Author: Chris Wells

Starboard gunwale installed.

A few coats of marine-quality paint will complete that project, and then….on to the Transom.

 

 

A bit rough….it won’t make it into the pages of Wooden Boat Magazine – but the stem-piece is at least solid, and functional.

A final sanding, and paint will cover up any minor defects of workmanship.

I am hoping that the shipwright would be satisfied. For him, function and integrity were always the primary concerns; beauty might show itself when least expected.

We could say: Wabi Sabi boat-building

 

It has been a slow (and rather complicated) business – and I am, after all, a slow worker: slow by both temperament and choice.

But we have been landlubbers too long. With a bit of luck, Shearwater should be out on the water by early Autumn 2022.

I am looking forward to that auspicious Day.

The merest glimpse of Shearwater – moored in the shallows, perhaps, or drawn up with sails furled at the edge of the bay – somehow engendered a sense of comfort. She was undoubtedly poised for her next voyage….and all must be well with the world. *

*My Father as Mariner, page 91.

Herbs for the Boatshed:

Thyme, Marjoram, Sage, Valerian, Brahmi, Yarrow, Bay, Lemon Grass, Lavender, Comfrey, Rosemary, Chamomile- and,  of course, the indispensable Mugwort….

Fitting the gunwales….

Early Morning: Flinders Ranges
Mark Pearse

 

Delicate brush work from Mark….looks like he grabbed a scrap of wrapping paper, and got to work.

It reminds me of the beautiful ink paintings of Sesshu Toyo: a Japanese master from the 15th century.

I have just glued the number two Bass rib edgewise to the Centre-rib, and glued both to the neck block.

No going back.

In fact, the adhesive can be reversed, if need be….but I am not inclined to retrace my steps.

From now on, I will try to adopt the Wabi Sabi approach:

honouring  imperfections….

Stained-glass works by Anna Pearse (31st July 1970 – 25th December 1995).

Anna Pearse (a gifted maker of leadlight) designed this beautiful window many years ago. It was subsequently completed by her studio colleagues.

A tall window depicting Sun/Moon, Sky, Hills, Leaves and Ocean: that was the brief.

Alex and Ruth Pearse have very kindly donated the window to our Lady Bay Boatshed, where it will be installed – and cherished – for as long as the structure endures (my expectation is about 500 years – after which the posts and walls can be replaced, as in the Japanese temple tradition).

Shaping number six rib on the Bass side. You can see the Bending Iron to the right of the mould.

I have already snapped one rib – a result of inexperience, or impatience, or both….