When we left our heroic crew shortly before Thanksgiving, they were working alongside contractor Kevin Dermond to secure the barge at Lynch’s Marina and ready the Sloop for the massive work that lay ahead in the upcoming months. As the holidays – a pleasant distraction – and my administrative duties – a less pleasant responsibility – drew me away from the boat, all manner of things descended upon her in my absence.
The removal of a number of planks enabled the inspection and assessment of the stem. Our master shipwright, Jim Kricker of Rondout Woodworking, and Captain Nick Rogers got a thorough look at that substantial timber, only to find that it was not worse than expected (as is often the case with a wooden vessel of this age), but far better. Much to our surprise and luck, they determined that the replacement of the stem was not necessary. My one day up at the boat was for the official inspection by the Coast Guard and they also agreed the stem was great shape.
The span of a month saw the completion of a snug white plastic cocoon that now envelops both the Sloop and the barge allowing the crew and carpenters to work unhindered by the winter snow and ice.
The Sloop wrapped in her cocoon
The stack of milled white oak
As the cover went up, the tools and materials came down. The beautiful logs of white oak, carefully milled into working planks at Listening Rock Farm by our Board President Allan Shope and his skilled staff, were trucked in and maneuvered by forklift and steel pulleys. An enormous band saw was brought down from Rondout Woodworking to assist our own small band saw in cutting and shaping the new wood. Spotlights and heaters, extra extension cords and junction boxes now punctuate the workspace to maintain an efficient and safe environment.
And what of our steadfast crew and their well-being? Before the ice crept its way down the river, our new houseboat had made its way up the river from Kingston and was tied up alongside the barge. Heat and electric were set up, the water tanks were filled, mooring lines and fendering were well-secured and the windows were sealed up. The crew moved in to their new home and dropped in the small submersible propellers around both houseboat and the barge to keep the ice at bay as they churn the water and keep it in constant motion.
Planks removed and two futtocks on their way in
After the New Year, the hard-working Clearwater crew was joined by the amazing team at Rondout Woodworking and the restoration project started to pick up steam. Plank after plank came off, revealing the frames beneath, to be assessed piece by piece. One by one, a futtock comes out, it’s template formed and the new white oak cut and shaped to be installed, refined and fastened in place with galvanized steel nuts and bolts.
The stem and bow from dead ahead
This creative process will repeat itself hundreds of times throughout the course of the winter with each frame and each plank and it is a thrill to watch it unfold. This winter we decided not to keep that thrill to ourselves. On January 23, we held our first potluck party on board. We started the day with a press conference and a visit from U.S.Congressman Maurice Hinchey (NY-22) and members of the Saugerties Town Council. We gave a special welcome to all our dedicated Clearwater volunteers, and they were joined by the public, friends and strangers alike. They enjoyed great refreshments, hands-on activities for the kids, live Irish music with the band Lawson and in-depth tours of the project by the captains and crew.
"Lawson" jamming in the hot shop
A grand time was had by all, further cementing the idea that our decision to “stay home” this winter, instead of taking our sloop and business to a faraway shipyard, was the right one. We could not ask for a better shipwright and work crew than our colleagues at Rondout Woodworking, or more hospitable landlords than our longtime hosts, the Cox family. As in the past for our predecessors, the Hudson Valley has nurtured and sustained us. Please join us at our next Open Boat & Family Day on February 27 from 1-6pm. Bring your friends, bring your kids and see what all the excitement is all about!
