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the last sailboat in Fauntleroy Cove before the storm

Started 6 months ago by debmark
Latest reply from Talaki34

debmark
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Hi Sail-boater
Each week goes by and your nice wooden sailboat is still afloat out there anchored in the lovely cove off Lincoln Park. I hope you don't plan on leaving it out there all winter as from many years personal experience of having boats in the cove and watching others boats that have tried to overwinter out there, chances are your boat will end up on the beach. Trust me, its not fun finding your sailboat on the beach in the morning, wondering how to get it off back to safety if it still will float. Its not summer any more. November storms are coming so find a safe place for your boat. South Park Marina or Harbor Island Marina may have slips available for a fee. Don't delay!

Posted 6 months ago #
boat bliss
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"Yes, still out there and braving the elements like a lost orphan." Debmark, your comments are wise and definitely the move I would make for "Minuet" if the option were available. But, as it is for this skipper at this time, my small boat is at the mercy of my poor financial restrictions, hence the poor Wintering predicament at Lincoln Park / Cove Park.

For those of you who may have had the same thoughts, I apologize for raising the concern with my regrettable choice. I restored Minuet starting twenty-years ago and cherish her dearly. I would rather sleep aboard during the storm despite the roller coaster ride, than in the comfort of home because I will at least sleep better with the crazy ride than with the paranoia I would otherwise know with each gust that slams the tall Sitka Spruce in the back yard. On a very positive note, this little salty cutter from 1929, craves the wind we know in Winter. She's a blue water racer that's has no amenities other than some stick births and a couple of bee's wax candles for the cold hands. Most folks are fine just sitting in a coffee shop on the days I go out.

The plan is to sell the house and move to Fairhaven, and Fairhaven Boat Works will become "Minuet's" new Winter home. Therefore, until this happens, my fingers are crossed that La Nina is just hot air and perhaps some fog.

If your interested in messing around with small boats, then here's the place to learn more about "Minuet":

http://www.flickr.com/photos/65220335@N08/5933732932/

Debmark, thanks for sharing and caring. This little boat has touched an incredible amount of people where ever it goes. I sure like being along for the ride when "Minuet" does her thing.

Posted 5 months ago #
goodgraces
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I'm so happy that the you responded, boat bliss! I remember when Debmark posted and was hoping that somehow her words would reach you.

I am just curious -- how much would it be to just pull Minuet up on a trailer for the winter? Your lovely response and great words about her have made me regret even more the thought of her weathering the winter in that cove. The pictures are great, too.

Posted 5 months ago #
boat bliss
Member Profile

goodgraces, I have a trailer. Though, because my goal is to sell the house, all personal items must be moved out. Therefore, having Minuet on the hook was just one step closer to the goal.

Folks, please know that I bail routinely (eighty-two year old keel, you know), have two absurdly large anchors, low windage shape, and just the luck bestowed by Stella Maris (mariners god) I guess. Yes, the words of a fool, but right now, it's a fare amount of luck I am counting on. November was so mild that I longed for a solid wind, though I'm not complaining one bit about a lack of wind.

Posted 5 months ago #
DBP
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The Center for Wooden Boats or some other local wooden boat society might be able to hook you up with some safe, low-cost moorage, too.

http://cwb.org/

Posted 5 months ago #
DBP
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The Center for Wooden Boats or some other local wooden boat society might be able to hook you up with some safe, low-cost moorage, too

Posted 5 months ago #
debmark
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Boat Bliss,
I appreciate your reply. I was wondering if anyone had read my blog as there is not much else on the blog I want to comment on as much as sailboats or other goings on near or in the cove. I too know that feeling when the wind blows and we are not on our boat and its hanging out there by a couple of ropes and steel fittings bucking around. And is it ever hard to row out to the boat when the wind is really blowing!
Best of luck.

Posted 5 months ago #
boat bliss
Member Profile

For six depressing years, Minuet sat on her trailer in the back yard. I began to think that any other arrangement must be better. I used the motivation, to launch Minuet in time for the Wooden Boat Festival /July fourth weekend. Then, to sail / paddle out the locks and down to Cove Park for Minuet's current anchoring site.

