The Roughest Shipyard Raid Yet
July 11, 08
Raid 08 was challenging; longer legs, more open water, higher winds, and more tempestuous seas. But the consensus from participants seems to be that it was also the most satisfying of our Shipyard Raids. The company was good (as always), the food was great, and the sailing was excellent this time. I extend my personal thanks to all Raiders and especially to our Raid Crew who made this year’s event possible.
We left Silva Bay as a fleet of 14 vessels, 7 racing with 7 escorts. Some folks had to leave along the way but a total of 10 boats made the complete journey to Heriot Bay. The racing this year was particularly close, but by consistently placing in the top 3, Barracuda established an early lead that Quill and Mitch held to the finish. Outstanding job guys! Second place goes to Bill and Eliot in Dragonfly, with Marty & Yvonne in Owl and the Pussycat (Bayraider) third, and Brennan, Gregg, Bryce, Josh, Larissa, Logan, Conner, and Blaine in Tuvaaq placing 4th. These three boats are separated by only 4 points, a very close result after 8 days (13 legs) of racing. Tart established a new “cruising” class of participation in the Shipyard Raid. Jerry and Bill sailed a great deal and used their motor as appropriate, rather than rowing. This is an interesting development for Raid participation, opening the event to larger vessels not able to row. I would also like to thank Colin in Bus Bailey for showing what is possible with a minimum sized boat.
We changed the route and date for Raid08 hoping for more wind, and we got more wind….a lot more wind. We had 15+ knots on 5 of the 8 days we spent sailing. At times we had well over 20 knots of wind, much of it under sunny skies, with thunder showers on just one night. During the first two days of long open water legs north up the Gulf of Georgia, we had brisk NW winds on the nose. Monday (day #3) was calm for a mandatory rowing only leg around the south end of Texada, and with light SE in the afternoon for the sail up Malaspina Strait to Cape Cockburn. A SE onshore breeze and rising seas that night scattered the fleet and after a sleepless night for all I canceled racing on Tuesday in great (heavy air) sailing conditions (downwind in Malaspina Str.). After a good rest in Westview, Wednesday was hot and calm for the leg to Lund and the Ragged (Copeland) Islands. Thursday we again had light SE for the half-day leg to Galley Bay with a fine afternoon of swimming and relaxation. Friday and Saturday were both heavy SE wind legs with big seas and fast downwind surfing. A great mix of conditions with up wind and down in heavy air, some light air sailing, and not too much rowing.
The Raid crew and escort vessels had a tough job this year; all rose to the occasion and provided great support in challenging conditions. Special thanks go to Rick on Rupert Pelican and the catering crew of Barrett, James, and Kathy. Rusty and Judy (Tatiana) did a proper job at the tail end, and Nimbus, Stella, and Epic 5 helped keep everyone safe. Special mention to Sophie and James for jumping into the breach as needed.
Many great tales, some fabulous anchorages, good meals, tricky (and fast!) sailing, wonderful swimming, and really good company are among my memories. Once again my thanks to all for making Shipyard Raid 08 a legendary adventure.
Shipyard Raid 08 Finish
July 06, 08
I've just talked to James and the Raid arrived safely in Heriot Bay last night, on schedule. The overall winner was Barracuda, Dragonfly was second and third and fourth places went to the Bayraider and Tuvaaq respectively. It sounds as if the Raid fleet had many adventures with the big winds and seas of the last few days. I'll post any more news as soon as I hear of it.
It's my understanding that the Pelican among other boats will be starting south Monday morning. So we will surely have photos and more news by mid-week.
Congratulations to the entire Raid fleet on a safe journey.
Update for Legs 1 — 6, Day 4
July 03, 08
We have official news (from Tad) of the Raid last night from Westview. Bus Bailey won Legs 1, 2, and 3; that includes Day 2, Leg 2, a 22nm, 9+ hour passage (most of it rowed by Bus Bailey) from Pilot Bay to Jedediah, some of it in difficult conditions, with headwinds. Barracuda won Leg 4. The Bayraider was second Leg 1 and I understand that Barracuda was second in Legs 2 and 3. Bus Bailey and escorts Stella and Epic V left the Raid at Westview to return home to Silva Bay. Hats off to Colin and Bus Bailey and to Epic V and her crew, for great support!
