Jul 03 2010
The Center for Wooden Boats
I am onboard the tall-ship ‘Lady Washington’ and we are here at the Center for Wooden Boats on Lake Union in Seattle. There is a festival this holiday weekend and it is fun to be a part of the activities. Yesterday, the 2nd of July there was a big barbeque and ice-cream social. The ice-cream was served aboard the tugboat ‘Arthur Foss’. Afterward there was chanty singing aboard both the ‘Adventuress’ and the ‘Hawaiian Chiefton’. I have to give the nod to the ‘Chiefton’ for being more realistic, if less lyrical. Today we have a battle-sail in the afternoon, but before that we begin construction on our entry for the ‘Quick and Daring’ race. We must construct a boat primarily of cellulose in a short period of time and tomorrow we will race said boat against the other entries. We are the Peoples’ entry. All other competitors have been prepairing for months. We went out last night and bought some plywood. Our design, which had to be submitted for approval yesterday was scrawled on the back of a scrap of paper late in the day. Mostly the design exists within the head of the Captain of the ‘Chiefton’ and myself. We begin constuction at noon and then tag-team with crew members because we must get our boats underway for the Battle sail in the afternoon. Tomorrow we have an Adventure sail in the morning, a Battle sail in the afternoon and are also getting underway with spectators for the fireworks on Lake Union. We will punctuate the fireworks with cannon blasts. In the middle of the day, two of our crew will race in the ‘Quick and Daring with whatever we construct. This is my work for the next few weeks. Kathleen calls it adult summer camp. Remember, these boats move forward only because of volunteerism, and if you wanted to be a part, you too could sail with us. Just go to the Lady Washington website for scheduling and contact information for the office. I should be returning to San Diego at the end of July or the beginning of August.