July 29th, 2009 marks the birthday of Ellodine, the Penobscot 14 wood boat project that has been hanging over my head for over 7 years. The last plank went on the starboard side that day and she truly became a boat. Something changed with that final plank, the boat transformed and Ellodine got her soul. Building Ellodine really is a birthing process – it takes time, hurts like hell and I have a feeling she will cost me money the rest of my life.
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She’s coming along nicely. It’s truly becoming a lost art as the last of the great old wood workers have to give up. I’m sure you have a new appreciation for the disappearing skills and labor it took to build the thousands of massive wooden ships and pleasure yachts from days gone by. I think a Trireme warship should be next on your agenda, I can see you standing in the back, sails full, head shining, banging the drum to keep your slave rowing crew in rhythm:)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trireme
http://www.hellenicnavy.gr/trihrhs_en.asp#
Keep it up and have fun.
Mike
Ah, but your satisfaction and pride in her are something money cannot buy.
She looks great. I assume she sails? Where does the name come from?
Thanks! Our cat is named Ellodine – it means “Queen of The Elves”. Read it in a book over 12 years ago – always liked it.
Dang! Nice work there. May she sail fast and true when she finally enters the water…in what, about 10 years?
Probably 10 or 15. I actually have high-hopes for this fall. Still LOTS of work. I have no idea how the tall ships of the past ever got built. Even with hundreds of men – no power tools!
Nice Rich. Turn er over, let’s see if she’ll float!
Thanks Mark – hopefully I will in the next 4-5 days!