The Raid spent a rolly night at Cape Cockburn after the wind turned Southeast but they had a lovely evening and were able to swim at the beach there. I understand that there was no racing Canada Day and Legs 5 and 6 were cancelled because of difficult conditions. According to the schedule the Raid left Westview this morning and raced to Lund where they had lunch. The second leg of Day 5 is from Lund to the Copelands, making 14nm for the day.
Photo Credits: many thanks to Kevan and to Ted for the photos from the raid start.
Shipyard Raid 08 Start
June 28, 08
The 08 raid got off in sunshine and moderate to strong Northwest winds with a small but enthusiastic crowd to see them off. Topsy came along for the first day and Bus Bailey joins the Raid as far as Nelson Island Westview. The Raid is expected to spend the first night at Pilot Bay which has better northwest shelter than Descanso Bay.
Photo Credits: many thanks to Kevan (and to Ted!) for the photos from the raid start.
Shipyard Raid 08 Is Coming Up Fast
May 20, 08
Raiders…. It is almost upon us; Shipyard Raid 08 is coming up fast with about 6 weeks until the start on Saturday, June 28th. Are you ready? Is your entry in the mail yet? So far I have a couple of entries and many verbal commitments, but we need those deposits soon!
The entry list looks like this:
- Dragonfly, Bill Neal & Son
- Bayraider, Marty Jacobson & Family
- Ratty, PT Sea Scouts
- Umiak407, Brennan Phillips & Scouts
- Topsy, Jan & Scotty
- Barracuda, Quill & crew
- Swordfish, open….
- Skean dhu, Ted Davis
- Coquina, Gary MacDougal
Motherships
- Rupert Pelican, Rick
- Tatiana, Rusty
- Nimbus, Adrian
We’re looking at a welcome dinner in Silva Bay on Friday night, the 27th. And there will be dinner in Heriot Bay on Saturday night, July 5th.
My best to all, Tad
Richard Lyons - The passing of a friend and a great Raider
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
There will be a wake Saturday, February 2nd starting 4:00pm at the Silva Bay Pub. Bring your photos, stories, and musical instruments to help celebrate Richard's life. He will be sorely missed on Gabriola and on Silva Bay.
We have lost a great friend. Richard Lyons died suddenly on Sunday, January 20th. He was holidaying in Baja, Mexico with his friend Laura and daughter Ceighlie, where they had spent 3 weeks sailing and camping on the beach.
Richard’s passing has left a large hole in the community of Gabriola and especially Silva Bay. Rich was many things, almost anything you needed on demand. Boatbuilder, sailor, mechanic, musician, chef, promoter of small wooden boats. Raider, friend, and father. He was Quill’s partner in Barefoot Wooden Boats, the instigator, teacher, and encourager of numerous woodworking and boatbuilding projects on Gabriola, and an all around raconteur and whacko. We, and there are lots of us, loved him dearly.
Richard was one of the chief instigators of the Shipyard Raid, a boundless supporter and participant, and the guy who got up every morning and yelled “hhhowww yaaaa feeeellllinnnng!!!!” He and Quill took endless delight in pushing everyone hard; he was also the first to help anyone who needed a hand, or to lead a water balloon barrage.
A short event (around Gabriola mini-raid) for this summer dedicated to Richard is in the planning stages. I will keep everyone informed as to when.
Raid Dates: 4th Annual Shipyard Raid
Monday, November 19th, 2007
The 2008 Shipyard Raid will start from Silva Bay on Saturday, June 28th. We're not yet sure of the duration this year as we have a new course, straight north toward Desolation Sound. Approximate finish will be July 5th in Heriot Bay on Quadra Island BC.
This is a challenging course with some long legs; being earlier in the year we hope for more wind but it may be Northwesterly. We plan to visit Jedediah, Nelson, the Copelands, Mink, Cortes, and Quadra Island.
2008 Shipyard Raid
Monday, September 17th, 2007
Next year’s (2008) Shipyard Raid will go north from Silva Bay, probably earlier (July or August) in the year. It may be tougher with some longer legs: about 170 km through the Gulf of Georgia, up Malaspina Strait (mainland side), and into Desolation Sound. Let me know what you think, especially about race dates.
Raid's End: Sailing to Port Townsend
Friday, September 7th, 2007
The Raid sailed into Port Townsend early yesterday afternoon, with leaders Richard and Quill in Barracuda arriving at about 1:00pm and the rest of the fleet close behind. Overall winner was Conjure, second-place Barracuda, Dragonfly third, and close places for the remaining raiders Selkie, Swordfish, Topsy, and Bellavita. Congratulations to the entire fleet on a safe journey (and we hear that the food was outstanding!).
