Here's a pic. of Leaf of Bristol out for a sail in Bristol docks. Despite her long keel and 5 ton displacement, her junk rig is so handy that she's easily managed within the confines of the harbour - great fun!
'Leaf of Bristol' out for a sail!
'Leaf of Bristol' launched!
The 25' ocean going yacht we've been building (previously known as Cubbage Wood) has been successfully launched in Bristol's Historic floating harbour. A good crowd was there for the naming party - her owner Tim Start, kept the name a secret until the very last moment, and the Bristol Ambling Band were the perfect accompaniment to a very jolly day.
We are thrilled with her performance, both under sail and with her solar electric auxiliary. Best wishes to Tim and Louise, may they have many happy voyages in the 'Leaf'!
Steerage!
Cubbage Wood got her rudder hung today. Beefy bronze hangings were cast at Bristol Foundry to our patterns. The blade and tiller are oak. A boat always feels much more alive when the rudder goes on...
Cubbage Wood Update
Clearly time I updated the news on Cubbage Wood. To re-cap she's a 25' 5 ton Junk rigged sloop. Her owner and I selected, felled and planked trees from his own wood. That timber is now boat!
We've made the sail - a whopping great 400 sqft. I think it will look great set on her beautiful douglas fir mast.
Since completion of the planking, her deck has been laid over grown oak framework, oak cabinsides and sole fitted and single length toerails and caps, also in lovely figured oak. She's also been painted a really lovely shade of green.
Boojum sails again
One of the bigger jobs we undertook last year was the restoration of Boojum - an Edwardian gaff cutter, built by W. Thomas in Falmouth over 100 years ago. We replaced the deck after making good the deck frame, then went on to refurbish the deck furniture, build and commission an entire new rig and dozens of other jobs that had accrued over the last century or so. Nine months of solid work for Ostins, Ben, John and Mel, with Dennis and Jay on the rigging. She sailed for her new home in the channel islands early this year, during a lucky weather window.
Cubbage Wood planked up and fitting out
What a whirlwind 2013 was! We worked flat out right till the end.
In the midst of all the other jobs that were going on, from canoes to big gaff cutters, Cubbage Wood was planked and is now being fitted out for a mid summer launch. More of the fittout when the sun comes out and we get some better pictures!