My first concern had been for large marine mammals who might like to flop onto the deck in numbers that might sink the boat ( it really happens you know). Then, the thought of a lowly person raiding her original hardware haunted me. Finally, it was decided that the back yard is just to unbearable, that the hook must be trusted.

Why I waited so long, I just don't know. Since launch day, I have had so many fine adventures that continue into this mild Winter.

The fun continues............

Posted 5 months ago #
boat bliss
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You have obviously been there Debmark. Minuet's freeboard is as low as sixteen inches, so I paddle up to just forward of her stern. The boomkin, at 2-1/2 feet, can be a bat that will clobber the tender with unscathed momentum when the wind has the water taking on a three-dimensional texture. Timing can be critical, loads are tossed into the cockpit and finally, I flop on deck like a Sea-lion. It's always three-points of contact when the water is bucking. No lifelines, a hard deck and my hard sole boots mean cling on tight.

A degree of fool heartiness is needed to truly enjoy this kind of pursuit. Still, I'm always trying to wriggle out of my duties to get out there.

Since I have the privilege of this forum, please let me tell you all about some real nice people in the Cove Park area. Soon after I began anchoring between Lincoln Park and the private moorings that are north of the ferry dock, I began to meet members of this community. The tender was stowed beneath the dock and this was okay. Then one day, a lady walked over bare footed and with a glass of wine in her hand. My thoughts at the time were a longing for acceptance of Minuet, so the leisurely posture seamed friendly. As it was, I was privilege to meet Mardi, who introduced herself as one of three people who build Cove Park (next to the ferry dock and the width of one house lot) and that she was the last one alive (happy to say, Mardi appears to have many more fine years to go). Mardi informed me of many important details of the community which I was grateful for. When they say Minuet looks like a toy sailboat, I know they like her.

On an other day, I was rowing to the dock to slow the tender and Susan walked up to me. She told me that her 94 year old father enjoyed seeing Minuet sail. I thought to myself, he would have been twelve when Minuet were built, amazing. Susan kindly offered a place to slow my humble tender, so now I can store a spare anchor beneath this boat.

I could go on and on about the people I have been touched by, or should I say, who have been touched by Minuet, in the twenty years I have owned her. There are some great stories. I am blessed.

Trivia: Minuet has been the name of this boat from prior to 1961. The original name from 1929 was Placebo. This boat was built by a Doctor, after all.

Posted 5 months ago #
Talaki34
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I went to Lincoln Park to watch the storm roll in, but the best sight of all was the little sailboat dancing on the waves and laughing at the wind.

Posted 5 months ago #
boat bliss
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Talaki34, what a nice choice of words you have used to describe Minuet's behaviors. Yes, she is a fancy dancer and does seem to relish on these conditions. I only wish I could be as relaxed as she is despite the fact that it is Minuet, who might be in harm's way.

Paddling out to her during the wind storm yesterday, was a dicy event. It must have taken twenty minutes to paddle only 100 meters. I gave up several times as heavy gusts and four-foot swells put my progress into the negative. I eventually slinkied out there and not a moment to soon as my energy level was tapped.

Once on board, all looked just fine. There was the typical "bird gifts" to clean on the forward hatch, where sea-birds enjoy regurgitating a catch and then depositing the processed remains. Perhaps, as the other boats left The Cove, Minuet became the sole sanctuary.

To end this blog, I will tell you of something dumb I did and perhaps my closest brush with the cold. I changed one detail of how I tie the tender that lead to the tender escaping. As it was, the tide was strong and heading out. Seconds counted as the light-weight plywood skiff distance itself. Therefore, five-seconds to decide that army boots must be removed before I jump in after It (yes, "It"; not "her"). I quickly caught up to It, but found the return paddle to be impossible with my right arm on the port gunnel and the left arm as paddle; no progress. Then, I tried leg paddling while holding onto the transom, all the while, drifting farther away from the Mother Ship. My choice at that time was to abandon the skiff, which had my clothing change in case I become soaked, and swim for Minuet with the remaining issue of how to get to shore, or try my luck with "porpoising" over the transom and hand paddling back. As I lifted within and flopped like wet fish into the skiff, it took on about four inches of water, so now paddling was complicated and I feared the worst with my change of clothing, now swimming in the skiff. Finally, I was able to paddle to Minuet, flop on board, salvage some partially dry clothes and then retry my attempt for the shore. This is the only dumb thing I will tell a story of.

