Robin's Skiff project

So, here we are in the second week in May. Normally, we would be out on the water – taking groups of young people or adults sailing on PIONEER and learning about the environment, working together and establishing social contact. But as we all know, these are not ‘normal’ times and instead of standing on the gently moving deck of the 156 year old Class A smack, feeling the wind on your face and perhaps the odd splash of salt spray, we find ourselves indoors and locked down.

All of a sudden, there is a feeling of what am I going to do with myself over the next few weeks? As a boaty sort of person, if I can’t get out on the water, then at least I can prepare for the end of lockdown when I can get afloat! Some years ago, my wife bought me a kit of parts for a rowing skiff. The crate has remained in my garage, unopened, for about 8 years, waiting for the opportunity when I can devote some time to its construction. Lockdown has certainly given me that opportunity!

I haven’t had the benefit of a Boat Building apprenticeship at the Pioneer Trust, so I must admit my boat-building skills pale into insignificance when compared with the skills and projects undertaken by the Apprentices already covered in this Blog. But, the pre-cut plywood panels that are ‘stitched’ together with wire soon bring a few bits of wood into a pretty sleek-looking rowing wherry. The seams are glued together with epoxy and fibre-glass taped over both inside and out. This recognised ‘stitch and glue’ construction method makes for a stiff and strong monocoque hull with only three final frames epoxied in place to help maintain shape and strength.

Progress has been in fits and starts as there have been other things to get on with at home! As I write this, I still have the gunwhales to finish, the out-riggers to fit and sliding seat framework to build and fit. Then there is the not-so-small job of sanding and painting her, but I certainly hope to have the boat afloat and rowing in Brightlingsea Creek just as soon as possible.

Eleanor and Frazer's latest projects

My name is Eleanor and I am one of the apprentices at Pioneer Sailing Trust. It is coming up to the year mark for my time with Pioneer. Looking back over the past year I have learnt so much! Before Pioneer I had next to zero woodworking sills. My previous boat building experience lay in fibreglass so it was an exciting change to be faced with the challenges of new materials and techniques.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of such an incredible team. It is a shame that the lockdown has prevented us from continuing our work. However recently, to keep my skills in check, I have become the proud owner of two decrepit dinghies one of which I am looking to refurbish! Hopefully this will make my time away from Pioneer productive.












Hi my name is Frazer and I've been working as an apprentice at the Pioneer Sailing Trust for just over three years now. Before the pandemic I had been working alongside other apprentices in the construction of a new 24ft rowing gig.

We used iroko for the fit out and 2 pack varnish to finish

Our first finished gig named "Varuna"

Our new gig ready for her wooden fit out

Due to the pandemic and for the safety of the workers Pioneer had asked us to stay at home. This was unfortunate news for me as I really do enjoy the head scratch that is boat building! However there was nothing I could do about it so I began to think of how I can spend my time.  Luckily enough for me I have a small shed in which I pursue my hobby of blacksmithing.

The first week of my isolation I spent my  time tidying my shed up and finishing my long time goal of getting my fly press fit and ready for action.

Tom's boat projects so far ...

 Since there is no-one working at Harker’s Yard at the moment due to Covid-19, we will be taking a look at what’s going on in the farm yard where I live, in Great Bromley.

Skibladner.

Skibladner, is a 14-foot clinker dinghy built in 1889 in Norway as a lifeboat for a fishing trawler. I got given her by the previous owner after he ran out time and money to keep looking after her. When I got her she was in quite a sorry state and in the winter of 2013 at the age of 12, me and my dad made quite extensive repairs to her including: A new transom, new sheer planking, a new stem and quite a few frames. Since then she has come back to our farm every winter where we have done some more work to her such as replacing her keel, replacing more planking and more frames.

At the moment while in isolation I have been replacing yet more planks. I have replaced one full length plank and three short sections. I am hoping to get her sailing as soon as I can, once we allowed. It is especially exciting this year as I have had a brand new suit of sails had for her by Steve Hall in Tollesbury.

14-Foot Barges boat

This is a 14 clinker dinghy built by Cyril White in Brightlingsea around the 1960’s. She belongs to a friend of mine who asked me to repair everything that needed it. Since putting her into my workshop I have replaced her stem, forefoot, stern post, part of her transom and last week replaced her port side garboard. The plan is to replace at least another two planks, a new riser and new thwarts.

Lilian

Lilian is a 30-foot Thames sailing Bawley built in 1869. I brought her for £1 in 2015 when I was 14 years old. Since then I have removed her deck and deck beams, made and fitted some frames, floors and stantions. Recently I have cut out a beam shelf ready to steam into place and bought enough wood for all the full width deck beams.

The plan is to replace all of her deck structure and deck planking, all of her floor timbers, most of her frames and a complete new rig. I am planning to make all of her rigging myself including all of her wooden blocks.

Deva

Deva is a 23-foot Mawcome bay prawner build by Crossfied of Arnside in 1912. I brought her in May 2019 and took her home. Since then I have replaced her arch board, horn timber and started replacing some of her planking. Recently I have removed her stem and forefoot due to it being very Iron sick which happens when the iron fastenings react with the oak. While in isolation I have been making a new stem and forefoot ready to install into the boat soon. She will need a few more new planks and quite a few deck repairs before going sailing again.