Vol. 33, No. 3 -- Fall - Traditional Small Craft Association

At the WoodenBoat ShowBy Andy WolfeTalk about a good time! The 2012WoodenBoat Show was a spectacularfamily event. As always, the staff ofthe Mystic Seaport Museum made theexecution of a massive event look easy.From my vantage point on AustraliaBeach it was calm water everywhere.The TSCA, Mystic Seaport, andWoodenBoat sponsored the SmallCraft Workshop. Member boats andvendors like Chesapeake Light Craftand Adirondack Guide Boats werelaunching and beaching in a nearlynon-stop cycle of motion.My story starts with the front coverphoto. After a long drive to Mysticfrom the sunset side of the Blue Ridgemountains, I woke up to a beautifulmorning and a picture perfect setting…so I took the picture.Most of my time was literally spenton the beach meeting members andshow goers, and talking about myfavorite subject. I rowed “to work”with my grandson and son-in-law ina Gloucester Gull. We were joined onthe sand by a dozen or so TSCA boatsthat were available for everyone to useand enjoy. A grant from WoodenBoatmagazine opened the museum’s smallboat livery for free public use of theirboats, creating a very busy waterfrontfrom opening to closing every day.When break time came I wanderedthe grounds just like everyone else, keelkicking and smiling and dreaming andmaking pictures of some eye-catchingboats and exhibits and taking a fewphotos to share.3 The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012

Four Boats in Four Weeks: Interns Hard at WorkBy Bill ArmitageJohn Gardner Chapter, Groton, CTThe University of Connecticut AveryPoint Campus has been the host ofthe John Gardner Chapter of theTSCA (JGTSCA) since the chapterwas organized in 2000. ProfessorStephen Jones was instrumental inaiding the chapter in securing a leaseon an underutilized maintenancebuilding located on the edge of thecampus. Over the years the membershave conducted community outreachprograms including our annual PineIsland Cleanup, a small barrier islandowned by the University and locatedoff the southern tip of Avery Point. TheUConn Maritime Studies Program inconjunction with the JGTSCA offeredboatbuilding internships to threestudents during the summer of 2010.The six credit course included a series oflectures by Prof. Jones, selected readings,a research paper, and the construction ofa wooden rowing craft by each student.Construction activities were led by BillArmitage with assistance from SandyD’Esopo.The decision was made early in theplanning phase to construct a twelvefootplywood version of the AdirondackGuideboat. Key considerationsincluded: relative low cost of materials,the ease of stitch and tape construction,Four hulls assembled by the end of the first weekand the time required to build. Theinstructor had already built the designduring the prior summer and as a resultmolds and panel patterns were available.Construction plans and instructionsare available from the designer, JohnGardiner of Vancouver, BC, via hiswebsite www.guideboat.ca.The group met each morning over afour week period for a total of twentydays. The instructors would arriveearly and usually stay late to preparematerials for the next day. Supplieswere purchased by the chapter andeach student was given the opportunityto purchase their boat at the cost ofmaterials, just over $400. Each phase ofconstruction would be demonstrated bythe instructor on the sample boat andthen students worked cooperatively ontheir vessels. At the end of the four weeksession each student left with the vesselthat they had constructed, includingtheir handmade oars.Laying out the panelsPlacing the molds on the strongbackThe Ash Breeze, Fall 2012 8

Stitching the bowA few quick coats of paintFinished boatAdding the chinesMuseum Small CraftAssociation AnnualMeetingMonday, October 8–Thursday, October11, 2012 at Mystic Seaport, Mystic,ConnecticutThe Museum Small Craft Association is a group ofindividuals who share an interest in small boat conservationand restoration, and skills preservation, documentation,history, interpretation, and research. While most membersare museum professionals, all are welcome. This year’s annualmeeting of the Museum Small Craft Association will be atMystic Seaport, which has the largest collection of historic boatsin the United States and possibly the world. The conferencewill have presentations and discussions on a variety of smallcraft and museum related topics, ranging from preservation,restoration, and conservation to boat plans. In addition therewill be time to explore the museum including the hundredsof historic boats stored in Rossie Mill. Monday evening willfeature a trip down the river aboard the Sabino, a coal-firedsteamboat built in 1908 for use along the Maine coast. We’llalso tour the Charles W. Morgan, the 1841 whaleship, whichis undergoing a major restoration in preparation for sailingagain in 2013. On a smaller scale there will be opportunitiesfor networking on the water aboard the Seaport’s livery boats.Thursday we’ll take a field trip to next door Rhode Island withstops expected to include the International Yacht RestorationSchool in Newport and the Herreshoff Museum in Bristol.And as always there will be lots of opportunities for informaldiscussions. For more information visit the Museum SmallCraft Association website www.museumsmallcraft.org orcontact David Cockey at davidcockey@gmail.com.9The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012

