Bristol Channel Cutter Elizabeth

Well, it fits. Rosie came up to see his beautiful creation and help me mount it. We mounted the bowsprit, and tied a line to the cranse iron to get the final angle of the chainplates just right. I was concerned when I first got the chainplates, and held them up to the boat that the angles were off and the curve of the hull would be an issue. But in fact they fit perfectly. Torquing them down with the bolts snugs everything up just right. I ordered 2″ bolts. The forward ones are too long, and hit each other on the inside. Read more »

Cool crisp air, clear blue skies, great sailing breezes… and boats begginning to get hauled for the season… it’s September in Danvers, MA. And I’m just about ready to launch! Better late then never I keep telling myself. I can’t justify the expense of stepping & unstepping the mast for just a few weeks of sailing, when the boat isn’t really even “ready” in the grands scheme of things.

She’ll Float
The gap thru which the old bobstay chainplate protruded from the stem has been filled with epoxy, a thick mixture of 406 & 404 in West System. On the inside, I will back that with a few layers of cloth for good measure. On the outisde, the gelcoat will be a learning experience.

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On a seperate note, Teresa and I got out for the 24th annual Gloucester Schooner Race this year, and it was fantastic. NW 15-20, clear skies, 1-2′ seas… couldn’t ask for better conditions. Amongst the schooners were two of my alma maters: The Westward, and The Roseway. I’m looking forward to my 10 days aboard the Lewis R. French in a few weeks… and some decent tonnage time always helps with the license renewal. Read more »

At $85/week for dry storage at Danversport Yacht Club, I’ve racked up quite a bill. My hopeful “6 week project” has become a solid 16 week project. I have a large ziplock bag full of reciepts for all my Elizabeth related purchases…I’m scared to pull it out and tally it all up… but I also am very curious to see how the numbers play out in the end, including the trips to TX, the tractor trailer delivery, the parts, the paints, the tools etc etc etc… I estimate I’ll be into this boat about $20k by the time I cover her up for winter.

The plan is to launch in October, as soon as I get back from 10 days filling in as Mate aboard the Lewis R. French. Read more »