Schooner: Building a Wooden Boat on Martha’s Vineyard

I haven’t seen it yet but Schooner: Building a Wooden Boat on Martha’s Vineyard by Tom Dunlop,  looks fascinating.

From the publisher:   Schooner takes you through the construction of Rebecca of Vineyard Haven, a sixty-foot wooden schooner designed and built by one of the few boatyards in the United States devoted exclusively to the design, construction and repair of traditional wooden boats. At the time Rebecca was constructed, she was the largest sailing vessel built on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard since the election of Abraham Lincoln and the only boat of her type being built anywhere in the world.

In words and extraordinary photos, you learn that every part of Rebecca is built or cast by hand by the few craftsmen in the world who still do this work. She is, as one of her builders calls her, poetry on water. Jon Wilson of WoodenBoat magazine calls this book “exquisitely beautiful.”  And singer James Taylor, whose boat was the first one built at the yard, labels the work being done there “astonishing.”  In a world that puts the word “disposable” in front of everything from cash to razors, the story that Schooner shows and tells will appeal to boat lovers, book lovers, and everyone who cares about the skill required to build something significant and useful and lovely, not just for today and tomorrow, but for the ages.

Comments

Schooner: Building a Wooden Boat on Martha’s Vineyard — 8 Comments

  1. Gorgeous jacket. It must be a fascinating read, particularly in Martha’s Vineyard, where dawdling round the docks is always rewarding. My husband has a cherished “Black Dog” sweatshirt, and we (somewhere) have great pix of the swordfishing fleet at Menemsha.

  2. To this day I recall my disappointment when I rowed ashore in Vineyard Haven and landed on the beach of the Black Dog Tavern only to discover that Vineyard Haven was a dry town. The Black Dog Tavern sounded like the perfect sailor’s bar. Not a bad restaurant, nevertheless.

  3. What a beautiful book about a facinating subject. Can’t wait to hold one in my hands (and perhaps send as a gift to those who would cherish it.) Thanks for the heads up just before Father’s Day.

  4. I saw this schooner under construction when I visited the island some time ago (in the 1990’s). I talked to the co-owner of the shipyard, who when he found out I was a naval architect showed me some of the drawings. I’ve now forgotten who the designer was, whether it was one of the shipyard owners or someone else, but he was evidently influenced by the classic designs of Alden and both Herreshoffs. I understand the boat was under construction for a long time and eventually was bought by a different person than the one who had ordered it from the yard. I’m sure the ultimate owner was happy with the boat; it was evidently very well built with the kind of craftsmanship that won’t be seen again soon. I look forward to seeing the book.

    Rick: I had forgotten that the Black Dog Tavern did (does?) not serve liquor. I ate some superb meals there in the 90’s even though I often had to wait a substantial time to be seated. In 1997, Bill Clinton and Chelsea were seated 3 tables away from me there.

  5. It’s an amazing book. Masterly crafted through word and image, Schooner takes you on a singular voyage. I can’t recommend it enough.

  6. I am really looking forward to reading the book. Thanks for everyone’s comments.

    Steve, if I am not mistaken, most of the towns in Martha’s Vineyard were dry. Edgartown was a rare exception. A quick web search reveals that in April of 2007, twelve dry towns on the Vineyard relaxed the restriction. (Drinks must be consumed with a meal.)

    I understand that the Black Dog Tavern will be getting a liquor license within the next month.

  7. Pingback: Schooner, Building a Wooden Boat on Martha’s Vineyard – A Review : Old Salt Blog – a virtual port of call for all those who love the sea

  8. Pingback: Schooner, Building a Wooden Boat on Martha’s Vineyard – A Review : Old Salt Blog – a virtual port of call for all those who love the sea | moneytalksmagazine.com