ActiveTSCAChaptersAdirondack ChapterMary Brown, 18 Hemlock LaneSaranac Lake, NY 12983518-891-2709mabrown214@hotmail.comAnnapolis ChapterSigrid Trumpy, PO Box 2054Annapolis, MD 21404hollace@crosslink.netBayfront Maritime Center TSCARichard Eisenberg, 40 Holland St.Erie, PA 16507, 814-456-4077rich.eisenberg@bayfrontcenter.orgwww.bayfrontcenter.orgBuffalo Maritime CenterCharles H. Meyer, 5405 East RiverGrand Island, NY 14072716-773-2515, chmsails@aol.comCleveland Amateur Boatbuildingand Boating Society (CABBS)Ric Altfather, 14695 Cheerful LaneStrongsville, OH 44136440-263-7020, raltfa@yahoo.comConnecticut River Oarand Paddle Club (CROPC)Jon Persson, P.O. Box 281Old Lyme, CT 06371, 860-434-2534jonpersson7@gmail.comCrystal River Boat Builders (CRBB)Bill Whalen, 4539 N Grass Island Ter.Hernando, FL 34442, 352-344-5482wfxw1@embarqmail.comDelaware River TSCATom Shephard, 482 Almond Rd.Pittsgrove, NJ 08318tsshep41556@aol.comwww.tsca.net/delriverDown East ChapterJohn Silverio, 105 Proctor Rd.Lincolnville, ME 04849work: 207-763-3885, home: 207-763-4652, camp: 207-763-4671jsarch@midcoast.comFloating the AppleAdina Taylor, Pres., 1225 Park Ave.,Ste. C 10, New York, NY 10128212-564-5412, floapple@aol.comFlorida Gulf Coast TSCADoug Calhoun, PO Box 237Cortez, FL 34215, 941-795-4363calbooks@yahoo.comFriends of the North CarolinaMaritime Museum TSCABrent Creelman, 315 Front StreetBeaufort, NC 28516, 252-728-7317maritime@ncmail.comJohn Gardner ChapterRuss Smith, U of Connecticut, AveryPoint Campus, 1084 ShennecossettRoad, Groton, CT 06340860-536-1113, fruzzy@hotmail.comLong Island TSCAMyron Young, PO Box 635Laurel, NY 11948, 631-298-4512Lost Coast Chapter—MendocinoStan Halvorsen, 31051 Gibney LaneFort Bragg, CA 95437, 707-964-8342Krish@mcn.org, www.tsca.net/LostCoastMichigan Maritime Museum ChapterPete Mathews, Sec’y, PO Box 100Gobles, MI 49055, 269-628-4396canoenut@bciwildblue.comNorth Shore TSCARichard Koolish, 212 Park Ave.Arlington, MA 02476koolish@dickkoolish.comOregon CootsJohn Kohnen, PO Box 24341Eugene, OR 97402, 541-688-2826jkohnen@boat-links.comPalmetto ChapterJohn Merritt, 4612 Marlboro Pl.North Charleston, SC 29405843-345-5126johnstonmerritt@yahoo.comPatuxent Small Craft GuildWilliam Lake, 11740 Asbury Circle,Apt. 1301, Solomons, MD 20688410-394-3382, wlake@comcast.netPine Lake Small Craft AssociationSandy Bryson, Sec’y., 333 WhitehillsDr., East Lansing, MI 48823517-351-5976, sbryson@msu.eduPuget Sound TSCALyndon Greene, Sec’y., 1905 10 th St.Anacortes, WA 98221, 360-299-9075anacomaritimectr@msn.com ortsca-puget@yahoogroups.comSacramento TSCATodd Bloch, 122 Bemis StreetSan Francisco, CA 94131, 415-971-2844todd.sb@comcast.netSouth Jersey TSCAGeorge Loos, 53 Beaver Dam Rd.Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210609-861-0018, georgeowlman@aol.comSouthern California Small BoatMessabout Society (Scuzbums)Annie Holmes, San Diego, CAannieholmes@mac.comSt. Augustine Lighthouse ChapterBrendan Burke, 81 Lighthouse Ave.St. Augustine, FL 32080, 904-838-8813bburke@staugustinelighthouse.orgTexas Boatcrafters and MessersFrank Coletta, 26358 Romance PointSan Antonio, TX 78260210-218-9961, coletta_j@msn.comTSCA of WisconsinJames R. Kowall, c/o Door CountyMaritime Museum, 120 N MadisonAve., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012 10

