“Ship shape and Bristol fashion”

“Ship shape and Bristol fashion”

Many have debated the origin of this expression- I don’t really care. I’m not usually so callous with language. In fact I’m rather a huge fan of how things are said and what meaning they carry. But I feel like with any art, what is observed from one person to the next can be different.

All I know is that I’m a fan of this expression for describing a boat, ship, or craft that has had lots of care put into its appearance and functionality.

I have acquired a 16’ sloop. Wooden hull with fiberglass sheathing, gaff rigged, with lovely lines. She is sound and just needs cosmetic work: sanding, painting, and a small amount of patching up fiberglass on her port rub rail.

My goal is clear to me- restore her, get her into the water and explore the lake. Maybe even coastal sailing after I have the feel of her and confidence to match.

This work would not be at all daunting to most, but I’ve never done it before. I know how to weld, and as far as carpentry I have attempted the obligatory spice rack as well as a rickety trestle table. However my trestle table and spice rack never had to worry about if they could float or not. My spice rack never had rigging or complicated lines to care for. My Trestle table never had a sail.

My deadline:

Late summer/early fall for initial refit completion and launch. To be certain- she is, as many are, a work in progress and I can see this work continuing on longer than this deadline.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Back Story


Sooo since I've started this blog after the fact. Here's the first posts I would have made on time if I had been thinking ahead.


6/6/10- Boat Day! Brought her down from Unity. Her previous owner, a good friend of mine, was very kind with his sale price. The boat had belonged to his father and named after his mother. I have no doubt this was a bitter sweet day for him. I think knowing that she would have a good home helped him part with her.
I’ve never towed a boat before and the weather was not kind to my lack of experience. Cross winds and rain were the order of the day, but she towed straight and true with little complaint.
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