Posted by John Nichols on November 26, 2005 at 17:05:26 from 70.191.148.241 user Mcneacail.
In Reply to: Re: Mary Anne posted by Jock on November 25, 2005 at 22:17:44:
Jock:
No. I am determined to build the Swallow - as close to Ransome's drawn sketches as I can get it. In my heart of hearts I firmly believe that AR had a dream for a boat. He created the Swallow class in his head and drew it. I also hold the opinion that Swallow, Amazon, and Scarab are all examples of this class with one variant - the method of stopping sideways movement.
My only concern is leaving out a centreboard. I really do not want to have to build a swing centreboard, and I much prefer a wooden board with a drop down case. A lot of this concern is because my young daughters will be in the boat and I want it safe, easy to operate and floatable. So Swallows original method of keel, and lead are not something I want for my daughter. You can see my great debate within my mind as to the ethics of not creating an exact Swallow and making a boat that is simpler to sail and a bit safer than the old Swallow.
Of course in the end I will probably build 2 - one for Katriona and one being an exact replica for me. What else have I got to do with my life?
The Thames skiff is intended for a class project. Do you have your mate's email address so I can nicely ask for a set of lines.
Was it a Thames skiff I recently spotted in the Virgin Queen TV drama?
John