11The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012

Key West to theDry TortugasBy Mike WickLast summer, Kevin MacDonald andI were sailing together in the SouthernChesapeake, mostly side by side, in theboats that we’d built. In my melonseed inthe Chesapeake afternoon chop, I oftenenvied the comparative luxury of Kevin’sMarsh Cat, LITTLE T, with its greaterfreeboard and luxury accommodations.We had a favorite cruising ground, basedaround Crisfield, Maryland. There aremany nearby destinations—Winona,Deal Island, Smith Island, Tangier,Manokin River, Fishing Bay. We rackedup many miles, pausing at Janes Islandcampground for an occasional showerand some well-cooked seafood inCrisfield between trips. Our outingssometimes swelled to flotilla size andthen shrank back to just two boats asfriends with other boats came and wentaccording to work and family schedules.This winter, Kevin had some vacationtime that had to be used in February,and he proposed a trip. I leapt at thechance to go south in his boat, waysouth. I thought of the Dry Tortugas,located seventy miles west of Key Westwith a welcoming National Park—home of Fort Jefferson, best known asthe Civil War era prison of the doctorSamuel Mudd. One major attraction ofthat particular destination for me wasthat a third of the way out lay an atolllikegroup of islands—the MarquesasKeys—that would provide a perfect pitstop. The name itself was enough. In myimagination, I was halfway to Tahiti. Wecould split the passage into four legs, outand back with a rest stop in between.Open water with a moderate degree ofchallenge—Marsh Cats were designedby Joel White for just that.I could go on for hours about thewholesome behavior of LITTLE T inall conditions. Kevin had built strengthin every rib and plank. She rode a littlelow with crew, supplies, and water,but she had generous freeboard decks,washboards, and coamings to turn awaymost of the spray and water. We hadtwo muck buckets for emergency dewatering(they are faster than pumps),and dry bags for gear and electronicscould double as buoyancy bags whensecurely fastened to the ribs. We hadredundancy in GPS and VHF, flares,and the SPOT transmitter. We hadpracticed capsize drills in smaller boats,we felt that capsizing a catboat wasunlikely, and we felt that we should beable to survive every emergency thatmight come. No small boat voyage iscompletely without danger, but we feltthat by waiting for our weather window,we would get out of it all right.Kevin drives hard; we made a quicktrailer leg and launched in haste to grabthe fair weather while it lasted. We saidour cell phone “goodbyes” and activatedthe SPOT.Day 1, February 20—Leg 1We had floor loaded Kevin’s truck, so itwas a small task to prepare and provisionLITTLE T while she was on the trailer.Oceanside Marina, on the South Sideof Stock Island, FL, was happy to storetrailer and truck while we were gone. Wewere in a hurry because the weather wasright and our game plan was to makemaximum use of any weather windowfor the passage toward the Marquesas(25 miles) and Fort Jefferson (45 milesfurther). We had lots of stuff becausethere was no provisioning anywhereOn the hook at the Dry Tortugaswest of Key West, and we had no ideahow long we might have to wait at anyparticular leg of the journey. Ten gallonsof plastic bottles stored easily in thebilge and lasted the whole vacation.A quick try at the Lakes Passage, ashallow passage that went inside, in shoalwater, as far as Boca Grande, convincedus that we would be better going thelong way—south along Kingfish Shoal,in Hawk Channel. We turned around atMule Key, surprised that the water wasso shallow nearly everywhere.1030 Departure from Key West.Passed Man, Ballast, and Woman Key.1330 Boca Grande abeam.1530 Anchored in Mooney Harbor,Marquesas.1730 Moved to a passage anchorageto the west of Marquesas for earlydeparture. 30 miles.Moonie Harbor, center of theMarquesas atoll, is a beautiful,protected all-weather harbor that isentered from the southwest. Fish andbirdlife are plentiful, and the harbormade a welcome change after crossingthe sometimes boisterous Boca GrandeChannel. The channel can pick up achop in wind against tide situations.We had just about settled in for thenight when we realized that it wouldbe difficult to exit before dawn, so wemoved outside of the harbor to a passagestop just west of the group. A larger boatwas anchored nearby, probably for thesame reason.The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012 12

Day 2, February 21—Leg 20445 We are awake and underway in a light to moderateeasterly, steering by the stars. The Jetboil stove is great forquick coffee before an early departure. Boil time is so quickthat you just hold on to the stove for a couple of minutes. Noneed for gimbals.0515 Nasty surprise. Passed five large unlit buoys closeaboard and another unlit target tower from the bombingand strafing area immediately west of the Marquesas. Theysuddenly loomed up in the dark. I guess we were getting into areally remote area if they didn’t bother to light large buoys. It’scalled the Quicksands, so I guess they figure there isn’t muchtraffic, but still… We were now eager for sunrise, and it camequite soon. We took turns at the helm in quite a pleasantmorning. We had tied in a reef before starting but quicklyshook it out, in a mild wind, perfect for a quick passage.0830 Passed flasher at western tip of New Ground Shoal,north of the Quicksands. Weather report was fair, so wedecided we were safe to continue toward Dry Tortugas.Moderate chop as we got into the deeper water of RebeccaChannel.1315 Land! First the lighthouse at Loggerhead Key, thenFort Jefferson in sight. East Key’s white sand was very visiblein the bright sunlight.1525 Anchored, Garden Key, 48 miles from Marquesas.The rangers decide that, since we were small, we could pullLITTLE T up on the dinghy beach instead of anchoring off inthe Garden Key anchorage.Day 3, February 22We spent the day wandering around the fort and enjoyingthe shady spots. Having the boat anchored at the dinghybeach was very convenient. When the passenger ferry YankeeFreedom II was at the pier, we were welcome to buy a thoroughlunch for $5 apiece. Cold sodas, money well spent.1400 Up-anchored for a quick visit to Loggerhead Key. Weanchored on the west side for a walk and a swim, but I soonturned around, anxious about the possibility of the anchordragging and leaving us stranded. The water was perfect forswimming. We returned to the Garden Key anchorage at1720. One of the rules was that all boats must be there forcontinued on page 16GACO oarlock snaps onto the oarfor semi-permanent capture. Madefrom hardened 316 stainless and UVproof polypropylene. Kind to oars, itscarefully angled shape cuts out frictionand wear. Cost: $35 for two oarlocks,two sockets and sleeves from JamestownDistributors.13The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012

