There were many static displays featuring delightful wooden boats, some built using traditional techniques, planks and copper nails and roves, others using ply and epoxy. The Ply and Epoxy boats were every bit as well made as the traditional boats, as well as being affordable and built from sustainable plantation timbers.
I had the pleasure of attending a Address by John Welsford, a kiwi small boat designer. He talked about the relationship between what the customer thinks they want, what they think they need, where they will use it and what they can actually afford. I like his Idea that the smaller the boat is, the more likely it will get used. He also pointed out that anything less than 30mts long is considered a small boat.
The session finished with question time, the first question was When is the Next edition of the Book coming out? (Backyard Boat Builder). 2013 will be the year for the 2nd edition. I have been waiting! It was nice to see another Seagull rowboat, admittedly better built and finished than mine.
I had the opportunity to see Constitution Dock and surrounding area from a Nautical perspective.
Mission Afloat (church group charity) were running family rowing sessions, Corinna wasn't keen, the kids and I put on pdfs, the kids ones were perhaps a bit big, mine was very slimming!
The boat was about an 18 ft heavy clinker rowing boat, three sets of oars plus the skipper (Alistair)
As we were a scratch crew it took a few minutes to get rowing well, Skipper Alistair was very chatty, giving detailed descriptions and histories of the yachts we passed. He wasn't always keeping a good lookout, we did have to fend off other small boats on two occasions. ( we were moving, they were stationary). Ella and Will both an oar to row, Summer got to sit in the bow. It was a very pleasant half hour, for me one of the high lights of the day.
We finished the day with a picnic on the lawns of Parliament house, followed by a performance by the Royal Australian Navy Rock Band. Great show, good range of contemporary and classic rock. The Bass player was particularly good. Best cover was probably So What (Stevie Wonder).
The session finished with question time, the first question was When is the Next edition of the Book coming out? (Backyard Boat Builder). 2013 will be the year for the 2nd edition. I have been waiting! It was nice to see another Seagull rowboat, admittedly better built and finished than mine.
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| Rowing around Constitution Dock Summer in cap, Ella in Pink cap, Will in blue/black Cap Gary in Black Cap |
Mission Afloat (church group charity) were running family rowing sessions, Corinna wasn't keen, the kids and I put on pdfs, the kids ones were perhaps a bit big, mine was very slimming!
The boat was about an 18 ft heavy clinker rowing boat, three sets of oars plus the skipper (Alistair)
As we were a scratch crew it took a few minutes to get rowing well, Skipper Alistair was very chatty, giving detailed descriptions and histories of the yachts we passed. He wasn't always keeping a good lookout, we did have to fend off other small boats on two occasions. ( we were moving, they were stationary). Ella and Will both an oar to row, Summer got to sit in the bow. It was a very pleasant half hour, for me one of the high lights of the day.
We finished the day with a picnic on the lawns of Parliament house, followed by a performance by the Royal Australian Navy Rock Band. Great show, good range of contemporary and classic rock. The Bass player was particularly good. Best cover was probably So What (Stevie Wonder).
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| James Criag |
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