From Boatbuilding 1-5-14

There’s lots of work to be done as VCB has three boatbuilding projects underway and one gig in the repair bay. Rob Buchanan is supervising the build of a 5-planked Whitehall Gig. The gig, which remains nameless, was begun by Rob’s class of Lang students who retain naming rights. Work has continued with volunteers from the VCB community and Stuyvesant High School. So far, the keel and garboard are in place and the second plank will soon follow.
Other boatbuilding projects include a Prospect Park Lake boat to be tested and used in VCB’s Prospect Park Lake Rowing Program which is to be continued next summer. Rob is building the boat at the Brooklyn Navy Yard with the assistance of Bannaker High School students. The third building project, a 28′ stretch gunning dory, is being led by David Shehigian. Notorious G.I.G., our most popular boat (I think it’s the name) is in the repair bay. Dave Clayton has begun work on the thole pin risers which are well worn.
Boatbuilding sessions are held at the Village Community Boathouse on Pier 40 on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM and Sundays at Noon. All are welcome to lend a hand.

Rob Buchanan and a team of students from Benjamin Banneker High School christened “Warrior” the almost completed Gunning Dory in a well-attended ceremony at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The christening was part of the Fleet Week celebrations marking the anniversary of the War of 1812. The students, Chris Jerome, Sibongile Toure, Darrel Forbes, and Keanu Baxter built the dory under Rob’s guidance in a warehouse space in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The students have been participating in a rowing program begun by Rob at their school last year. They have been rowing a Whitehall Gig in Wallabout Channel and the East River with Rob since last summer. This spring they decided to build the Stretch Gunning Dory, a boat that may be better suited to conditions on the East River.

A few shots of Don Betts’ new Chamberlain Gunning Dory, based on plans by the late John Gardner but stretched from 18 to 25 feet in order to accommodate four rowers. This is essentially the same boat as the Sound School’s ‘First Constitution.’ Very light (less than 250 pounds?), very fast, and very easy to get in and out of the water. Also very traditional, in that its basic shape harks back to the ‘bateaux’ of the French and Indian wars. Those boats were sometimes built in a day; Don figures that with a bit of organization, this one could be built in two.

Here are 99 select photos from the past year, with an emphasis on boatbuilding, special events, and the East River. Lots more shots posted here.

Thole pin risers were cut & glued onto the gunwale. Repair crew (Emily, Sally & Dave) replaced thole pin pads on GML and did some touch up painting in the bow around crack in the hull. Mary Nell & friends worked on repairing and prepping a rudder for painting.