With classic American racing yachts, there’s more than one meaning to the phrase, bring’em back. Any wood boat that’s been out there a while will surely have been “brought back” one time or more through restoration procedures that we can [...]]]> From Kimball Livingston’s always interesting blog, Blue Planet Times, Published: March 8, 2010

With classic American racing yachts, there’s more than one meaning to the phrase, bring’em back. Any wood boat that’s been out there a while will surely have been “brought back” one time or more through restoration procedures that we can reasonably hope are unreasonably fanatical.

There’s also: Bring’em back home.

Dorade, courtesy Sparkman & Stephens Association

For a while it seemed that all our classic raceboats were off to the Med. Lately, less so. I knew I had to write about this when I heard that Dorade is going up for sale today, and that’s an opportunity. Is there any other boat that so distills the history of American yacht racing in the 20th century?

My answer is, no.

And we know it was Edgar Cato who brought her home.

Dorade's Lines

And they did. The boat was merely passing through Italy, anyway, outbound from the south of France for the USA, where her new owner would make her a fixture of classics events on the East Coast. Two years later, Joe Dockery purchased Sonny (S&S 1935; 53 feet) and returned that boat from the Med. Dorade and Sonny have been racing bow to bow pretty much ever since.

Skylark too came home from the Med.

But you have to love the little stories.

Such as, why is there an Anna, a newly-built 56-footer with the classic looks of Stormy Weather and a modern underbody? Why, son, it’s because when Sam Rowse tried to buy Dorade, and went to France to seal the deal on his accepted offer, the owner somehow got strange feelings and refused to sell. Rowse then commissioned S&S to design an homage to Stormy Weather, leaving Dorade still out there until Cato pried her loose.

Giving credit where credit is due: It was a European who years ago recognized the value of Dorade and gave the boat its first deep-down restoration after purchasing her in the USA. That would be Italy’s Giuseppe Gazzoni-Frascara, who had her lovingly rebuilt on the Tuscan coast by Cantierie Navale dell’ Argentario. That yard at the time had restored the Twelve Meter Nyala and would soon restore both Stormy Weather and Sonny.

But we know there is no such thing as a permanently-restored wooden boat, and not every useful restoration is complete. Cato raced Dorade in New England in the summer of 2006 and decided it was time to do a bit of updating. But when his team opened the boat to work on it, they discovered deep-down issues. Cato received a call in the evening and had a quick reaction: “Donate it.”

Then slept on it. Then called project manager Paul Buttrose and said,

“There’s only one Dorade, and I’m only a custodian, so let’s restore the boat and do it right.”

The result is the iteration of Dorade that is now for sale in Portsmouth, Rhode Island for just south of a million dollars. Few are qualified, financially, to own this boat and fewer still are qualified.

DORADE NOW

In Seattle, Washington, former Dorade crewman Douglas Adkins got a bug up his tail about the subject, and his book, Dorade: The History of an Ocean Racing Yacht, is due in the fall from Parkside Press. Adkins has spoken to everyone he could find that has a connection to the boat. Of 85-year-old Edgar Cato he says, “Edgar is committed to authenticity. He wanted to know everything and anything that had been changed, and turn it back to how it was in 1931. Dorade had been delivered without a motor, so Edgar had that taken out, and now the boat sails with a tender.”

And for those too new to sailing (welcome, you’re going to love it here) to already know the Dorade story—how it launched the career of a young Olin Stephens and put Sparkman & Stephens on the road to becoming the linchpin design firm of its heyday and a continuing force—this is not the place to recount her historic 1931 transatlantic win, or the Fastnet win, or the 1938 Transpac win, but you get the idea that I’m talking about important stuff. There are many sources for more information, including the S&S company web site at sparkmanstephens.com.

The recent, deep-down work that Cato commissioned was done at Buzzards Bay Yacht Services. At their web site you can find photos of the work.

And if you think you’re qualified, you can find full details of purchase at Paul Buttrose Yachts. If not, it’s only because you’re in there early on Tuesday, ahead of the web editor. Well done.

Meet our new neighbors, Greg Kerkof, Sheryl Alfson-Kerkof and Jake, formerly of Mukilteo. They are moving to town with their almost completed cruising sailboat, Toccata.  You will find Toccata in the Boat Haven yard near the PT Rigging shop.

