I probably don’t need to tell you we small-boat sailors are a little different—both in how we see the world and how we define recreation. While we each have our own individual quirks, we also have plenty in common, and if you look carefully you can often pick out another small-boat sailor in the crowd—even miles from the nearest waterway.
Naturally our being sailors means we tend to look up more often than landlubbers, where we consciously or subconsciously survey clouds, stars, or changing weather, estimate distances, or gauge wind speed in the rustle of leaves.
Certainly language can be a giveaway. Calling the restroom “the head” or referring to objects or destinations as “aft of” or “to windward” is a hint, and if you meet someone who worries it’s bad luck to whistle or to start the road trip on a Friday, they’ve likely spent some time on the water.
You can sometimes pick up clues in the choice of personal accessories, as sailors rarely leave home without things like a hat, sunglasses, stocking cap, and pocket knife. Our clothing tends to favor the durable and versatile and will often be made from some quick-dry material. By appearances we’re equally ready to set-off sailing or begin mixing Dark and Stormy cocktails at a moment’s notice. Similarly we tend to obsess over practical things like watches, multi-tools, rope, lanterns, and flashlights, where our personal collections of these items could easily outfit the local militia.
By appearances we’re equally ready to set-off sailing or begin mixing Dark and Stormy cocktails at a moment’s notice
Crude homemade versions of commonly found products are another clue. Small-boat sailors are convinced they can make absolutely anything—even if the item has already been perfected and mass-produced. Hell hath no fury like a sailor who can’t find the thing he or she is looking for on sale. “It costs how much? What would it take—maybe a little canvas and some epoxy?”
Automobiles hold clues as well. Tow hitches are a marker of course (especially if installed in back and front), as is any part of the vehicle wrapped with rope. You might also spot a pillow, sleeping bag and pad, as nine times out of ten a sailor will have slept in their car or, at the very least, made damn sure it was possible. Roof racks, storage boxes, and oddball trailers are the norm—and if any are made of wood you can be certain you’re among friends.
The real tell though is how they employ various items. Sailors, especially small-boat sailors, relish utility—in particular, items that serve two or three purposes. If you witness someone shaving with olive oil, sewing a ripped seam with dental floss, or eating soup from a Frisbee—there’s every chance they’ve got some miles under their keel. —Joshua Colvin •SCA•
[First appeared in Mar/Apr 2020 #122]
Don’t forget to submit your entry for your favorite small-boat cruising ground.
From our friend, Dan Mattson. —eds
After 4 years of silence, the popular HOWB Podcast is back on the air!
STANWOOD, WA – Dan Mattson (aka Wooden Boat Dan) has been passionate about wooden boats since his youth. In 2011, he started the world’s first podcast fully dedicated to “celebrating the art, craft, history, tradition and romance of wooden vessels around the world”.
Between 2011 -2018, Mattson recorded 217 episodes which were downloaded more than 430,000 times. In 2018, he went into “podcast semi-retirement” much to the chagrin of his listeners.
Shortly after retiring, Wooden Boat Dan began receiving inquiries from fans who were experiencing HOWB withdrawals. Hardly a day passed when Mattson wasn’t thinking about republishing the informative and entertaining podcast. Meanwhile all 217 MP3 files were languishing on a flash drive in his “junk drawer”.
Fast forward 4 years - Mattson decided it was high time to put the podcast back on the air. Last week he began republishing the HOWB podcast episodes - to date 11 are back online - with one additional episode to be released each week.
The HOWB podcast interviews are with a sundry group of wooden boat lovers. And there are some familiar names in the mix – Jake Beattie, Jay Benford, Graham Brynes, Betsy Davis, Sam Devlin, John Harris, Jeff Hammond, Carol Hasse, Doug Hylan, John Lockwood, Matt Murphy, Iain Oughtred, Lin & Larry Pardey, Jay Smith, Brion Toss, Eric Hvalsoe, Dick Wagner, Jon Wilson, John Welsford – to name a few.
HOWB is NOW available on your favorite podcasting apps, including – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocketcasts, and Google Podcasts.
CALL TO ACTION - Help spread the word!
1. Copy and paste the following announcement to your social media platforms and websites:
“After a 4 year haitus, Wooden Boat Dan’s popular Hooked on Wooden Boats podcast is now back on the air. Start listening by clicking this LINK. “
2. Spread the news by word of mouth and email
3. Call or email Dan directly (contact info below)
Click here to start listening yourself.
Thanks for getting the word out – keep the bright side up and the barnacled side down!
~Wooden Boat Dan
Contact Info:
Dan Mattson
425-319-7800
P.S. You’ve definitely nailed me with this one, Josh! “Tow hitches are a marker of course (especially if installed in back and front)” Both of our family vehicles have rear mounted hitches, and I have, on hand, a hitch that is going on the front bumper of my riding mower some time in the coming months! 😂❤️🔥
I had picked up the word of the return of Wooden Boat Dan’s podcast somewhere in the last week, and was very happy for it! The sudden disappearance, way back when, of such an enjoyable series of conversations, had been a big deal to me. I’m grateful for its return!