Posted 5 months ago #
wren
Member Profile

Truly lovely, I enjoyed reading through this thread. I have never owned a sail boat, but I used to sail with a friend when I lived on the east coast. My blessings to you and your belove Minuet as she braves the winds and the waves. May she remain seaworthy and strong.

Posted 5 months ago #
JoB
Member Profile

Thank you for this..
it is good to be reminded that seaworthy craft can ride out a storm.

Posted 5 months ago #
boat bliss
Member Profile

January has been a wonderful month for sailing. There have been the usual challenges along with the super winds we know during the Winter. The snow storm (storm?) made the need to scoop burdening snow and ice from the house and deck. What a skating rink, the deck was. I just slid like a seal on the ice coated surfaces while the boat pitched. Imagine attempting to walk on an ice coated sidewalk during an earthquake.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/65220335@N08/6723753379/

I continue to drag race the ferries, but as yet, they just seem to pull ahead despite an impressive start by Minuet. There is always the hope that someone with a motion camera, and a steady tripod, will capture Minuet from the ferry's deck. My attempts to video while underway have proven challenging.

In other news, though somewhat related, I have thoroughly enjoyed finding images on http://www.flickr.com of Minuet and especially when creative minds enhance their captures. To see what I'm talking about, just follow the link below. Click on 'my favorites' to see more fine images.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kportin/6485718487/

Posted 3 months ago #
Talaki34
Member Profile

The picture "Two Birds and a Boat" is wonderful.

Reading about your adventures with Minuet is one of the best things about this forum and being able to see a history of Minuet on flickr.com is an added delight.

Posted 3 months ago #
JoB
Member Profile

boat bliss..

thanks for the flicker link
it was the perfect place to start my day

Posted 3 months ago #
dustyshop
Member Profile

boat bliss:

I'm a wooden boat guy who lives just up the hill on 45th. I love watching you sail in weather that would make most "yacht" owners cower in their living rooms. I was going to paddle out to Minuet and leave you a note, but I found this thread instead.

I'm a longtime sail instructor at the Center for Wooden Boats. Sounds like you know about them, as you've been at the Festival. Every 3rd Friday we host a speaker to talk about things boaty, especially things old wooden boaty. Would you consider talking about Minuet?

Meanwhile - if you ever want crew (or ballast) - let me know.

Cheers,
DS

Posted 3 months ago #
wren
Member Profile

Hi boaters bliss

I truly enjoy reading your blogs about Minuet and your adventures. One of these days I will take a walk along Lincoln Park with my dog Sami and try to spot you. I don't know Lincoln Park very well, can you tell me where the cove is - is it near the Vashon Ferry? Wren

Posted 3 months ago #
dustyshop
Member Profile

wren:

Fauntleroy Cove is near the ferry. If you walk down to the waterfront, it's the body of water between the ferry and Colman Pool (on the tip of Pt. Williams). Minuet is toward the south end of the cove, i.e. closer to the ferry. You'll see her; she's the only boat moored out there.

DS

Posted 3 months ago #
boat bliss
Member Profile

Hello wren, may I call this blog, "Minuet's blog" rather than my blog? While I'm at it, I would like to thank debmark, for launching this blog too. Its immensely pleasing to know so many people also can enjoy what for me, is truly blissful.

Dustyshop, your name says it all. This, we have in common as well as our affection for small wooden boat. As I prepare my house to sell and must clear the shop, I grimace at what to do with wood trims I've collected, that are just to nice to toss and to trivial to donate to Second Use Building Materials. Just to make matters worse is, S.U.B.M. had an excellent stock of Teak trims from a Madina demo that I have no business buying, due to the move. Still, I did and with the grand plan to finally but a Teak deck on Minuet. In 1992, I lacked funds for a period proper deck, so Okumi marine grade plywood was utilized. Dynel cloth and epoxy seal the elements out and also, offer a traditional canvas deck look, but its darn slippery when wet as oil based paints can be. On goes the struggle with space, time, great salvaged materials and dreams.