After some final touches, they plan to leave for [...]]]>

Sheryl, Greg and Jake in front of Toccata

Meet our new neighbors, Greg Kerkof, Sheryl Alfson-Kerkof and Jake, formerly of Mukilteo. They are moving to town with their almost completed cruising sailboat, Toccata.  You will find Toccata in the Boat Haven yard near the PT Rigging shop.

After some final touches, they plan to leave for a summer of cruising up north and then back to PT to live aboard next winter.  It sounds like they are already settling in.  They’re planning to sell their house, enjoying long walks around town and calling their trips back to Mukilteo “retuning to the dark side”.

Talk about an odyssey; they started constructing Toccata here in Port Townsend 26 years ago (actually I believe the Odyssey took only 20 years), when they had the hull fabricated by Bernie Arthur of Skookum fame.  The hull was then trucked to their backyard in Mukilteo, where they put a building up around it and started building their dream boat.  This hull is an Ed Monk design; 50’ long with a 13.5’ beam.

Toccata is back in town to get rigging and sails.  The spars are being put together and set by PT Rigging, and the sails will be made by Hasse & Co Port Townsend Sails.  Toccata will be put in the water for the first time soon, and after some ballast adjustments and the water line marked, she will be hauled out for the BUMs to do the bottom paint.  So, if you discount the 20,000 man-hours Greg and Sheryl have put into her, you could say that this is another boat manufactured in Port Townsend.

Greg has all the right skills for the job, having been a Boeing mechanic/engineer and having constructed several houses.  In the beginning, they expected it would only take a couple of years to put this boat together.  Sounds familiar!  “How long could it take?” One reason that it took so long is that they wanted to do things the right way.  From the ash interior to the maple counter tops, they certainly have a beautiful boat.

I had not consider that one of the issues that you run into on a project that takes this long now days is that technology changes so fast.  They built in compartments and table tops because it was a priority to make it easy to use paper charts.  For some reason they did not anticipate that GPS would be available.  They say that the hull design is now old fashioned, although still quite happy with it.

They have also already repowered her even though she hasn’t been wet yet.  The maker of the original engine went out of business and instead of fighting parts availability issues they opted to replace it.  They are also currently installing LED lighting.  Sounds like you could get trapped in an endless cycle of trying to keep up, if you are not careful.

Notice the unique steering wheel design, all the natural light in the pilot house, and fine work below.  I am sure that those of you more knowledgeable than I would revel in their innovations and war stories.  They talk about how crazy they are for doing this project; I think they will fit in quite well here.  Stop by and welcome them to town when you get the chance.

Some ideas on where to start on the line from Dave Perry from the US Sailing site here.

Just like buying a new home, the key to getting a good start is location, location, location. I divide the starting line into three regions. I call [...]]]>

Looks like a boat start was favored this night

Some ideas on where to start on the line from Dave Perry from the US Sailing site here.

Just like buying a new home, the key to getting a good start is location, location, location. I divide the starting line into three regions. I call the quarter of the line nearest the pin end of the line – The Pin, the quarter of the line nearest the race committee boat – The Boat, and the section in between – The Middle. Before every start I decide which region, and what part of each region I am going to start in.

The Pin – I plan to start in The Pin when the pin end is favored (more upwind in an upwind start) or the left side of the first beat is favored (pressure, shift, current). I remind myself that starting in The Pin is the riskiest region; the most difficult to get a good start in especially if I am slow, and the hardest to find clear air after if I don’t get a good start. If I choose to start in The Pin, especially early in a series, I will start at the uppermost area of The Pin, with several boats between me and the pin.

The Boat – I plan to start in The Boat when the boat end is favored or the right side of the first beat is favored. I keep in mind that it is relatively easy to get a decent start in this region, and a quick right-hand turn (tack to port) to find clear air; so this is a good place to start if I know I am slower or less experienced than others. If a big crowd is setting up right at the boat, I slide down to the lower edge of The Boat, with several boats between me and the boat.

The Middle - I plan to start in The Middle when the line is relatively square and there is no one favored side or I am not sure which side is favored. I remind myself there are likely more open lanes to be had in the middle, and with the usually sag (and especially with a reliable line sight) it is relatively easy to get my bow out in front of the boats on either side of me at the start. It is also the most conservative place to start because it gives the most options for which way to go up the first beat, and minimizes the risk of being deep in the wrong corner of the beat. If one end or one side is mildly favored, I slide in that direction in The Middle.

