Posted by Stuart_Wier on March 17, 2010 at 11:46:29 user Stuart_Wier.
The "Swallow" for sale by Turks Boatyard is a special opportunity. This boat is very close to the original Swallow, despite small differences. It appears to be professionally made and appears in good condtion, or at least in a condition which could be restored to good condition without hard problems, such as plank replacement.
Here is an opportunity for obtaining a Swallow-like boat for, perhaps, a comparatively small cost. Of course the auction may run up the price, but having a new boat like this made by hand would be very expensive.
Due to the widespread interest in the "Swallow," and since in future boats like this will be harder to find or build, it would be well if this boat were obtained by someone well qualified to maintain it. That means a place to keep it inside, to work on it and to protect it when not in use, and next to water so that there would be no need to haul it on a trailer, which is no good for wooden boats. It would be good if there were long-term prospects of resources to maintain it.
And due to the widespread interest in the original "Swallow," many people would love to see this "Swallow." So it would be good if this boat was used to promote public interest in small boats and boating.
The Nancy Blackett Trust or similar orgnaization with facilties and personnel in place seems like a very good choice. And that would allow the boat to be seen and sailed by many more than if owned by an individual.
If some such organization steps forward with plans for purchasing this boat, for maintaining it, and for making it available for public viewing and for sailing by qualified crew, just as the "Nancy Blackett" is, we ought to give them our support, including doubloons.
Stuart Wier
Colorado