Dustyshop, we must meet and "yes" ballast is needed (the fatter, the better). Minuet sits high on her water line. I used to think that this line should be lowered, but reason suggested that bodies where intended to bring her down to the boot stripe (one-inch wide black stripe between the gray bottom paint and the electric blue top-side paint. There are a few limiters to inviting crew though. My skiff barely carries myself, so shore transport is an obstacle. I lack PFDs other than a tired float-coat purchased from Second Wave Marine Consignment and the lack of an inflatable should the unspeakable happen. Lastly, though not yet and issue, is the ability to climb back on board should crew fall overboard. The bob-stay for the boomkin, is just above the water line (lower transom) and serves for a foot hold while the boomkin itself, serves as a handhold. Still, this concern has left me reluctant to invite those lacking an athletic ability. Minuet was made when Dr. Archie A. Steele was a young man and as such, was made for one thing only, fast sailing. Comforts are none existent. You will never wear a broader smile while simultaneously being miserable.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/65220335@N08/5933774328/

Dustyshop, I'll have a look at http://www.cwb.org for the schedule on 'boaty talks'. This is as close as I care to be to anything "yacht club". I drink salt water, not martinis (cheers). The topic I would likely choose to speak of is the unconventional way I went about restoring "Minuet." Undoubtably, eyebrows will rise as I explain the technique I developed (strip planks replaced carvel). My background is full of woodworking, but steam bending Oak was new then. Minuet was "pie in my face" as learning came fast at that time.

Humm, I see the bushes moving outside the window..could be some wind today..better get down to Cove Park soon....

Posted 3 months ago #
Talaki34
Member Profile

Went to say "HI!" to Minuet today. I don’t know the first thing about sailing or sailboats. Not sure why this little boat has captured my attention, but she has. Magic? :)

Posted 2 months ago #
JoB
Member Profile

i threw her a kiss while i waited for the ferry the other day..
she is a most beguiling creature

Posted 2 months ago #
Talaki34
Member Profile

Hi boat bliss.

Late this afternoon, I went down to the park to see Minuet. I was half hoping she would not be there because that would mean she was out racing the wind and maybe I could get a glimpse of her under sail.

She was there so I sat down on the bank to watch her and the enjoy the day. All of a sudden a shadow appeared on her looking very human. I was thrilled to see that you were with her and it was such a joy to watch the two of you. Minuet happily playing in the waves and you traversing her deck as if by some internal connection knowing which way she would bob and dip.

Adding to this most enjoyable time was watching the little dingy drift back and forth almost as if it were an impatient child. ‘Come on Dad! Hurry up!”

I had not intended to stay for so long, but I couldn’t help myself. After the description you posted two months ago, I just had to see you transition to the dingy and row to shore. I smiled the whole time.

Posted 2 months ago #
dustyshop
Member Profile

BB:

I'm a big fan of 2nd Use Seattle; all my carpentry project start there now. Like adirondack chairs from old high-school bleachers (broken in by thousands of behinds already).

CWB is as far from yachty as you can get. One talk title went something like: "Fun with Epoxy; How I Almost Glued Myself to the Naval Reserve Parking Lot". Your unconventional methods would fit right in.

We should continue this conversation offline.
My email: dustyshop99@gmail.com

- DS

PS: Looks like you have a neighbor now. Plastic boat with unstepped mast (?)

Posted 2 months ago #
boat bliss
Member Profile

I just received an email from Susan at The Cove this morning with a link to the story about the crew mate to "Dragonon" and that the person parished. I am truly sunk right now. This is just terrible news that is even personal. I may very well have influeced the skipper to take a chance on the hook with my own example at doing so. Admittedly, I hardly am the one to set a good example for safety, though it sounds as though the crew to Dragonon were taking unneccessary risks that evening. I was napping on Minuet after a couple of bottles of bier that very calm evening. My nap ended at about 8:00 and then I paddled back to the Cove.

