polysail Posted December 17, 2014 Report Share Posted December 17, 2014 Enjoy this video of the launch of "Spirit", a 36', 5 Ton, replica of a Civil War era scow, turned blockade runner, built by the Crystal River (FL) Boat Builders with period tools over a period of about 3 years. "Spirit" is powered by a 507 sq. ft. gaff main and a 135 sq. ft. jib constructed of 8 oz. polyethylene laminate most know as polytarp. On a recent return trip from Cedar Key off the Gulf Coast, the GPS posted a speed of over 8 knots. Here is the Youtube link: Or, this video and others of the build can be reached through the CRBB web site at http://www.tsca.net/CRBB/ As the sailmaker, I believe the gaff main to be the largest sail ever constructed from poly laminate.Following are a few photos of the sailmaking process starting with laying out the 30' x 40' tarp in my front yard. , , , , , polysail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricknriver Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 Great build and fine sailing. Really good performance achieved. Thanks for posting the video and info. We're hoping to build a historic craft on the Washington NC waterfront next summer. Will also be visiting the Silver and Crystal River areas end of Feb and hope to see her. R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LennieG Posted December 25, 2014 Report Share Posted December 25, 2014 Great stuff is right!!!! Anyone know of a SW Florida boat building group? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VintageMobility Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 That is really cool! Really neat to see historic Southern Boat Replicas in action since they seem to be a rare breed. Have you ever seen this book: http://www.amazon.com/Tidecraft-Carolina-Georgia-northeastern-1550-1950/dp/0964251906 I checked it out from the library in Beaufort SC once and really enjoyed it. Wished I could have my own copy but the price used is a little rich for my blood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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