R2AK - Race to Alaska: Who will win?
With the upcoming R2AK challenge, there has been a lot of speculation as to what types of boats will be entered, and potential speeds and finishing times. I’ve spent a bit of time contemplating these questions myself, and will share my thoughts on this blog. The race is open to all types of motor-less boats from SUPs to higher performance multi-hull boats. While all boats are welcome, it is obvious that the organizers have an emphasis on smaller and/or home built craft.
Rowing and Your Health
Currently the two main types of human-powered recreational craft in usage are canoes and sea kayaks. There is no reason, however, why rowing can’t be used for touring, and the sport offers several distinct advantages.
Racing to Alaska
Well, I've officially committed to the big race that everyone is talking about. The NW Maritime Center in Port Townsend is launching its inaugural race from Port Townsend to Ketchikan, Alaska. The rules are simple – no motor allowed, and there are two waypoints boaters have to pass through on their way north – Seymour Narrows and Bella Bella. And the winner gets $10,000.
Everything You Need to Know About Sculling Oars
There’s plenty of information outlining the benefits of a sliding seat rowing system for recreation, but there is very little information about the oars required. For newcomers to the sport, it can be confusing figuring out what is needed. We decided it was time to write a comprehensive page outlining everything you need to know about sculling oars.
Wooden Hollow Shaft Sculling Oar Plans Completed!
There have been a few delays, but we’ve finally completed our comprehensive manual and plans for building exquisite hollow-shaft sculling oars. The plans are full-sized, laser printed on a ten foot long sheet, and the illustrated manual is very comprehensive.
Wall Street Journal Gives "Olive Odyssey" Thumbs Up!
It was a little intimidating for us when we heard the Wall Street Journal was running a two-third page review in the weekend edition on Julie’s latest book, Olive Odyssey.
Hollow Shaft Wooden Sculling Oar Progress
For those who have been waiting for our hollow-shaft wooden sculling oar plans, we’re pleased to inform you we’re nearing completion. We’ve been simultaneously working on a build video, manual, plans and the final version of oars that we’ve developed.
Tents Vs Cabins in Rowboats
A few people have asked about the possibility of using a tent in an open rowboat such as the Oxford Wherry. The idea of using your boat for shelter as well as transportation can be appealing. This is a subject I am well versed in, having lived for months at a time in row boats with either tents or small cuddies for shelter, on voyages ranging from rowing the length of the Amazon River to rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.
Cruiser Plans Completed
We’ve completed plans for the cruiser, and are in the midst of finishing the manual. For those who can wait no longer, we will be offering Cruiser Plans for sale starting Dec 15th.
Come See us at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival
We'll be displaying the Oxford Wherry, the Expedition and another new boat in development at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. If you're interested in checking out our boats, or have any questions, come on by and say hello. I will also be doing a presentation talking about some of our adventures in wooden boats including rowing across the Atlantic Ocean and breaking the speed record around Vancouver Island.
Three Days of Rowing Gruel
We’ve just completed three days of rowing madness in the Cruiser Rowboat. “Cruiser” is a bit of a misnomer, as it felt more like three days of torture rather than relaxed gunkholing.
Carl Kramer gives Thumbs up for Cruiser Rowboat!
We are pleased to announce that Karl Kramer, publisher of Wooden Boat Magazine has chosen our Cruiser Rowboat as his boat of the week. In the words of Carl, "I love the concept".
