For the first time in decades, there are schooners 'abuilding on the famed waterfront at Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada. Dawson Moreland & Associates are building not just one, but two 48' wooden schooners in the best of Maritime traditions. These 'twins' will be built simultaneously, frame for frame, plank for plank, alongside the historic Lunenburg Dory Shop at 175 Bluenose Drive. Follow their progress from keel laying to launch!

An artist's interpretation of the Twin Schooner Project

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Deck discussions


There's been much discussion, and indeed global correspondence, about the deck arrangements for these twin schooners. You see, Capt. Moreland is currently on the other side of the world aboard the Picton Castle (ship and crew have just arrived at Reunion following a four-week crossing of the Indian Ocean). But as Dawson Moreland's president, this venture's head proponent and an ardent schooner lover, the captain has some rather passionate opinions on these matters. So does Dave, of course. And it's not like these opinions were so terribly divergent either. But these are important decisions that will determine the look and functionality of these vessels.
So a third hand was brought to the table. Or more accurately, he and his table were brought into the discussions.
Capt. Tom Gallant, skipper of the David Stevens' built Avenger, also harbours some pretty strong feelings for schooners. And it was at his table, in the kitchen of his snug little Stonehurst home, having filled their bellies with a smoked ham dinner (smoked ham is very good for creativity I am told!), that Tom and Dave sat down with the half model and a few blocks of wood and worked out the deck plan. This in turn was described and drawn out for the captain.
"Salty, sensible, strong and beautiful," wrote Capt. Tom. No dumb looking boxes and plenty of headroom for big 'uns like actor/adventurer Billy Campbell (future owner of one of these beauties) and Tom himself.
With minimal tweaking, these plans were approved by all. Then yesterday, Dave went to work with planks and C-clamps and made a bit of a visual mock-up of the aft cabin. "That's too high," he muttered at one point, before readjusting. But when he was done, all on hand (including Bluenose II Captain Phil Watson, who was passing by) agreed it looked exactly right.
Dave even pencilled some port holes down the starboard side. Kyle added some additional artwork later (see below).


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