The time of England’s racing dinghies was dominated by Uffa Fox’s boat the “Alarm”. Simon's take on the expert design is a tribute to an age of lightning-quick wooden racing boats.
Wooden rowing shells are rare in the age of carbon fiber, but if you’re not trying to win the Charles they’re a joy to row and a great way to exercise. Simon’s design comes from the 1920s, and his digital plans bring a modern eye to a classic design.
Lapstrake is a forgiving building method. The overlapping spruce planks allow for a little error when installing, which gives the classic canoe an extra layer of peace of mind when you’re on the water.
Silver Thread is a replica of a Cornish lug and mizzen used in the inshore fishing and as tender to larger vessels within harbors. The original boat, Summer Haze, was built in Padstow around 1908.
Simon found an older version of this boat back in the eighties and realized that its thousand-year-old design could be copied and preserved without too much difficulty. He measured it out in ’89 and Bill Nielsen lofted it and drew up the plans in ’91.
A Light and Elegant Tandem for Day Paddlers and Light Overnighters. Easily driven, with moderate rocker and good initial stability.
The Ashes Tandem Day is quick to come up to speed, she’s maneuverable, and she’s beautiful.
After reading Mike O’Brien’s review of Oonagh in WB No. 237, David Keller thought it was just the boat to fit his needs. He hadn't built a boat before, didn’t let that prevent him from ordering plans from Doug Hylan (http://www.dhylanboats.com).
WOODPECKER was purchased from the estate of Donald Holstein, who campaigned her in many Chicago and Port Huron to Mackinac races. She raced in the US One Ton and World One Ton championships in 1979 and 1980.
WOODPECKER is being fully restored by her new owner.
