Online Exclusives is an eclectic mix of current news, curiosities, articles, and extended content related to WoodenBoat magazine features and departments.
In my last blog I wrote about Bahamian sloops as Regatta race boats. The Regatta, initiated in the mid-1950s, did wonders for preserving the sloops—but it also transformed them from humble, pragmatic work boats into hotrod racing machines.
Around thirty-five years ago, I was at sea on a sailboat with conventional stainless steel stanchions and plastic-coated stainless steel wire-rope lifelines.
A jackyard topsail is rarely seen today, and there are good reasons. The jackyard topsail is a sail with murder on its mind, swinging long spars along the deck, intent on sweeping the crew overboard. If you see a jackyard topsail set today, such as on the P-boat JOYANT or on the NY50 SPARTAN, you should take notice, because under a jackyard topsail lies a brave captain and braver crew, whose full attention will be on that large sparred piece of canvas hoisted high into the sky.
The missing link in the well-known evolution of Chesapeake Bay oyster fishermen is the Brogan. First came sailing log canoes, which are still extant on the Bay, and are raced very competitively to this day.
Hand built, One of a kind. Hull is sound, roof and rear wall of pilot house need repair.
BOAT HAS SOLD! "Thank you, Autumn. It took some time but it was well worth it." B.
Designed and built by the late Ray DeFir and his best friend, my late Step-Father, Gary Griffiths
Classic wooden rowboat (possibly Old Town).
Approximately 12’L x 4’W.
