“Coronet” as many of you know is being restored at IYRS, (really by Bob McNeil). A multi year project. For anyone who loves building wooden boats this is such an interesting project.
It is winter, and “Coronet” is on the Newport waterfront, but in fact the building in which “Coronet” is housed, was rather warm; wood stove, a dog and wood shavings. What more could a shipwright ask for?
“Coronet”, Rufus Bush’s Schooner launched in 1885 at 133′ on deck. The restoration was originally the dream of Elizabeth Meyer, who had previously restored “Endeavour”. Now the project of Bob McNeil. Scheduled to take 5 years, an enormous undertaking. She is at IYRS
Everything is of such a massive size it makes everything done real work.
The Bronze floors are replacing wooden ones; saving quite a lot of time and money. Not that it matters, probably saving a lot of weight as well. I have never felt that “Coronet” would have the elegant look of “Endeavour” but this construction project has softened my heart.
“Coronet” is available to visit and worth the look.
IYRS has just concluded an exhibit of Appleton’s models.
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| Rambler crossing Siren |
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| still holding off the competition |
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| Beavertail |
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| Beavertail, out of time |
My computer went in for repair on Friday. I could not believe how lost I felt without it. Even registering for the “Sail for Hope”, sailed on saturday was done via the internet. There is an expectation that everyone is connected.
The Tropical storm passed and a front filled and brought a strong northerly. Saturday morning the Wind was still fresh from the northwest, however dropping throughout the day.
I sailed with Peter Cassidy on his New York 32 “Siren”. A wonderful boat, built in 1936, and likes a breeze. We did well getting to the north end of Conanicut Island (Jamestown). This northerly was very shifty and dying. The Tide chart indicated that the tide would be flooding until 3:30 pm. That was not what we saw. The time limit ran out for most of the competitors, but it was a wonderful day on the water.
Last evening, I along with approximately 30 other fellow sailors listened to Peter Isler speak about the routing program Expedition. Developed by Nick White from New Zealand; it is a very powerful easy to use program.
This event was held at IYRS (International Yacht Restoration School) and organized by Custom Offshore Jonathan and Jeffrey Udell.
I found it outstanding as Peter explained how he customized the program for his logic, his use.(Peter will be navigating “Ttian” in the Bermuda Race. Looking at his projections, he expects to be at the north wall of the Gulf Stream just as the wind dies (about 18 hours into the race)
Given that this year there is a meander that flows along the rhumb line straight to Bermuda; we will all be trying to enter this at about the same place. It could get crowded.
see you on the starting line tomorrow.
I have been visiting “Coronet” periodically to watch her progress. The winter progress seemed much like the winter itself, long and drawn out without much progress. What is evident is the careful planning, the keel and stem are rebated and ready. No small feat, remember everything in this project is really big.
Here are photos side by side from 10 days ago and today.
Lee is teaching us weather, at the Mystic Seaport. Tomorrow we will deal with the 500 mb level. I have been waiting for this for a long time. I just finished my assigned reading. It does not matter is terms of the material I am learning, however Lee is teaching Heavy weather avoidance, whereas my intention is to use what I learn to help set up for speed, much like the boats trying to set records do.
We were also treated to a show at the Planetarium.
“MADCAP” IS FOR SALE.
“Madcap” a classic 1924 six meter designed by Frederick Hoyt lovingly restored at IYRS. She finished second in her class in the North American Championships in 2009 in Newport, Rhode Island; and third in the World championships in her division a week later.
Measurement certificate, ready to go. lying Newport, Rhode Island. Call Tom Rowe at NYM Yachts 401-683-1616
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Virginie Heriot, heroine of french sailing on board her eight meter, in which she won a gold medal in the Olympics; the first woman to do so.
She is also very stylish, many of us would call this “being french”. The photo on the right is my wife, taken in 1975 on board “Quatrofolio” (Shamrock”) the “J” boat looking very much like Virginie Heriot.
I awoke to thick damp fog and although the forecast was for it to clear and the wind to fill from the west; I was skeptical. The forecast was exactly right. I discovered why Lee likes sailing so much in Fishers Island Sound; the view.