Dave Perry is one of several renowned sailing experts participating in US SAILING’s 2010 Speaker Series. The author of Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012, 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes 2009-2012, and Winning in One-Designs offers up his top tactical tips beginning this week…

The title “Racing on the Bay:  the Insiders Advantage” drew over one hundred sailboat skippers and crew  wanting to learn the secrets of sailboat racing on Port Townsend Bay. Lifetime  Port Townsend sailors Daubie Daubenberger and  Joe Daubenberger shared their expert knowledge gathered from [...]]]>

Lecture attendees filter into the meeting room at the Northwest Maritime Center

The title “Racing on the Bay:  the Insiders Advantage” drew over one hundred sailboat skippers and crew  wanting to learn the secrets of sailboat racing on Port Townsend Bay. Lifetime  Port Townsend sailors Daubie Daubenberger and  Joe Daubenberger shared their expert knowledge gathered from decades of sailing and racing, with additional input from ace sailors Piper Dunlap and  Stig Osterberg.

Pete Helsell of the NWMC introduces 3 of the 4 speakers, Joe and Daubie Daubenberger and Stig Osterberg.

All speakers agreed that to be competitive it is essential to do basic boat preparation, crew practice in  tacking, jibing and all assorted maneuvers. Daubie presented and elaborated on three racing principles: Technique, Tactics and Strategy. Piper complemented this with numerous illustrations on a dry-erase board, and Joe and Stig provided back up, clarification, and examples to bring the illustrations to life. The evening ended with  a slide show of second-by-second racing sequences from the start of one of last year’s races, and the lecturers evaluation and instructive critique of the boats in each slide. It was truly an informative presentation… an evening of great interaction with much sage advice.

Piper illustrates information presented by Daubie to an attentive audience

We (the PTSA Board of Directors) hoped this event would  create enthusiasm for new sailors to join us in racing on the Bay, and in the final analysis appears to have done so. We have enrolled 7 new members to the organization, and at the end of the evening we had  collected $875 in annual dues from new and existing members, $20 for youth sailing, $125 in burgee sales, and $485 in lecture  admission. The total expense for production of the evening was about $355 (all receipts are not yet in but this is close), and these funds will be used to cover the organization’s 2010  operating expenses outlined in an earlier post to this website.

Secretary Steve Scharf shows his PTSA spirit

A huge THANK YOU goes out to our presenters, and to all who helped with organization, advertisement, and the dirty work of setting up and putting away chairs…and of course to all you sailboat racing junkies who attended the lecture and are itching to get out on the water and commence with the fun!

After the race get together on D dock

…our annual dues allow us to organize, advertise,  and operate races as a cohesive group of enthusiastic Port Townsend sailors. They pay for liability insurance, membership in professional associations, our business license, website, and bouy/marker rent with Washington Department of Natural Resources. Dues also pay for [...]]]>

After the race get together on D dock

…our annual dues allow us to organize, advertise,  and operate races as a cohesive group of enthusiastic Port Townsend sailors. They pay for liability insurance, membership in professional associations, our business license, website, and bouy/marker rent with Washington Department of Natural Resources. Dues also pay for boat fuel and snacks for our amazing volunteer race committee….Here’s a list of our expenses for the 2010 racing season:

1. $990 liability insurance
2. $25 PT business license
3. $175 annual membership, Pac Intl Yacht Club
4. $250 annual membership US Sailing
5. $143 Website
6. $100 DNR bouy bedland rental

Grand Total $1,683. We can anticipate $900 or so for snacks and boat fuel for our happy, patient race committee.

Last year we organized more than two dozen races on the bay, and consistently saw 15-20 boats on the starting line…a pretty good deal…$2500 for a summer of spectaclular racing on Port Townsend Bay….

We hope you will join us….

Your PTSA Board of Directors (all volunteers, of course!)

Click here to download a PTSA Membership Application

You know the old adage: “Can’t catch ‘em if we follow ‘em.” So, when you are behind you’ve got to split tacks [...]]]> Bill Gladstone, the author of the North U series of racing books, has a posting on US Sailing site, here, on when to split tacks with the leaders when you are behind.

You know the old adage: “Can’t catch ‘em if we follow ‘em.” So, when you are behind you’ve got to split tacks to catch the leaders. In fact, splitting tacks is often a gamble with poor odds of success. To understand why, first answer this question:  Which way are the leaders going, the right way or the wrong way?  (Hint: they are in the lead.) If they are going the right way then splitting to go the wrong way is a low percentage play.

