Oh Slender as a willow wand! Oh clearer than clear water!
Oh reed by the living pool! Fair River-daughter!
- JRR Tolkien
Iain Oughtred and I with Goldberry at the Wooden Boat Show, Mystic Seaport Museum, June 26, 2010
Until 2004 I have always sailed in a variety of fiberglass boats. Some were fast, some were slow and friendly, but all were, well, plastic. I have always loved wooden boats, but they have always seemed too complicated, too expensive, or both. Two weeks at WoodenBoat School in the summer of 2004 changed all that. To be sure, a traditionally built boat with a complicated hull form can be a huge project, but there are many boats that are not so daunting. One of my instructors, Bill Thomas, introduced me to the designs of Scottish designer Iain Oughtred. Oughtred, inspired by the traditional fishing boats northern Scotland, designs seaworthy, fast, beautiful boats. I was smitten! On these pages I have documented the construction process, my experiences sailing Goldberry. I also have pages for boat photography, boat shows I have attended, and the beginnings of a new boat!
An invitation - if you are near or passing through Pittsburgh and want to see what I'm up to, please stop by. I'm always happy to talk with other wooden boat nuts.
For those interested in Iain Oughtred's designs - he does not have a web presence. He may be contacted by mail at:
Iain Oughtred, Boat Designer
Struan Cottage
Bernisdale
Isle of Skye IV51 9NS Scotland