We expect many fine photos and more news for the blog early next week. (As usual, many of the Raid boats from Gabriola will be returning home on their own bottoms).
Watmough Start: No Fog and Light Winds
Thursday, September 6, 2007
News this morning from Molly and Steven Brouwer of Lopez Island: We did see the Raid this morning and raced out of Watmough with them. Conjure in the lead easily with Richard and Quill in Barracuda in second. We trailed in third and could not catch them and soon had to head for home. The start across looked safe with little wind and no fog. They had at times lots of wind yesterday. Richard and Quill broke their mast but being resourceful types fixed it to race another day.
We trust we'll have another update on the Raid this evening--and there are more photos of Raid Mothers and Minders in the blog.
Raid Mothers and Minders
Wednesday, September 5th, 2007
Tatiana, a 35' double-ended Herreshoff sloop, with skipper Rusty has faithfully bought up the rear of all three raids, as well as being towboat for the Silva Bay Shipyard School's entries in the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. Home port, Degan Bay, Gabriola Island.
Read more about the Raid's Mothers, Escorts, and Shepards since Raid 05...
The Raid is in Deer Harbor, at the Deer Harbor Wooden Boat Festival
Tuesday, September 4th, 2007
The Raid arrived in Deer Harbor this morning from Jones Island, a short-2nm-leg, in light wind. This afternoon is layover to attend the festival and salmon barbeque, then off tomorrow morning to Spence Spit and then Watmough Bight where the Raid has camping for the night. Details about the legs from Sidney Spit to Deer Harbor to follow.
Silva Bay to Sidney Spit
Sunday, September 2nd, 2007
The Raid fleet arrived in Sidney Spit this morning in a close group with only 25 minutes between the first and last boats on the six-mile leg. Two legs have been sailing only. In mixed sailing and rowing conditions the leaders so far are Conjure, Barracuda, and Dragonfly with the rest of the boats right behind them, in a tight bunch. The forecast for Haro Stait is light to moderate South Easterlies changing to light to moderate North Easterlies tomorrow.
Look for more of Silva Bay Shipyard School Wooden Boat Building student Ted (whose team is building an Oughtred Tammie Norrie starting September 24) Davis' great photos on the blog tomorrow.
In the photo from left to right, Barracuda (with the red jib), Topsy (blue hull), Selkie (all red sails), and Bellavita (black sails).
Raid 2007 Start: Sailing Legs!
Friday, August 31, 2007
The Raid fleet sailed out of Silva Bay this morning in light rain and wind, with an appreciative crowd to see them off. This afternoon, for Leg 2--Blackberry Point to Conover Cove--the sun is out and the wind is up: the same is predicted for tomorrow. So it appears to be a sailing race at least until Sunday. Photos to follow--and another update on Sunday.
Shipyard Raid 2007 News
July 23, 2007
The 2007 Shipyard Raid is gaining momentum with interested parties and participants calling and writing for info every day. This is just a quick update on things as I currently understand them.
We currently have 8 boats racing.
- Dragonfly 20’ self-designed double-ender with double sliding seats Bill and Mary Neal
- Selkie, 19’ Ness yawl Chuck Gottfried and Jamie Orr
- Swordfish, 18’ Mower Dory Richard Lyons and Quill Goldman
- Yuko, 14.75’ Navigator Barrett Faneuf and her mother
- Conjure 19’6” self designed skin-on-frame Dan Pence
- Skylark 15’ Gartside sloop Damien Tokara and Bill ?
- Mower Dory #2, Alex Low and crew
- Bayraider, 19’7” DE Ketch, Marty, Yvonne, and David Jacobson
Motherships will include; Rupert Pelican, a 45’ scow schooner with skipper Rick Sobel, Tatiana, 35’ double ended sloop with skipper Rusty, Nimbus, 26’ Folkboat with skipper Adrian, and a sloop rigged dory with skipper Trevor.
Barrett Faneuf and her mother (the chef) are taking responsibility for the food selection and supply. It sounds like the menu will be outstanding, thank you Barrett. Anyone with special dietary needs should contact me now.
If you are planning on staying in Port Townsend for the Festival please register your boat with the Festival. All the raiders are wooden this year and I hope to have them all together in the Festival once again.
One or two people are still looking for a bunk on a big boat or crew position on a raider, contact me if you can help.
