Posts from — May 2010

Freda is ready for her shutter plank

The Spaulding Wooden Boat Center in Sausalito has reached a milestone with the impending completion of the hull of the historic gaff sloop Freda, built on San Francisco Bay in 1885. She is the oldest active private sailboat on the west coast of the United States. A traditional “shutter plank,” also known as a “whiskey plank,” celebration will take place at the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center in Sausalito on Saturday, June 5 from 4pm to 6pm. Refreshments & appetizers will be served. E-mail info [at] spauldingcenter.org if you wish to attend.

A shutter or whiskey plank party is a time-honored custom among boat builders. According to tradition, a libation of whiskey is poured on the shutter plank before installation, hence the name whiskey plank. More information about Freda can be found at our main Web site and at www.sailfreda.org.

A free celestial navigation class at the Arques School of Traditional Boatbuilding starts May 19 and will be held on three consecutive Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Class will be led by Bob Darr, director of the Arques School, which resides at the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center in Sausalito. Bob will provide all materials but please bring a pencil and notebook. Register by e-mailing Bob at arqueschl [at] sbcglobal [dot] net.