'Dorothy Elizabeth' - Building a Traditional Wooden Schooner

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co., 2000

Having cruised the coast of Maine for forty summers in his 32 ft sloop, the author decides at the age of eighty - while he can still hoist the mainsail and pull up the anchor - to pass the sloop on to his son and build himself a traditional 28 ft wooden schooner. The story includes his reasons for building such a boat, the initial and continuing discussion with the designer, through the construction with his friends and family, to getting under way two years later. He obviously values the perpetuation of traditional skills which he describes in some detail and also the help and companionship of family and friends who are present throughout. This probably accounts for the warm manner in which the book is written. The excellent illustrations, uncluttered photographs and clear text make it easy to enjoy.

If you are a fan of wooden boats or seeking a bit more motivation to take one on, this is a book which will help to convince you that it can be very worthwhile. - NC

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