We start the morning of August 31st, all boats must be in Silva Bay and ready to go on the evening of the 30th. Be prepared for a short inspection. Entry fees must be paid in full by August 15th. There will be a gathering the evening of the 30th on the deck of the Silva Bay Resort and Marina, details to follow.
We have a strong ebb through Gabriola Pass on the morning of the 31st, start time is approximately 10:00. The route will be exactly that of previous years, our first stop will be Blackberry Point on Valdes Island.
All boats should carry a proper “clothesline” stern anchor rig. This consists of an anchor and short rode with a bouy and block attached. A beach line of 300’ minimum should be run through the block and attached fore and aft to your boat. This will allow a beach tie of 150’ off, which may almost be enough to avoid going aground at Jones Island.
I would really like to see radar reflectors on every boat.
Notes on racing and sportsmanship.
- Please don’t hit anything, skippers are responsible for their own boat at all times.
- I expect seamanship and sportsmanship to take precedence over racing at all times.
- International Collision regulations apply while racing, if you cause a collision you will be disqualified from that leg. If you do not hold your course or avoid the overtaking vessel while being overtaken you will be disqualified from that leg.
- If you are over the start line early you must make two (720 degrees) complete turns or be disqualified from that leg.
- Protests will be heard at the end of each leg, but must be accompanied by; a) $100 USD cash, or b) one case (1 dozen) reasonable quality cold beer.
We will take part in the Deer Harbour Wooden Boat Rendezvous and those that wish can attend the Salmon Barbeque on the 4th.
Depending on schedules we may do the awards Thursday or Friday evening at a place to be decided (ashore in Port Townsend).
If you would like your vehicle to be waiting for you in Port Townsend when you arrive you need to start planning this now. Please contact me if you need help with this.
Shipyard Raid 2007
December 4th, 2006
It’s official!
There will be a Shipyard Raid 2007. Starting day will be Friday, August 31st, in Silva Bay, the finish will be Thursday September 6th, in Port Townsend. The Wooden Boat Festival 2007 begins on September the 7th.
I ask all boats to be in Silva Bay and in the water on August 30th.
Space is limited so sign up now!!
Tad
Raid Notes 2006
August 13th, 2006
What I currently know about of the boats that will be racing:
- 1) Ratty – Cameron Eckert and Family
- 2) Yuko – Barrett Fanuef
- 3) Conjure – Dan Pence
- 4) Mower Dory – Richard Lyons, Quill Goldman
- 5) Tern – Ben Brouwer and friends
- 6) Mother Merry – Ron Mueller
- 7) Bear – Falcon Sea Scouts
- 8) Firefly – Bill and Mary Neal
- 9) Sparrow – Laingdon Schmitt, Kees Prins
Known escorts
- 1) Island Eagle – Scott Welch and Family
- 2) Martha – Skipper Mary Beth Armstrong and crew
- 3) Amber Moon – Jeff and Heather Hilberry
- 4) Tatiana – Rusty
- 5) Folkboat – Adrian and Katy
- 6) Charter boat – Ted Pounder
Things to bring
Bring documents for boat and all crew members to cross international borders. Last year the US customs people in Roche Harbour were great, and they got everyone cleared in good time with no hassle. This year may be different, the Monday (US Labour Day Holiday) is a very busy time for Customs, and so we have to work with it.
VHF Radio–bring a charger for your handheld, or bring two radios. There’s a fair amount of radio traffic between the chatty Raiders, so radio use can be substantial. Working channel for the Raid will be 72, you also need 16, Victoria traffic is on Channel 11, Vancouver traffic on 12, and Seattle traffic on 14 or 5A.
Each Raider is responsible for bringing their own eating utensils and dishes; washing water, etc, will be provided after each meal. More things to remember; sunglasses, sunscreen, hats for everyone, mosquito repellant, small first aid kit, small boat repair kit, sail repair kit, PDFs for all, powerbars and gatoraid emergency rations. Bring waterbottles/jugs, which you can refill on one of the motherships.
Racing
The overall course is almost identical to that of last year. Racing is intended to be serious but good natured. Don’t hit anyone! Skippers are responsible for their boats at all times. Skippers are expected to take direction from the race director. There will be a Skippers meeting each morning between breakfast and start time. Each day’s racing will be outlined at that time.