John Gardner Grant“To preserve, continue, and expand theachievements, vision and goals of JohnGardner by enriching and disseminating ourtraditional small craft heritage.”In 1999, TSCA created the JohnGardner Grant program to supportprojects for which sufficient fundingwould otherwise be unavailable.Eligible projects are those whichresearch, document, preserve, andreplicate traditional small craft,associated skills (including theirconstruction and uses) and the skills ofthose who built and used them. Youthinvolvement is encouraged.Proposals for projects rangingfrom $200 to $2000 are invitedfor consideration. Grants areawarded competitively and reviewedsemiannually bythe John GardnerMemorial FundCommittee of TSCA,typically in May andOctober. The source offunding is the John Gardner MemorialEndowment Fund. Funding availabilityis determined annually.Eligible applicants include anyonewho can demonstrate serious interestin, and knowledge of, traditional smallcraft. Affiliation with a museum oracademic organization is not required.Projects must have tangible, enduringresults which are published,exhibited, or otherwise madeavailable to the interested public.Projects must be reported in TheAsh Breeze.Program details, applications, andadditional information:www.tsca.net/gardner.htmlLife MembersDan & Eileen Drath • Jean Gardner • Bob Hicks • Paul Reagan • Peter T. Vermilya • Sidney S. Whelan, Jr.BenefactorsSamuel E. JohnsonGenerous PatronsNed & Neva Asplundh • Willard A. Bradley • Lee Caldwell • Richard S. Kolin • John S. Montague • Richard B. Weir • JohnWeiss • Joel ZackinSponsor Members *• Rodney & Julie Agar • Doug Aikins • Captain James Alderman • Ken Bassett • Bruce Beglin• David Belden • Michael C. Bill • Kent & Barbara Bleakly • Robert C. Briscoe • Norris C. (Sandy) Bryson• Miguel Burgos • Charles Canniff • Stanley R. Dickstein • Dusty & Linda Dillion • William Dodge• Dick Dodson • Rob Dunlap • William Edwards • Paul Erickson • Tom Etherington • Peter & Cricket Evans• Huw Goronwy Evans • Ben Fuller • Dr. Lawrence O. Garber • Gerald W. Gibbs • Mr. & Mrs. R. Bruce Hammatt• John A. Hawkinson • Peter Healey • Colin O. Hermans • Kevin W. Holmes • Peter A. Jay • David Kavner• Thomas E. King • Penny A Lavin • Arthur (Sandy) Lawrence III • Peter M. Leenhouts • Chelcie Liu• Jonathan & Ellen Lovell • Pete & Susan Mathews • Michael Mcclure • Ian McNeill • Mason C. Myers• Bruce H. Perry • Robert W Pitt • Ron Render • Bill & Karen Rutherford • Richard Schubert • Paul A. Schwartz• Karen Seo • Gary & Diane Shirley • Leslie Smith • F. Russell Smith II • Zach Stewart & Anne Somerville• John R. Stilgoe • Morgan Stout • John P. Stratton III • Robert E. (Bub) Sullivan • Stephen M. Weld, Jr.• Andrew P. (Andy) Wolfe • Robert & Judith Yorke • J. Myron Young • Bob Zolli* Please join these and other Sponsor Members and Advertisers (shown throughout this issue) in supporting TSCA!The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012 14

