Steve W

I think Arthur Ransom's most amazing gift is his ability to capture the thought process of kids and humorously put it them in print. My 8th grade English teacher read Swallows and Amazons to us in class (1974?). One of the main characters is "Titty" which made us young boys laugh. I can see this book being banned for this reason alone. Dumb. I was captivated by the story as I lived that kind of independent childhood. I read it to my daughter Helen when she was 6 or 7 and laughed so much. She became a prolific reader who went on to read the entire catalogue of Arthur Ransome. I named my Sea Pearl 21 "WildCat" for a boat in one of the books. In this day of sedentary children and fearful parents, this book can inspire some independence and trust in youth. We all need more adventure. Take Care, Steve

Pics: The Mahogany has the newness. Out in the sun for awhile it will eventuall match the lower board. I wanted to keep the boards varnished. While I had some 12mm Okume which would be best, I just don't like it's look. The trim ring is 6mm, and I'll allow it. Even though the board is a two piece glue up, with the growth rings alternated, the board wanted to warp ever so slightly, which is why I added the stiffeners. Next project, pop up stern cleats like Amos has. I should be sailing soon!

"Better drown than duffers, if not duffers, won't drown." They look like they might have a bit of Nancy B in them. In case you didn't know Swallows and Amazon's is from a serious of books, all wonderful. Take care, Steve

I made hatch boards version 3.0 recently. The 1.0 iteration I made like raised panel doors. Great idea but I made the rails to thin to maximize the plexiglass and the small glue area didn't hold up to the abuse. The 2.0 version I got the brilliant idea to just make a full piece of plexiglass and add some rails bonded to increase the thickness. My dad used to say "it was a good idea, but not a great idea". The plexiglass, not being recessed, got beat up fast and the expansion of the wood meant the rails got loose and only the mechanical fasteners held it together. Version 3.0 pictures coming. An oval plexiglass window recessed into a mahogany hatch board, with an okume keeper similar to the way the cabin portlights were done. I will tell you, cutting accurately to a scribed line and then sanding/planing to a line takes time. And the accuracy isn't as great as the port windows Alan sent me years ago. At the time I bought a "kit" I thought I made a compromise. It was a great decision. FTR, I saw Amos's sailing video recently on FB. It snowed here today, but another month or so.

Thanks for these updates. That's quite a project and I appreciate the updates. Whose Garvey Design is that? Take Care, Steve

Having the tent at the stern is nice. Both my old SeaPearl (now Andy B's, mid cockpit tent) and Skeena (with her forward trunk cabin) hunt around at anchor in a breeze.

Controversial, but I used Cetol on the mahogany trim and hatch boards on Skeena. Held up well from launch in 2019. I never recoated. Should have. Had to sand a bit this past year, but was easy. Looks great. Not as good as Varnish, but not as fussy. The teak rub rails that were Cetol coated, however, got beat up pretty good. I thought I'd be nice to my friends boats, but I'm adding stainless like Carlita and becoming an Anvil. Ha!

Alan, I've used a standup paddleboard on Skeena with pretty good success. You can have one knee on the seat and have an extended leg on the cockpit sole to get some good drive with your back. I think for the marina paddle you described this would be way easier than oars. One thing you mentioned in one of your videos was that someone was using a tiller pilot. Is that legal in the EC? I've been thinking of adding one to Skeena. I single hand a lot and there have been times I'd like a break. I like your wind vane design, but I'm short a good shop right now, so that's out of my scope right now. Take Care, Steve

I built one of the early 20.3s and there was no centerboard downhaul. I extended the centerboard trunk forward and had an opportunity to add a downhaul, and I didn't. Probably should have but that project sort of sucked. There is a weighted tip that keeps it down and it works well. I've hit stuff.

Alan, When you are done racing (with your mom....just typing this makes me smile), I have a question for you. On Skeena, I have a cleat that pops open under pressure to save the rudder in a grounding. It always surprises me when it happens. But around here we have a lot of rock and I like the way the rudder just floats up until I put it down. I do maintain a bit of hard steerage. My question is.....if you sailed in rocky places would you still favor your bungee setup?

For those following along, you may find the Raceowl map to be a bit better than the Watertribe map. Here: https://www.raceowl.com/EC2025/RaceMap4

I have a Suzuki 2.5 I love. Plenty of power. Unlimited range. And hate. Loud with no reverse. I am going electric some day.

I think these guys are right. You couldn't build that boat for that. I remember when Jim was building that. I think I was finding my way on my Spindrift 11N. She's a a beauty.

Nice work!

John, if/when you build, lmk. I'm in Pittsford and built a Spindrift 11N from plans and a CS 20.3 from a kit. I'd be glad to help...