Schooner Martha's "On the Water" Content Stream

We're on the water - here's what we're up to.

Bronze Mast Hardware

(download)

Port Townsend is a paradise for those of us who love  the traditional marine trades.
What I mean by the the word traditional is custom engineered and created by hand by craftsmen and craftswomen. These things are not mass produced  by machine.
Here are some images of part of what goes on at Port Townsend Rigging.
The folks in the rigging shop have a great sound system and in fact working in the loft is a is a great time with great people.
Music is by Cake.

Rigging and Interior Progress

Progress has been made with the interior work as Ossian finished the sole beams and sole.
Chris has launched into the furniture and I have been working on systems and spending most of my time in Port Townsend Rigging working with Dan Kulin on bronze fabrication.
It is such a pleasure working with the folks at the rigging loft,  Dan is a very talented craftsman melding engineering with art to produce some beautiful and functional hardware.
If all goes well we will be fully rigged by May 26th, in time for shake down and crew training before the
Classic Mariners Regatta June 2nd and 3rd.
In the included photos you can see some bronze fabrication work and welding. We will upload a video soon.

(download)

Rigging and Interior Progress

Progress has been made with the interior work as Ossian finished the sole beams and sole.
Chris has launched into the furniture and I have been working on systems and spending most of my time in Port Townsend Rigging working with Dan Kulin on bronze fabrication.
It is such a pleasure working with the folks at the rigging loft, Dan is a very talented craftsman melding engineering with art to produce some beautiful and functional hardware.
If all goes well we will be fully rigged by May 26th, in time for shake down and crew training before the
Classic Mariners Regatta June 2nd and 3rd.
In the included photos you can see some bronze fabrication work and welding. We will upload a video soon.

(download)

Martha's in the water

Launching was very successful and she now is home at her Point Hudson dock patiently waiting for her interior and rig.
The photo of the little guy is Owen Griffith Mary's 20 month old cousin who seems to know something about schooners,  he even has a look on his face like Miles McCoy,  even has the same hat.

(download)

(download)

COUNTDOWN TO LAUNCH

The weather finally broke with Friday, Saturday and Sunday providing good painting and varnishing conditions.
We are set for a March 30th  10:00 hrs launch with the engine /systems coming together. The new aluminum nickle bronze rudder head was installed and steering system is in perfect order.
We're trying a new paint product on the cockpit sole,  something called "Moby Deck" made of 'Flexithane",  got to love marketing names.
Looking ahead,  the bronze for the foremast is ordered and the main mast is getting a good inspection and is ready for paint.   We hope to have the rig back in the boat in early May.   We'll post the date when it is known.
Everyone at the Schooner Martha Foundation is extremely grateful and encouraged by all the hard work and time the whole team has put into this project, we are now on the home stretch.   It is really a wonderful accomplishment and will be a lasting legacy for Martha to keep sailing and teaching into the extended future.

(download)

PHASE TWO

We're checking in from Eugene, OR while we visit Grandma and Mary spends some time with her cousins.
The middle of March finds the team getting ready for the next push. We  have let the video camera cool off a bit.
Martha will launch on the 30th and we have been painting and varnishing but the weather has been tough.
Ossian has moved into the interior and is working on the sole framing,  Chris and Dave have finished the cabin/deck sill and trim,  with Chris now working on paint.
The engine is aligned and Dan Kulin at P.T. Rig has started the rigging design and bronze work.
Oh, and there is always cleaning and general elbow grease.   A lot of help from volunteers, Shawn, Ryan, Ross, Kelly Matlock and The Puget Sound Voyaging team in the workshop with Sonia to prepare the booms and bowsprit. 

(download)

Mast Moving / Paint and Varnish

We are moving through phases of this incredible haul-out and continue to receive a huge amount of help and support from the Port Townsend community.   The sealer coats of finish were applied to the mast and we were able to move it to the rigging shop at Port Townsend Rigging.
Dan Kulin is working on the engineering for the assorted bronze work and the team there will be getting ready for the wire and fittings.

In the boat yard, Martha is patiently waiting for her final work to be able to settle back into the water.    The rudder is receiving the trailing edge finish and paint.    Annie fared the entire top-sides, while volunteers Shawn, Ross took care of the cabin sides sanding.  Ryan from the Boat school has continued to work on Saturdays and has been another big volunteer help.

The cabin trim pieces have been removed and a new deck/cabin sill has been installed.   New Port Orford cedar upper and lower trim will be bedded and fastened next week.
This work was carried out to insure a water tight seal in the cabin house.   An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure idea!
Back at Martha head quarters Sonia is working up the varnish on the various pieces of furniture, she is a pro!

(download)

(download)