Deltaville Maritime Museum Devastated by FireBeach Boatyardcontinued from page 7cradle will sit. The planks should beplaced where they will be directly underthe fore-and-aft beams of your cradle.Now place two rollers across the planksand then the cradle on the rollers. At thispoint you can test to see how easily thecradle can be rolled. As you are probablyon a slope, take a hauling line from thecradle to a solid belay point ashore tokeep it from rolling off the planks. Sinceyour cradle and planks are probablymade of wood, plan on adding enoughweight to keep them from floating outof position. Old chain works well; justtie a line to it so it can be pulled out ofthe way once the boat is in the cradle.Have at least four cradle lengths ofplanking and at least three rollers ready.It’s a good idea to place the next set ofplanks and the third roller while thetide is out. Remember to weight all theplanks so they won’t float away. Planksshould be positioned where they willbe under the cradle timbers as it movesforward, and the rollers can easily makethe transition from one plank to thenext. On a firm flat surface, placingFirefighters working to put out the blazethem alongside with a slight overlap willsuffice, but on a soft or uneven surfaceyou may have to shove the second plankunder the leading edge of the first. Thiswill cause a bump as the roller drops tothe new (lower) surface, so be careful incrossing these transitions.Rollers are holding the entire weightof the boat as it leaves the water. Youmust keep at least two under the cradleat all times, one on each side of the pointof balance of the loaded cradle. Never letthe cradle pass its balance point withouta new roller picking up the weight orelse the cradle will tip forward and restits nose on the planks, causing you a lotof extra work lifting it up again. Rollerpositions can be plotted quite easilywhen you are setting up since the rollerswill move at half the speed of the cradle.For example: if your forward roller isthree feet ahead of the point of balance,it will reach the critical point when thecradle has moved ahead six feet. The nextroller must pick up the leading edge ofthe cradle before it has moved that far.At high tide, float your boat ontothe cradle. Once you are satisfied withits position on the cradle, pick up thehauling line and pull. As the cradleTragically the main building andboat pavilion of the Deltaville MaritimeMuseum were destroyed by fire,Wednesday, July 18, 2012. All of theboats pierside, the Boatshop, and BillzBistro were saved.The fire is believed to have started inthe WA Johns’ Boat Shed and spreadto the main exhibit building when theroof collapsed. The museum buildingis totally lost, as is the boat pavilionwhich contained the century old WAJohns, a three log canoe, donated bythe Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.Several other historic small boats werealso lost.Museum volunteers and 8 familiesfrom all over the area were in the finalcontinued on page 16moves up the beach it gradually takesmore and more of the boat’s weight untilit has it all as the hull comes completelyout. With the weight of the boat wellsupported by the cradle, you can eithercontinue hauling or pop a beer and waitfor the next low tide when positioningof the planks and rollers may be easierand dryer. lf a roller is not placed at aright angle to the cradle and planks, youwill find the boat crabbing to one sideor the other. Sometimes you will wantto do this to clear an obstacle or finesseyour final position, but if it is not goingwhere you intended, the rollers can bepersuaded back to the proper coursewith a few taps of your maul.Once up on the beach, keep a coupleof planks under the cradle to preventits settling into the ground. If the siteis not level, you can lift up the cornersof the cradle with a prybar and chock itappropriately.That’s all there is to it. You havehauled your boat. Reverse the procedurefor launching with the exception thatgravity provides the force and youwill probably be more concerned withsnubbing to keep it from running away.15The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012

Museum Firecontinued from page 15stages of building Wright’s Skiffs during family boatbuildingweek. The pavilion had been tidied and tools put awayin preparation for the next two days of construction. Thefamilies’ boats were also a total loss.Museum founder and board member Gene Ruark stoodwith many community members. Finding some hope inthe situation, Ruark said, “You know, we were consideringexpanding the main building. Now we will have to rethink itall—but it will be all right.” As a reminder that things couldbe worse, Ruark said, “We need to be thankful too that noone was in that building.”In the museum, there was slightly better news, if thereis such a thing. While the building is totally destroyed, thefirefighters were able to save a lot from the office, includingsome models and pictures, file cabinets and artifacts. SomeDry Tortugascontinued from page 13the night. We watched the weather, which was perfect for thereturn legs of the trip. We didn’t want to rush our visit, butgood weather is something to cherish.Day 4, February 230730 Went out on the channel to plot GPS waypoints sowe would be ready for a possible pre-dawn departure. Backbefore 0930. Spent a hot day swimming and exploring theshady passages in Fort Jefferson. We made our goodbyes tothe park rangers who announced that we were the smallest tomake the passage since at least the early 1980s. Two years ago,a Hobie Cat had made the attempt but had turned around atBoca Grande.Day 5, February 24—Leg 3Woke to a light southerly which was great for our importantleg 3 of the passage. I would wake and look to the northernstar, then pound my pillow and drift back to sleep.0700 Underway under power and sail. We slept in untilafter dawn; no hurry in such a mild, fair breeze.1000 Ferry passed in Westward Passage. The outboard wasearning its keep. We ran it to maintain a good speed so wewould avoid entering harbor after dusk.1050 Rebecca Shoals tower abeam, 1½ miles south. Somespray but made good progress. Motor off when the windpicked up but often motor sailing in close reach to makeMoonie Harbour by dusk.1150 Halfmoon Shoal tower abeam; on the Quicksand,which was deep enough for navigation, at least by daylight.1715 Anchored just west of Moonie Harbor Key with morethan an hour of daylight to spare. 50 miles.items near the floor were protected by the wet insulation thatfell from the ceiling. However, all of the museum exhibitswere destroyed. Luckily, many original photos, includingthose of the buy-boat F.D. Crockett, were stored off-site.Volunteers have been rescuing boatbuilding tools and otheritems that were tucked away.Amazingly the painting of the late board member John Coethat hung in the John A. Coe Memorial Library was prettymuch untouched, as was a painting and model of his steelschooner Mistress Quickly. The library, however, did not fairso well, but hopefully “We have preserved the archives whichhis endowment is helping to develop,” said a staff member.To support the Deltaville Maritime Museum’s rebuildingprogram you may make a general donation to the Museum.Check the Museum’s website www.deltavillemuseum.com forinformation. Mail donations to: Deltaville Maritime Museum,P. O. Box 466, Deltaville, VA 23043.Day 6, February 25—Leg 40800 Under power in very light SE breeze.1000 Across Boca Grande Channel with Boca Grande closeabeam.1100 Woman Key and Ballast Key. The only house in the areais on Ballast, with dock and several outbuildings but a modestcontinued on next pageGreat Lakes Boat Building School485 South Meridian RoadCedarville, MI 49719906-484-1081greatlakesboatbuilding.orgThe Ash Breeze, Fall 2012 16