Racing will be boat-for-boat; there will be only one class. Each leg will be rowing only, sailing only, or both. Scoring of each leg and the overall points will be as 2005. Points equal to your finish position will be awarded for each leg. Lowest points overall is the winner.
DNF(Did Not Finish) = 1 + Total Competitors
DNS(Did Not Start) = 2 + Total Competitors
DSQ(Disqualified) = 3 + Total Competitors
If you foul another competitor at any time during racing, it is expected you will take an immediate penalty of two 360 degree turns.
Schedule
I expect all boats to arrive in Silva Bay ready for inspection on August 31st. For those needing a launch ramp, there is a tidal ramp on Gabriola at Degnen Bay; there is also a very good ramp in Nanaimo. If you need a travellift, (thinking of Bear) Newcastle Marina at 866-883-2628 in Nanaimo would be the best bet. Camping and cabins are available at Pages Marina in Silva Bay. There will be a get together and dinner (at reasonable cost) on the deck at the Silva Bay Marina the evening of the 31st.
For those needing to come back to Silva Bay after the Raid, please let me know your needs and I will try to make some connections, or at least group you together. As everyone’s needs are different and changing, organization of this is difficult. But a number of boats and cars are returning north and you will find a ride if you’re willing to be flexible.
Final reminder–all forms and moneys are due August 15th.
My best to everyone, Tad.
Mini-Raid Fizzle
July 20th, 2006
Oh well, we decided to cancel as the weather would make it rough (very hot, light breeze) and a number of folks are suffering logistic problems getting there. A disappointment as I really want to do this, please get in touch if you would like to and maybe we can still schedule it. Perhaps we’ll set it up for next (2007) spring, mid-late May?
All the best, Tad
Mini-Raid
June 25th, 2006
It’s a concept!
The first Mini-Raid will run July 22-23rd from French Creek on Vancouver Island, around Lasqueti Island (Counter-clockwise), and back to French Creek. The course is approximately 30 miles in total, and we will overnight at Jedediah Island. The start will be mid-late morning on Saturday with the finish in mid-afternoon on Sunday. This is a no-cost, come as you are event, just show up for the start at the boat-launch ramp in French Creek.
Ratty will be racing, as will Wayward Lass, and perhaps the Mower Dory from Barefoot Wooden Boats. Come and join us, all are welcome.
Tad
Entries for 2006
June 24th, 2006
The various entries are starting to get serious, and it’s looking like an interesting and diverse fleet. Ratty and Barrett’s Navigator, Yuko, are the cruisers. We are very pleased that Josh Colvin, Editor of Small Craft Advisor will be crewing for Barrett.
The third entry, Conjure, out of Portland Oregon, designed, built, and sailed by the irrepressible Dan Spence is an unknown. But in Dan’s hands she will certainly be colorful.
Entry #4, the Mower Dory owned and crewed by last years first place winners Quill and Richard of Barefoot Wooden Boats is very fast under sail and unknown under oars.
Entry #5 is Tern, a lengthened Ratty with a gaff ketch rig. Ben Brouwer and his crew are training by sailing the boat to Alaska and back! Serious contenders I would say!
#Six and seven are returnees from last year, Ron and Dale in a new boat, Mother Merry, and the Falcon Sea Scouts coming back in Bear. Ron and Dale are serious about bettering last year’s 2nd place, and I would say they have a good chance. And Bear will be looking to improve on their 3rd, also serious contenders who know the way!
The latest is that we have a Dovkie from Wyoming entering next week, and more to come after that.
Tad
2006 Route
June 24th, 2006
After some debate I’ve decided to stick very closely to the route used in Shipyard Raid 2005.
For me the route is logical, and is a good (diverse) mix of challenging and easy legs. The two lay days also work really well. Downside is being in Roche Harbour to clear customs on the busiest day of the year.
In short:
Leave Silva Bay the morning of Friday, the 1st of September, and get through Gabriola Pass before the tide turns against us just before noon. First stop at Blackberry Point on Valdes Is. First night at Conover Cove on Wallace Is.
Day two (2nd of Sept) down Trincomali Channel to Prevost Is. for lunch, then on to Portland Is. for the second night.
Day three we have the short leg (5 miles) to Sidney Spit and an afternoon off.
Day four (Monday the 4th) we cross the border to Roche Harbour, clear customs, re-start outside the harbour, and carry on to Jones Island for the night.
