Posted by Stuart Wier on June 29, 2001 at 04:51:06 from 206.168.225.135:
In Reply to: Re: What colour was posted by Prue Eckett on June 11, 2001 at 21:37:31:
As shown by the previous writers, the "Swallow" was painted white,
outside. Shadows cast by sun on the lapstraked hull would show
the lines of the strakes in most cases, which is why Ransome
drew the strakes.
Further the two or more surviving photos of Ransome sailing the
"Swallow" show a white hull and what is more a dark uppermost
or garboard strake which may have been painted or varnished.
The first question to ask anyone who claims to have seen the original
Swallow is "what color or finish was on the interior." I have
never seen the slightest evidence about that.
The mast was treated with linseed oil and the yards were varnished.
Stu Wier
boat detective