continued from previous pagehomestead. Since the whole area is the Key West NationalWildlife Refuge, that island must be grandfathered in.1200 Mule Key abeam.1430 We were back at Safe Harbor, Stock Island, for fueland cell phones and clean clothes from the truck. We thenexplored Cow Key Channel as far as Route 1 Bridge. Eventhough Key West is crowded, the mangrove channels inthe south part are peaceful and fairly deserted. Too low forhousing?1800 Anchored in Cow Key Bight south of Stock Island forthe night. 39 miles.Day 7, February 260730 Underway along the south shore of the Lower Keysin a brisk southeasterly. We were glad we made our offshorepassage when we did. That day’s weather would have slowedus down and been uncomfortable in the tide-ridden RebeccaPassage or Boca Grande Channel. There was substantial sprayin the Hawk Channel but some relief when we tacked inshore.The shallow water reduced the seas. We were glad we made thelong passage before the easterly set in again. At that latitude,trade wind easterlies are the norm. We were glad we caughtour chance of fair wind.1130 Looked in at Saddlebunch Harbor, just west of BocaChica. We found that we made the best time by staying in thenorthern edge of Hawk Channel where shallow water kept theseas down. Less hobby horsing than in deeper water.1345 Approached the entrance for Cudjoe Bay. Wediscovered that it was necessary to round the first gateof markers, even though it appeared to be a long way outinto Hawk Channel. Cudjoe Bay and Kemp Channel wereenormous shallow areas. They were well marked but somemarkers were missing. We saw a blimp hovering over theisland but noticed it didn’t move around at all. We decide thatit must be a radar-equipped, tethered balloon keeping an eyeout for Cuban refugees and drug smugglers. We saw a refugeeboat at Fort Jefferson that had been wheeled into an emptycorridor. It was an aluminum launch with a six cylinder gasengine. Not much boat for a 90 mile trip. We heard reportsof Cuban refugees being discovered by the Coast Guardoffshore. Because Cuba is a “repressive regime” they wouldn’tbe returned if they managed to walk ashore on American Soil.1400 Anchored in Cudjoe Bay with fine protection fromthe southeast wind. Running down the entrance we were“carrying too much bush” and had major weather helm for thecontinued on page 18ALBERT’S WOODEN BOATS INC.• Double ended lapstrake• Marine ply potted in Epoxy• Rowboats – 15’ & fast 17’• Electric Launches – 15’ & 18’A. Eatock, 211 Bonnell Rd.Bracebridge, ONT. CANADA P1L 1W9705-645-7494 alsboats@sympatico.caOne of the original Gloucester Gulls, designedby Bolger and built by Dynamite Payson is for sale.It is described as in good, sound, original condition,needs a new coat of paint. Located in New England.$1,000. Call 860-536-620017The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012