Tues. the 5th we have short leg from Jones into Deer Harbour for the Wooden Boat Rendezvous, the afternoon off, and a grand barbeque in the evening. This is to get rested up for the two big days to follow.
Wednesday, the sixth day (6th of Sept) we have a long leg down Harney Channel to Spencer Spit on Lopez Is. then on to Watmough Bight for the last night.
Early (if there’s no fog) Thursday morning we start the long crossing to Port Townsend where we finish in late afternoon/evening.
A final dinner and awards, close out the Raid, except for the hilarious morning after breakfast at Otter Crossing.
We’ll see you at the start line, Tad
Boats, boats, and more boats
April 9th, 2006
Two British magazines Watercraft and Classic Boat have been at the forefront of publicizing Raids. Classic Boat ran a Raid boat design contest in 2005 and the winners were announced in their January 2006 issue. (It takes a while for these things to reach the antipodes!)
The results are somewhat surprising, though I realize the judges had to choose from what was submitted. First place went to a design from David Payne, a 23′ by 6′ rowing boat with a large rig and very small (ineffective?) centerboard. This boat appears very tender, with a high raised deck forward and narrow stern. Second place went to a 22′ by 6′ ketch from Matt Newland which incorporates water ballast and a flattish bottom obviously aimed more at sailing than rowing. As the design includes an outboard well the designer was certainly thinking about life after the Raid. Third place went Francois Viver for a 19′2″ by 7′ centerboard sloop. This design is a big cruising boat with a cuddy cabin and one rowing position.
The results surprised me because none of them seem to be all out racing boats. The Payne boat may do well under oars but is no racing sailboat. Newlands ketch sports an inefficient rig and a hull unsuited to much rowing, though at least he incorporated two rowing positions. Vivier’s sloop Beniguet is certainly a family cruiser and would do well in a windy sailing race, but would really be wrong for a rowing race.
My current thinking on Raid boat design is smaller, lighter (definitely no ballast), and lots of sail and rowing power. Obviously our 2005 experience has coloured my view, long days of absolute flat calm. If we were to get lots of wind, either on the nose (SE) or behind us (N westerly) my design criteria may change again. The heavy reliance on rowing ability may be unique to our part of the world, which will mean developing our own designs. This, in my view, will be just fine and follows with my interest in developing our own West Coast Raid Tradition.
All the best, Tad
What’s Traditional?
February 23rd, 2006
The arms race has started, a number of new boats are under construction to compete in the 2006 Shipyard Raid. How “traditional” these boats are is open to interpretation. Certainly they are of more advanced design than the 1800’s types we see in the European Raids.
As organizer this is a fine line, especially as a yacht designer myself. I want to see how we can compromise tradition in favor of slightly better performance, while retaining great beauty in that “traditional” sense. But I sense our Raid taking on it’s own character, and the boats following.
For me, traditional boats must possess a strong sense of the historic vessels that have been making just these voyages for hundreds of years. Much of this aesthetic is tied to construction methods and engineering that came around the Horn from Britain and Scandinavia. Modern “traditional” boats echo this construction even though it may be unnecessary from an engineering standpoint.
Of course the native dugout would be the most “traditional” in these waters, and I would look very hard at the entry of one in the Raid. But they were indifferent under sail at best and thus probably would not fit.
My problem is how to encourage the design and construction of safe family cruising boats while permitting the high-strung freaks to compete?
Best to all, Tad
The Ideal Raid Boat?
January 28th, 2006
Does this exist? Doubtful, but possible.
I recall a comment last year from Lynn Watson, something like “Don’t bother bringing a sailing boat to a rowing race!”
Is it a rowboat, or a sailboat, or a combination? This will be heavily influenced by the class and handicapping structure that the particular boat will race under. Not to mention the ability of her crew, and weather conditions that the race is run in. Of course for most of us, the ideal Raid boat is the one we currently own. But many folks are not afraid of taking on the construction of a new idealized vessel, based on how things went in the race last year.
I currently know of 4-5 new construction projects for the 2006 Shipyard Raid. All are very light displacement boats, easily rowed by multiple pairs of oars, yet with lots of sail area for high performance sailing if and when there is any wind. As luck would have it I am the designer of record for one of these projects, you will see it here soon.
At the same time I’m worrying about how to rate these boats fairly against the heavy longboats from the Wooden Boat Foundation in Port Townsend. And what about the straight rowboats? Is there a box rule in the Raid’s future, or just one-design classes? Both cool and interesting ideas.
Take care, Tad