us to cruise away from the stresses of life. However, in that world of fantasmic options folks often default to the “more and bigger is better” thinking that a big boat, or one that is bigger than the last boat will bring the most pleasure. Unfortunately, bigger usually comes with more of the “more”, perhaps too much “more” than necessary to reclaim the simple joyous feeling you had as a youth when you first experienced sailing. That’s my argument for simple is better and Melonseed owners will agree. And, if it just happens that your boat, any boat, is pure eye candy, floating art, well then.
So, in the celebratory mood of our recent anniversary, we’re still having fun here in this 100 year old boat shop, building boats, making more friends along the way, and hopefully looking forward to a couple more years of production. —Roger Crawford
From Emiliano Marino at The Artful Sailor Whole Earth Nautical Supply
We just celebrated our SIXTH anniversary on May 1st , 2023. For the occasion our ship’s band Greased Lightning, performed on the outdoor stage in front of the shop as a way to say thank you to our many loyal customers, sailors and lubbers alike. The ship’s cat, Lorelei, is alive and well!
In the past year we have expanded our shop space and capabilities to include a sail loft where we do sail repairs and can now make small sails. The service has proved popular and is a great adjunct to The Artful Sailor.
We have several new products on the shelf but are most excited about our new Rugged Rigging Knife. This is a real, sailor’s work knife and we are proud to have collaborated with a local blacksmith, Stryker Gouch, to make a sturdy and versatile nautical tool.
Amazingly The Artful Sailor’s popularity online in both social media and website has grown rapidly with many people exploring, following and signing aboard for The Stitchin’ Times, our quarterly newsletter.
As ever, our semi-annual workshops feature hand sewing and machine sewing skills as well as marlinspike techniques—teaching people of all backgrounds traditional skills and how to be self-reliant.
Fortunate and invariably grateful have been the people who invited Emiliano aboard for sail and rigging consultation. Hands on, eyeball inspection and face to face communication in sessions jam packed with information and insights have served to get people off on a new and happy tack with their boats.
We are looking forward to the warm weather and getting out on the water; Emiliano in his 1963, wooden Sunfish (Leaf) and Salty Sue in her Fiddlehead canoe (Fern). The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival is just around the corner, too! It’s always a colossal time of show and tell, hands on demonstrations, seeing old friends and making new ones.
We plan on keepin’ on, doin’ what we love to do. —Emiliano Marino
The Crew at Glen-L Marine
We continue to offer plans and full-size traceable patterns for some 300 different designs—from mini-speedboats and runabouts to sailboats and even houseboats. With each of our plans, builders can opt for the model-specific Fastening Kit and the Fiberglass Kit, saving both time and money. Readers can get our famous printed catalog for only $9.95 in the U.S. (No shipping).
Speaking of “no shipping,” Glen-L now offers free domestic shipping on all plans purchases.
Our new RIO drift boat (above) is actually offered as a CNC plywood kit, but also be available as plans and patterns soon as well.
Glen-L Marine has been a trusted name in the world of amateur boat building for over 70 years. As first name in boat plans for amateurs, Glen-L has helped countless enthusiasts build their dream boats from scratch, providing them with high-quality designs, materials, and expertise. Whether you're a seasoned boat builder or a first-timer, Glen-L has something for everyone. •SCA•
Josh…I really like this column…what’s an “Old Sailor” to do?? You just have to look & occasionally do!! One always needs new toys &. from time to time another new “Project”!!! Dan