What to do instead:
First off, recognize that if the leaders don’t make any mistakes, you won’t catch them.
Don’t just split tacks for the sake of splitting. You’ve got to sail fast, and stay within striking distance so you can pass when they stumble. When the leaders are going the right way, then go that way. If they become preoccupied tactically and miss a shift, or fail to respond to a change in conditions (either tactically or in trim) then you get your chance.

But if you split for the sake of splitting and go the wrong way, then you will likely fall further behind; and you won’t be in position to capitalize when the leaders make a mistake.

Sail fast, be patient, and pounce when the opportunity arises.

38 boats registered for the 19th Annual Wooden Boat Foundations Shipwrights Regatta, and even more showed up on the race course.  It was a glorious February day with May weather:  sunshine and enough warmth to get by with only 2 layers of clothing. AND there was [...]]]>

5o5s and Schooners kick off the 2010 Shipwright's Regatta

38 boats registered for the 19th Annual Wooden Boat Foundations Shipwrights Regatta, and even more showed up on the race course.  It was a glorious February day with May weather:  sunshine and enough warmth to get by with only 2 layers of clothing. AND there was wind. Not too much and not so little that you couldn’t get around the race course.

The day started with Sunrise coffee at the Skippers Meeting followed by a last minute rush to sign up for the race. Four classes were delineated: Racers (A class), Cruisers (B Class), small boats (C class), and the 505 fleet of 5. The race got underway by noon, after a short delay to let the wind settle on a direction.

Two committee boats formed the start line: Comet and Azure. Two other boats, the Martha J, captained by Don D’Allesandro, and a runabout operated by Eric, set marks and provided a safety net for the smaller boats. The A class went around the large triangle course twice, the B Fleet time was taken for once around when it became apparent that many would not complete the twice -around course in the time allotted.
The C fleet had a shortened course, and the 505’s were tight enough to make up their own course on the fly. No major mishaps or breakdowns were reported, and everyone politely gave way to the tug towing a large log boom that sliced down the middle of the course.

Here are the results from this years regatta:

1st A class to finish:  Pegasus
1st B class to finish: Keith Holen on Lasinda
1st C class to finish: Exploration 18, Dwight Nicholson
1st Gaffer to finish: Ronald Schmidt on Truant
1st female skipper to finish: Lisa Vizzini on The Wizard
1st wooden boat to finish: James Daubenberger on Swift
1st 505 to finish: Piper Dunlap and Dan Ginther on Dew Flicker
1st dog to finish:  Ruby  on Singawing

The traditional and perpetual awards for this years Shipwrights Regatta went to the following:

Van Hope Award for the most youth on board: split between Matt Mortesen on Singawing and Keith Holen on Lasinda
The Hook for the last boat to finish:  Matt McCleary on Ceridwen
Pegleg-first boat to finish: Dan Newland on Pegasus
Wack-o-Matic for mis-spent energy:  Chris Grace on Lotus (who sat becalmed 3 feet from the finish line long enough for Sumatra, the OTHER Concordia yawl, to make up a mile and scoot past to finish ahead.)
Golden Trident for the saltiest: John Stone on Cutty Sark

We could not have done it without the hard work of the Race Committee and Race Committee directors Myron and Dave, or the support of the generous Port Townsend businesses who gave so many prizes in a not-so-great economic year. A special thanks to the Port of Port Townsend and to Sea Marine, who both gave free haulouts!

All hands a-deck. Quimper Tars Sailing On the Bay (S.O.B.) will begin on 4th of April eve 2010 and continue through the 7th of September 2010 (every Wednesday night thruout the summr). Skippers will meet at 5pm, races to begin at 6pm.

Protests (or whining, mind ye) [...]]]>

Vito Dumas out for some fun, 2009

All hands a-deck. Quimper Tars Sailing On the Bay (S.O.B.) will begin on 4th of April eve 2010 and continue through the 7th of September 2010 (every Wednesday night thruout the summr). Skippers will meet at 5pm, races to begin at 6pm.

Protests (or whining, mind ye) are not allowed at these events, neither are scores kept. The PTSA does not organize or run these ‘races’, but wholeheartedly encourages able-bodied sailors to get out and enjoy the fun. PTSA membership is not required to participate.

Quimper Tars Sailing On the Bay 2010 Schedule