The gulf waters are too shallow close to where we live for a sailboat, so I gave Gary the next best thing for an early birthday present. This sailboat is patterned after a real boat that's 36 feet long and still sails the waters near Clearwater, Florida. This handmade solid wood replica stands about three feet tall.
Here's Gary's late anniversary present, the Charles W. Morgan, a scale replica of a whale ship built in 1841.
Then Gary gave me a late birthday present, a replica of a Canadian fishing and racing schooner from Nova Scotia built in 1921, called Bluenose.
Lastly Gary gave me a late anniversary present, a replica of the Santa Cruz, designed by Bill Lee. This replica is made of redwood. Bill Lee is a California designer of world famous racing yachts and one of the founders of the Santa Cruz school of boat building.
Ron Kohl, the gentleman who built these is an oceanographer. He and his wife want to sell their home and aren't having much luck. Gary and I were in much the same predicament not long ago and could sympathize with them.
We only went to purchase the first sailboat, but thought it a shame to separate these handmade works of art. They aren't made from kits but are made from a solid piece of wood, designed to scale as replicas of the originals. When you're married for twenty-five years you can shop together and give presents whenever you want. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
It's mind boggling how reasonable art can be to add to your life.
ReplyDeleteKind of sad those people had to part with such beauties but how lucky for you and they must feel good they went where they were appreciated. They are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSailing is just a wonderful way to enjoy the water. No roar and smell of engine, just the sound of waves slapping and mast creaking.
Enjoy your treasures and how great you two have similar interests.
looks as if they have found a good port to call home.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful.
Hi Patti, thanks, yes it was kind of sad, but they remarked they were glad someone has them that will appreciate them. I've only been sailing a few times but you describe it so well. Perhaps one of these days again.
ReplyDeleteHi Meredith, thanks, yes they have a nice port to stay in again.
Sigh... my father and I would hole-up in the workshop all winter long, staying warm and building small plank-on-frame sailboats. In the spring we'd head out to the pond and have races while taking potshots at them with a small cannon... Give her a Broadside!
ReplyDeleteHi Zygote, thanks, what a wonderful memory of your and your dad building boats and what fun to sail them on a pond and try to shoot them with a cannon. Your mentioning the cannon reminds me of Fort Gains, alabama civil war ruins with the big cannons; here is the link http://www.homepages.dsu.edu/JANKEJ/civilwar/FtGaines.htm.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful craftsmanship! And nice that they have a good home with someone who can appreciate them. Happy Anniversary, a little late!
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