260 Dyckman AvenueSouth Haven, MI 49090269.637.8078800.747.3810michiganmaritimemuseum.orgDuck Soup Inn50 Duck Soup LaneFriday Harbor, WA 98250360-378-4878Fine Dining for SailorsLes Gunthercontinued from page 17first time. The GPS registered 7.1 kts. We ended up with lotsof wet gear that we spread over the boom to dry. Even thoughwe used lots of sunscreen, I found that my skin was angry redand itchy in the cool of the night. I had taken to coveringup, head to toe, in the time of maximum sun between 1030and 1530, and that I felt better and was actually cooler thanwhen baking in the sun in shorts and t-shirt. Northern climeshave changeable weather, but there in the south it was sun andsteady wind that were fierce.Day 8, February 27A short rain shower in the night wet everything down, butwe grabbed a tarp and spread it over our sleeping bags, so theydidn’t get too wet. It was worth this kind of moment to havethe pleasure of sleeping under the stars all night. Jupiter andSirius were up at sunset along with a sickle moon, and wequickly learned to tell time by the position of the Big Dippercircling Polaris. I thought I caught sight of Canopus inCarina. Although the dark lasted about 12 hours each night,we found that we could pretty much go to sleep at sunset andwake up again at dawn. Only one night did we talk until aftereight at night. Yet neither of us had this kind of sleep habit inour daily lives. Don’t know why it worked, but it did leave usready to go in the first light of morning.0730 Underway but heading west again. We decided thatour plan to head toward a possible passage under Route 1 inNiles Channel wouldn’t be much good in the strong southeastwind, so we reversed our course and explored to the north ofKey West itself.1400 We made a lightning speed passage around Key Westand Fleming Key, down Garrison Bight Channel, but it was noplace to anchor as the southeast wind made for no protectionfrom Sigsbee Island, so we went back to Man-O-War Harborand nestled close to Key West for the night.Day 9, February 28We headed north from Man-O-War Harbor through CaldaChannel into Florida Bay and then into Lower Harbor Keys.The channel was short and everywhere was shallow, so weturned around and headed back for our anchorage in Man-O-War Harbor. We were caught in a strong thunderstormcoming back through Calda Channel and were glad we coulduse the outboard instead of beating up anarrow twisty channel in a strong squall.Although we were just a couple of milesfrom Key West, the storm was all our own.Day 10, March 1We went around Key West and up BocaChica Channel up to Route 1. It was amilitary base, so landing was out of thequestion even though there were some goodbeaches. Kevin suddenly had a good idea—“It is time to go home.” An hour later, wewere packed and on the road north.The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012 18

Chuck Sutherland & Marilyn Vogel2210 Finland Rd, Green Lane, PA 18054seashell@entermail.netwww.enter.net/~skimmer/drathmarinehttp://drathmarine.com1557 Cattle Point RoadFriday Harbor, WA 98250Mole got it right...C Fox Wood Boats:Building Custom Wood BoatsWooden Boatbuilding School16320 Red Pine DriveKent City, MI 49330Phone (616)675-3188www.cfoxwoodboats.comBAY of MAINE BOATSPerformance and QualityCount When Buying a Small Boat8', 10', 12' & 14' modelsRow • Sail • OutboardExceptional Performance • Traditional Looking • Durability • QualitySIRI18’ canoe yawlfor glued lapstrake,traditional, or coldmolded construction• Designs for power, sail, oars, and electric drive• Custom designs for amateur or professional builders• Kits and bare hulls available for COQUINA and BEACH PEAOur Boats Were Designed to:Perform well • Be safe • Be multi-purposeUse for pleasure, sport & good health • Use by grandparents to grandchildrenEnjoy on lakes, rivers, bays & off-shore anchorages207/967/4298 • P.O. Box 631, Kennebunkport ME 04046www.bayofmaineboats.com43°20.9'N – 70°28.7'WD. N. Hylan & Associates53 Benjamin River DriveBrooklin, ME 04616207-359-9807web site: www.dhylanboats.com email: doug@dhylanboats.comIT’S A GOOD TIME TO DO IT YOURSELF...WE CAN HELP19The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012

LABRIE SMALL CRAFTThe Design Works9101 Eton Road, Silver Spring MD 20901301-589-9391 or toll free 877-637-7464www.messingabout.comMatinicus 18www.labriesmallcraft.com(207) 570-2300PINE ISL AND CAMPFounded in 1902, Pine Island is a boys’ camp that focuses onworthwhile outdoor activities. We have 13 wooden boats in usedaily. No electricity on our island in Belgrade Lakes, Maine.Contact Ben Swan: benswan@pineisland.orgwww.pineisland.orgSpecializing inSmall-Craft Sailswww.dabblersails.comdab@crosslink.netPh/fax 804-580-8723PO Box 235, Wicomico Church, VA 22579Stuart K. Hopkins, Sole Prop.The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012 20

Thad Danielson BoatsThad Danielson, builder, designer, consultant42 French RdCummington, MA 01026thaddanielson@comcast.net413-634-5339www.thandanielsonboats.comGeoff Kerr2211 Route 128, Westford, VT 05494tdbotwks@sover.net802-849-657921The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012

