Posts from — June 2009

The Spaulding Center has completed the framing portion of Freda’s restoration. Frames were cut from black locust hardwood, selected for its hardness, resistance to rot and longevity. The wood was not bent, but cut from stock chosen for its shape. See previous post Using Nature’s Design in Building Boats.

Freda is our 34′ gaff-rigged “pumpkinseed” sloop, built in Belvedere on San Francisco Bay in 1885. She is the oldest survivor of hundreds of similar boats that used to sail on San Francisco Bay, and, as far as we know, the oldest private sailboat on the West Coast.

The next step in restoring Freda to the Bay is to replank her hull. We’ve already begun, but we still need help financing the work. Won’t you please become a member of the Spaulding Center or consider making a donation to support these efforts? » Please take part «

With your help, Freda will once again fill her sails and thrill sailors, young and old, on San Francisco Bay.

The Spaulding Wooden Boat Center, with selected guests, will be making a presentation to the public on activities and programs to maintain and invigorate our local maritime heritage.

The event will be at the Cove House at San Francisco Yacht Club in Belvedere, California at 6pm on Wednesday, June 17. An optional, no-host dinner will follow the presentation in the main Club dining room at approximately 7:15pm. Reservations for dinner should be made with SFYC. See the invitation for details.

Download Invitation (PDF)

Questions should be directed to our office at (415) 332-3179.