The crew to Dragonon must have launched their inflatable raft just a short time later. I recall seeing this raft by the ferry dock, uninflated and looking rather hopeless. The drive to sail can lead a person to do extreme things as I demonstrate to often.

In closing, I just feel wretched. Its time to ride my bicycle down to The Cove and pay my respects to the lost mate.

Posted 1 month ago #
Talaki34
Member Profile

boat bliss...

I hope you are doing better now that a little time has passed.

Posted 1 month ago #
boat bliss
Member Profile

Thanks Talaki34, I'm just fine, though the drowning was a horribly sad time amongst incredible happy adventures. "Mondragon" has pulled anchor and moved on, but where, I don't know. Perhaps to Vashon Island, where the skipper is from.

I met the skipper prior to his move. The mast on his boat, had fallen from where it was secured horizontally to the house top and was at the mercy of the waves. The swells were at about three feet, so the impacts were wicked. The skipper was seen paddling out in an inflatable that appeared to be jack knifing as air leaked. Good think he turned around at about ten meters from shore.

Once on shore, we met and discussed the circumstance with the unsecured mast and later, the lost crew. I offered to try my efforts at paddling out to secure the mast because it was to apparent that the inflatable wasn't going to make it. The conditions were, stab the inflatable first, so it never has the chance to claims a life.

For those who are still coming to terms with what happened that night, here is a link to flickr with photos. It was apparent that rescue help made extraordinary efforts to save the victim.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cjboffoli/7020266885/

Posted 1 month ago #
Talaki34
Member Profile

Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Thank you for the link, I am sure that it helped to see just how much effort went into the search.
--------
This is a little off topic from the original post, but I am curious if you submitted a project to Second Use? Looks almost like a Chalet. I was wondering if you had any more pictures.

Posted 1 month ago #
boat bliss
Member Profile

Thanks Talaki34 for your concerns. Its the Stoderman family who I feel for.

The "chalet shop" was inspired by structures at Ballenberg Switzerland, an open-air museum of reconstructed traditional Swiss structures. The materials are almost entirely from salvage, so the whole effort cost only $400. Most of the expense was for the concrete roof tiles ($0.16/each from Re-Store of Ballard), there are over seven-hundred of them. Yes, they weight a few tons, so the framework was made skookum like a real chalet
.
We have just relisted our house for sale, with a great realtor, a realistic asking price and a positive market. Photos were taken yesterday, so when they have been shared with me, then I can offer a link to the photos of the Chalet shop.

Once this house has become home to a new family (soon, I hope), then it will be time to pull both anchors and bid a warm "thank you" to fauntleroy Cove and the many fine people I have met since last July. I went sailing yesterday and once again, I had a incredibly fine time. To those who believe we don't have super sunsets in the cloudy Pacific N.W., I say that to enjoy the panorama, you must be out in the open. The skies here are full of texture and mood. The Sun may make a limited showing, but it will be a grand one though.

Posted 1 month ago #
boat bliss
Member Profile

Talaki34, here is a link to the ad containing images of the "Chalet shop."

http://www.johnlscott.com/propertydetail.aspx?GroupID=266952273&CMID=0&ListingID=200010716

This structure was made almost entirely from salvaged materials and at a cost of $400. I really do like this space.

Posted 1 month ago #
Talaki34
Member Profile

I just took a look at your pictures of the house and the “Chalet.” Wow! All I can say is that for $400 dollars you scored big. Very cool! Too bad you cannot take your Chalet with you. After seeing your picture I went down to Second Use and unfortunately didn’t find anything. Maybe just an off day or since I don’t have any building skills, maybe envisioning an end product is beyond me.

Sadly, it sounds like the selling of your house is becoming a very real possibility. I should say "Yippee" for you and your family, bad for all your forum friends. I was hoping to get some pictures of Minuet and maybe the two of you under sail and at anchor. Unfortunately, the only camera I have at the moment is on my cell. I thought in this market I would have lots of time to save my pennies and purchase one. Fooled me! lol!

While you are still here…I will do the dance of “Blue Skies and Fair Winds” for you and Minuet.

Posted 3 weeks ago #

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