“Traditional Methods andMaterials”WOODWARD BOATSHOPGuideboat Building & RestorationsAccessories, Hardware & SuppliesCHRISTOPHER WOODWARDwww.guideboats.com518.891.3961, 3 Hanmer Avenue(intersection of Lake St. and Rte3)Saranac Lake, NY 12983ROB BARKERWooden Boat Buildingand Repair615 MOYERS LANEEASTON, PA 18042Now inOur 29thYear!Monthly we arrive in your mail with interestingarticles from our readers about dreaming of,designing, building or restoring, sailing, rowing,paddling and adventuring in small boats. Plusreaders’ letters, Bolger on Design, featuredcolumnists, advertising from boatbuilders, restorers,and suppliers of plans and material for smallboating, and free subscriber classified ads.60 Pages — 12 Issues/Year$8 Trial Subscription (3 Issues)$32 Subscription (12 Issues)SEND FOR FREE SAMPLE COPYMessing About in Boats29 Burley St., Wenham, MA 01984www.messingaboutinboats.comBob Hicks, Editor & PublisherThe Ash Breeze, Fall 2012 22

TSCA MEMBERSHIP FORMNew Membership Membership Renewal/Upgrade Change of AddressIndividual/Family: $20 annually Sponsor: $50 annually Sponsor with ad: $60 annuallyCorporate Sponsor with ad: see belowPatron: $100 annuallyCanada or Mexico: Airmail, $25 annuallyOther Foreign: Airmail, $30 annuallyEnclosed is my check for $ _____________________ made payable to TSCA.Chapter member? Yes No Which Chapter?_____________________________________________________________________________Name_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________City ____________________________________ State/Prov.___________ Zip/Postal Code _______________ Country___________________________E-mail_ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Photocopy and mail to: Secretary, Traditional Small Craft Association, Inc., P O Box 350, Mystic, CT 06355.Note: Individual and Family Memberships qualify for one vote and one copy of each TSCA mailing.Family Memberships qualify all members of the immediate family to participate in all other TSCA activities.The Ash BreezeWinter 2012, Volume 33, Number 4Editorial Deadline: November 1, 2012Articles:The Ash Breeze is a member-supportedpublication; members are welcome tocontribute. We strongly encourage youto send material electronically. Sendtext in an e-mail message, or as an MSWord attachment. Send photos as e-mailattachments, in TIFF or JPG formats, as largeand/or as high-resolution as possible. Pleasegive captions naming people, places, and towhom photo credit should be given. Youmay also submit photographic prints, cleanline drawings or typewritten material byU.S. Mail. Please contact us IN ADVANCEif you must submit handwritten text, ormaterial in another word processing orimage format.E-mail to: mikewick55@yahoo.com orandy@marinermedia.com.The editors reserve the right to refusepublication of any material deemed notto be in the best interest of the TSCA.Advertising Rates:For insertion into four consecutiveissues of The Ash Breeze —Sponsor, no ad ....................................$50Sponsor, with 1/8 page ad .................$60Corporate Sponsor: 1/4 page .......... $125Corporate Sponsor: 1/2 page ..........$250Corporate Sponsor: full page..........$350Members’ Exchange:Text only: 50 words or less, free tomembers. $10 additional, per photo.TSCA WaresBack Issues: Original/duplicated at $4each, plus postage.Volume Year IssueNewsletter....... 1975–1977.......... 1,2,3,41........................ 1978................... 1,2,3,42........................ 1979................... 13........................ 1979–1981.......... 1–94–5.................... 1982–1983.......... 1,2,3,46........................ 1984................... 1,2,47–19.................. 1985–1997.......... 1,2,3,420...................... 1998–1999.......... 1,2,321...................... 1999–2000......... 1,2,3,422...................... 2001................... 1,2,323...................... 2002................... 1,2,324–31................ 2003–2010......... 1,2,3,432...................... 2011.................... 1,2,3Contact Flat Hammock Press forback-issue ordering details:Flat Hammock Press5 Church Street, Mystic, CT 06355860-572-2722steve@flathammockpress.comCaps: Pre-washed 100% cotton, slateblue, TSCA logo in yellow and white.Adjustable leather strap and snap/buckle. $20. ($18 to members at TSCAmeets.)T-shirts: 100% cotton, light gray withTSCA logo. $15.00 postpaid for sizes M,L, and XL; $16.00 for XXL.Patches: 3 inches in diameterfeaturing our logo with a white sail anda golden spar and oar on a light-bluebackground. Black lettering and a darkblueborder. $3.00 Please send a SASEwith your order.Decals: Mylar-surfaced weatherproofdecals similar to the patches except theborder is black. Self-sticking back. $1.Please send a SASE with your order.Burgees: 12” x 18” pennant: royalblue field and sewn TSCA logo in whiteand gold. Finest construction. $25postpaid.Visit: www.tsca.net/wares.htmlfor ordering information.Time to renew?Help us save time and postage by updating your membership before wesend you a renewal request. Cut out or photocopy the membership form atthe top of this page, complete it and return it with your renewal payment tothe Secretary, PO Box 350, Mystic, CT 06355. Or, you may send the addressportion of the back cover with your payment.23The Ash Breeze, Fall 2012

The TraditionalSmall CraftAssociation, Inc.P.O. Box 350Mystic CT 06355ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDNon-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDWaynesboro, VAPermit No. 129